KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd September 2016
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International News
Products Small kitchen? No problem with the new Elon 45 S sink
This model has a compact single bowl with a maximum bowl size for a 45cm cabinet and a bowl depth of 190mm. The innovative 205mm x 436mm stainless steel drainer grid, which fits with the unusual curved design of the sink drainer, provides extra space, making this a truly multi-functional kitchen. 'Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the fairest of them all?'
Back in black and white: the amazing Arc from MHS Radiators
Utopia introduces luxurious freestanding bath
Dream Doors launches new door styles and colours for 2016
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I’ve received several press releases this week regarding research into various parts of the KBB and housebuilding sectors, one of which (and an encouraging one at that) is covered in full, in this week’s news. Another, from the Federation of Master Builders, is saying that two thirds of ‘small/medium enterprise’ house builders are struggling to find land for development and that half of them see the planning system (which does not appear to be geared up towards those wanting to build on small sites) and difficulties accessing finance, as other serious challenges. Some 40% believe the construction skills crisis is now presenting a major impediment to building more homes. When are we going to find a way out of that one, I wonder, and enable young people who are good with their hands to leave school and take up a trade, learn from (and alongside) the best and earn a decent salary whilst doing so? Another survey is strongly blaming the Brexit vote for people’s apparent inability to find reputable tradespeople, with many householders being told that they’re going to have to wait three weeks for the tradesperson to begin work. Bearing in mind that we’re coming out of the Summer holidays and that not one member of the famed Eastern European builders’ workforce has yet been forced to leave these shores, I have to say that I do find that one a little far-fetched! I’ve sometimes had to wait six weeks for good tradespeople and this was long before we were granted the courtesy of a referendum – and to be honest I’d worry if someone was able to start work a day or so after I called… I expect the best tradespeople to be booked up for a while, since they’re in demand, because of their good reputation. I do wonder whether the inability to have someone start work immediately has anything to do with the news from AMA Research that there was a 4% growth in the UK home improvement multiples market in 2015, which was worth around £7.2bn in value terms in 2015, following an increase of around 4% that year… Perhaps DIY is considered by some to be the way forward, although having seen some of the disasters that have befallen those who’ve attempted to fit their own kitchens and bathrooms, this is one area of DIY that I’d suggest is best left to the experts! Yours,
 This Week's News
New housebuilding in 2015 sees 12% increase in kitchen and bathroom products market
Kitchen appliances accounted for the largest sector of kitchen and bathroom products in the housebuilders market with 40% share by value. Other key product sectors reviewed in AMA Research's report include kitchen furniture, worktops, sinks and tapware, bathroom products and shower products. LDL extends Leyton lighting range
Designed to light cabinet interiors, the Roma LED sensor light is powered by a rechargeable Li-lon battery which has a 3-hour charge time. With no wiring required and easy to fix to the inside of the unit with a simple screw-on bracket, the Roma light is particularly suitable for retro-fit situations. When the door is closed, the PIR sensor turns the light off. Blanco brings stainless steel to another level
Blanco Durinox is the ultimate innovation in stainless steel. Extremely hard and highly resistant to scratches, Durinox stainless steel surfaces are given these special characteristics via a new finishing process that originates from the aerospace industry. Blue light shines on floor to signal end of wash on new integrated dishwasher
The ZIM688E dishwasher achieves an A+++ for energy efficiency, provides light inside and there are choices for flexible Zone washing. Adjustable basket space and a MaxiSpace3 (three positions) cutlery tray and upper rack mug shelves provide a host of loading options. Steel introduces Plasma technology to its range of cooker hoods
Plasma cooker hoods therefore offer customers an eco-friendly and efficient way of managing the kitchen's air stream. Ideal Standard factory at Armitage stars in new BBC children's programme about toilets
The new show called 'Do You Know?' is on BBC's CBeebies channel and features a behind-the-scenes look at how a toilet is made at what is the UK's only major remaining bathroom sanitaryware manufacturing plant, which is located on Old Road in the village of Armitage near Rugeley in Staffordshire. Smiths Briten reaches new highs with latest shower enclosures
And with a new height of almost two metres, the latest range from the Pure Bathroom Collection offers customers an all-encapsulating shower experience. Baths by Clay produces some fab Hi-Macs basins
It's also a room that needs to revive and energise as we begin each new day and in order to meet the demands of everyday family living, the design must be durable, hardwearing, practical and, above all else, aesthetically pleasing. Zanussi celebrates centenary year
"Zanussi is a brand that represents the zeitgeist of many generations," says Vanessa Holloway, senior consumer marketing manager at Zanussi. "Everyone can remember a Zanussi appliance in the backdrop at one time in their life... From a hand-made, wood-burning oven produced in a corner of Italy to more than six million units sold each year; Zanussi is a company that has earned consumer trust through its cutting-edge design, innovation and outstanding quality over the last 100 years." British Ceramic Tile announces new area sales manager
Formerly store manager at Topps Tiles, David comes to the business with extensive industry and product knowledge. "British Ceramic Tile is an evolving business and has a strategic plan for the future within the independent market, which I'm very much looking forward to being part of," he says. Another successful tee off for Abacus's annual golf day
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clicking the link above. Recent News
R&D tax relief claims by construction firms rise by a quarter
 UK tradespeople quoting for more work than 12 months ago
Whirlpool announces first ever 'National Quiet Day'
BMA urges conformance and competence
Apart from price, which is always top of the list, there should be two main priorities for anyone investing in a new bathroom. The first is that the product should be of excellent quality and should conform with all the relevant standards and regulations. The second is that it should be installed correctly, safely and efficiently, by qualified and competent installers. People
IDS expands its senior team with a new regional sales manager north
Burbidge finds the perfect fit as it opens its doors to new Simply Burbidge range
Uform welcomes new sales representative in East Midlands & South Yorkshire
Further key management appointments at TKC
Ellis expanding every which way!
Marketing
Abode and Barwick form new partnership
Swan celebrates success at IFA 2016
Franke launches completely revamped, responsive consumer website
Literature
Exciting new 2016 kitchen sink & tap brochure from Abode
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