Double Trouble: the rise of the 'sexy bathroom'

- His-and-Hers bathrooms on the rise as busy couples say the bathroom is the number one sanctuary where they can spend time together
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Franke's new Nyon tap is a modern classic

The modern classic styling of the new Nyon monobloc tap from Franke's Specialist Range, makes it a design-versatile tap for both traditional and contemporary kitchens, while its solid stainless steel manufacture assures a robust tap that's built to last.
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Blanco conjures up an innovative material mix with the new Subline 500-IF SteelFrame sink

The new Blanco Subline 500-IF SteelFrame sink showcases an innovative material mix of stainless steel and Silgranit. The sink is made from Silgranit PuraDur, an invincible material, while the extra-flat, modern stainless steel frame is what makes this sink set-up truly different.
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New Carron Phoenix Elena tap offers distinctive design at a competitive price

The clean lines of the square base on the new Elena from Carron Phoenix, combined with its elegantly curved ribbon spout, offer a distinctively-designed tap to suit any modern or contemporary kitchen. As well as being competitively priced, it comes with the assurance of a five year guarantee.

The monobloc Elena in chrome is available now. It features a swivel spout which rotates through 360 degrees and the design of the square base is complemented by a single joystick-style square side lever. It has an overall height of 375mm and a spout reach of 230mm.
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Abode Matrix R50 Xl: fit for the heart of the home

No more a simple piece of utilitarian or functional design, Abode kitchen sinks are innovatively created by the manufacturer's talented in-house designers. Every piece is produced to withstand everyday usage in the kitchen which is, in effect, the heart of the home.
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Now this is what you really call 'Multi-tasking!'

To simplify the tedious task of doing laundry and help families save time, Haier has launched the revolutionary washing machine, the Haier Duo, in the UK this Summer. A one-of-a kind innovation, Haier's latest laundry appliance features not one, but two drums, allowing up to two wash cycles to run simultaneously, according to the user's needs.
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Stanza makes a poetic addition to the Britannia family

Premium kitchen appliance specialist Britannia Living has launched a brand new range cooker collection - adding the Stanza to its suite of products.

The professionally-styled 90 and 100cm twin cavity, dual fuel appliances are available in stainless steel or gloss black.
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Thirty6 - new thinking for the smallest room

Despite the typical British bathroom being only six feet square or smaller, today's bathroom remains one of the most considered spaces in home design. With new homes including two or more bathroom spaces as standard - most of which are small in dimension - builders and plumbers are actively seeking products that make the best use of available space for the homeowner.
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Mix & match with the handless Arcos collection from Schmidt in a range of on-trend colours

Keeping it simple is the key to a calm, clutter-free kitchen. That's why the Arcos range of fitted furniture from Schmidt is perfect for a sleek, contemporary look that combines clean lines with practical elements and functional pieces ideal for modern living.
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Showerwall updates its range with distinctive new decors

The June relaunch of Showerwall sees it get a major design update with seven new decors added to the standard range, together with the introduction of a new designer-led Infinity Collection.
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KBSA announces finalists in designer awards

Following a meeting of the judges for the 2016 KBSA Designer Awards, whereby all entries are judged anonymously, the finalists have been named for all categories as follows:

Kitchen Designer of the Year under £30,000 - sponsored by Omega:
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Utopia prepares for major product launch

Utopia Bathrooms has invested over £250,000 in a sophisticated new automated through-feed painting line at its Wolverhampton manufacturing facility and headquarters. By offering an additional painted furniture finish alongside pressed and laminated options, the company is poised to take full advantage of lucrative opportunities in the bathroom furniture market.
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Burbidge chairman receives CBE

It was certainly time for celebrations at kitchen manufacturer, Burbidge this month as chairman, David Burbidge received a CBE for his services to cultural philanthropy in the West Midlands.

David, who is currently an OBE, has received the title on account of his unrelenting commitment to the region, particularly in Coventry where he continues to lead the bid for the city to become the UK City of Culture 2021.
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Whirlpool repositions as a premium brand

Whirlpool UK Appliances has announced a repositioning of the Whirlpool brand with a dramatic relaunch of its new premium range of appliances at a venue in London's Design Quarter in Clerkenwell Green.

Since the acquisition of the Indesit Company Spa, Whirlpool UK Appliances has repositioned the Whirlpool brand in the premium market sector, to ensure the group's portfolio is well-positioned, with a range of exciting brands to reflect the variety of market sectors providing choice for both the retailer and consumer.
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New president and vice presidents take BMA helm

A huge turnout marked the recent AGM of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. The record 85 members, associates, press people and guest speakers attended the event which was held for the first time at the Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire.

In the formal proceedings, members elected Paul Massey, Group CEO of AKW and DLP Group as the new president of the Association where he will remain in post for two years.
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Weston Homes & RAK partner to create stunning bathroom concept

Weston Homes has partnered with RAK Ceramics to create a new stunning bathroom concept that features throughout its Southpoint project. Located in Southend-on-Sea, the new high-spec development includes 97 one and two bedroom apartments.
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A breath of fresh air: the new Eton kitchen from Benchmarx

Fresh for spring 2016, Eton is a new addition to national, trade-only supplier, Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery's portfolio.

Modern styling with clean lines makes Eton a bright and breezy choice for any home. Offering a versatile and on trend light grey high gloss finish, this kitchen range looks smart and complements many different looks as well as the demands of busy family life.
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GDHA introduces Flex+ induction hobs

Popular UK cooking appliance manufacturer, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA), has launched its first flexible induction hobs across its three cooking brands - Stoves, Belling and New World - including one of the most powerful induction hobs on the market.

Aimed at introducing flexible induction to consumers at all price points and to suit all cooking styles and life stages, the new products offer clear trade-up opportunities for retailers between the New World, Belling and Stoves brands.
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Ideal Standard appoints Jim Moore as managing director UK & Ireland

Ideal Standard has announced the appointment of Jim Moore as managing director UK & Ireland. Jim will oversee the Group's activities in UK & Ireland and assume responsibility for the business development across the Group's Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard and Sottini brands. The appointment will be effective from 1st August 2016.

Jim (pictured) is an accomplished senior professional with significant international experience in the construction sector. He served over the last 12 years in senior management positions of the Vaillant Group.
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Saniflo UK now on a TV near you

Saniflo is kicking off its Summer TV campaign this week with a comprehensive schedule covering all regions of the UK throughout the whole of July.

The 30-second advert, which highlights the ease of adding facilities with a Saniflo, will air nearly 3,500 times across multiple channels including ITV 3, Sky, Dave, MTV and a host of specialist channels and covers programming such as news, sport, movies, music, home interest, food, drama, documentaries and general entertainment.
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iKBBI confirms Parliamentary line-up

The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installers commemorates its 10th anniversary this year and is focusing its landmark on a reception event at The House of Commons on Tuesday 19th July.

Guest speakers at the prestigious and landmark event include Dean Weston, chief operating officer at Bathstore, Mandy Garnham, commercial training executive at Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSi) and Ben Burbidge, Master of The Furniture Makers' Company - the furnishing industry's charity.
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KBSA designer awards - entries judged anonymously

The Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association reports that judging is now underway for the KBSA 2016 Designer Awards, and that the shortlisted applicants will soon hear whether they have been successful in making it through to the next stage.

The Judges, as always, will be judging each entry without knowing which entrant has submitted it, which is one of the unique features about this Awards programme. It is only when the winners and runners up are announced on the evening of the Awards dinner that judges are able to put designs to designers!
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RAK Ceramics wins Best Sanitaryware Brand at the BKU Awards

RAK Ceramics PJSC, one of the world's largest hi-tech manufacturers of lifestyle ceramics solutions, was voted 'Best Sanitaryware Brand' at the BKU Awards 2016. "It is an honour to receive the award for 'Best Sanitaryware Brand' at the BKU Awards 2016," says Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO at RAK Ceramics.
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Whirlpool reveals all change in the UK's busy kitchens

A new qualitative research project, conducted by Whirlpool, carried out to mark the launch of its new SmartCook induction hob, has learnt that cooking trends in the UK are evolving to accommodate new experiences, such as a wider range of gastronomic choices and healthier eating trends, but with convenience and ease of preparation considered increasingly important.
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BMA finalises conference line up for conference looking at the Circular Economy

The old-school manufacturing model of Take... Make... Waste is on its way out. Today the approach is changing to Take... Make... Take... No waste. Yes - the principle of the Circular Economy is on the way in and is set to be a huge change for industry, revolutionising the way we firstly produce goods and then, at the end of their lives, dispose of them.
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CDM15 one year on

By Louise Hosking MCIEH CMIOSH IMaPS AIEMA SIIRSM, Chartered Safety & Health Practitioner and Director at Hosking Associates Ltd
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Working together - the KBSA and the KBB NTG

Following the dissolution of the Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom National Training Group Member Council, the KBB NTG and the The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association have announced that are working together to ensure the ongoing training support of the kitchen industry during this period of change.

"We are working towards safeguarding the excellent work and achievements carried out by Renee Mascari and the NTG," said Tina Riley, KBSA national chair.
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Kitchen market boost from 'cooking culture' in 2016

A new report from MTW Research on the UK kitchen products market suggests kitchen sales will surpass £3 billion for the first time in 2017, with the market strengthening in 2016 as consumer confidence and the housing market remains buoyant.
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The KBSA's national chair, Tina Riley, writes...

Following the recent board meeting, I am pleased to advise that the KBSA future strategy project is progressing well and we will continue to drive this forward with the assistance of Uwe Hanneck who will continue to work as a consultant to The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association.
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Ripples founder wins lifetime achievement award

Ripples founder and chief executive Roger Kyme has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement award at the BKU awards.
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PJH appoints new CEO

Bathrooms, kitchens and appliances supplier PJH has announced that Andrew Yates, present CEO of PJH has been appointed CEO of parent company Globe Union Industrial Corporation - succeeding Scott Ouyoung, who will take up the role of Chairman.
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Geberit AquaClean goes on tour for the first time

Leading the way in introducing the very latest shower toilet technology to consumers and raising awareness of the many benefits of cleaning with water among a growing audience, Geberit is taking to the road this Summer on the Geberit AquaClean 'My First Time' tour.
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British Ceramic Tile's Retailer Club gets off to a flying start

British Ceramic Tile's recently launched Retailer Club has got off to a flying start, with over 590 premium retailers already signed up to the reward and loyalty scheme.
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