KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th October 2016
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International News
Products Franke's Cristallo tap features a distinctive angular design
The Cristallo features upright paddle levers and the popular U-shaped spout. The spout sits flush with its striking cylindrical body to give it a distinctively angular, yet streamlined, design. Scona and KA 90: luxurious, seamless and contemporary
Methven retains exclusive CoolBrands status
Franke extends popular Kubus sink range with a new super-sized model
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Gas Safe Register is calling for private renters to be more gas safe as research reveals that 2.7million tenants are at risk from dangerous gas appliances. The campaign launched yesterday and is supported by Dominic Littlewood, (from TV shows Fake Britain and Cowboy Builders) and I believe that the KBB industry is not only in a great position to be able to support this initiative, but that it should be taking it one stage further. Data from 122,000 safety inspections spanning five years reveals that unsafe gas appliances were found in 21% of rented accommodation and that 37% of landlords are unaware of their responsibility for checking appliances. Further, 19% of tenants are unaware that their boiler should be safety checked annually; 11% of this group don’t think their boiler has been inspected this year. Despite landlords being responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances provided by them are safety checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer, 37% are unaware of their duty of care. In fact, 15% think gas appliance safety is the responsibility of their local council! Homeowners are also confused about where responsibility lies. Only 49% realise it’s their responsibility, while 14% view gas safety as being down to the gas provider. Of course it’s not just about gas safety; it’s important that our electrical appliances are checked too. On several occasions I’ve noticed people using vacuum cleaners and irons with leads that have clearly been sucked into and chewed up by the works or ironed over and damaged. These items are dangerous! I also often see a lead’s innards where the casing doesn’t quite meet the plug itself. This is dangerous too. And how many people are still using those 4-way adaptors, which can overload the system? We in the KBB industry are in the perfect position to help get the safety message across and I believe we have a responsibility to do so. We’re talking to people all the time who are thinking of buying new equipment and when doesn’t this involve either gas or electricity? Even bedroom refurbishment is likely to include new lighting… What’s to stop us mentioning the need to check all appliances that aren’t being replaced, when we’re discussing, selling, installing or delivering new items? We could even place a sticker on packaging or the new equipment itself, reminding buyers to have their old equipment safety checked. What do you reckon? Yours,
 This Week's News
Now officially the best of British: iKBBI The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers announced yesterday that it had been granted permission, by The Secretary of State, to change its name with immediate effect. The organisation is now to be known as The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation. The announcement comes as the Government-sanctioned organisation celebrates its 10th anniversary, which was marked by a Parliamentary event in July attended by a host of industry dignitaries. British Ceramic Tile represents manufacturing alongside Philip Hammond in The Parliamentary Review
Blum opens new state-of-the-art Experience Centre at its UK HQ in Milton Keynes
"It's a state-of-the-art facility, where our partners can experience not only Blum's products but also its services, its people, its heritage and culture." (Please note: All visitors must have an appointment - call 0800 917 5550 to book). Electrolux recognised as world leader for action on climate change, sets new renewable energy target Electrolux has been identified by CDP - the international not-for-profit organisation that drives sustainable economies - as a global leader in responding to climate change. Electrolux said yesterday that it is amongst an exclusive group of companies worldwide that have been awarded a position on the CDP's Climate A List for 2016. The company also unveiled a new target to grow the share of renewable energy used in its operations to 50%. "Improving our climate impact is a core part of Electrolux sustainability framework 'For the Better', and CDP's assessment is one of the most important external references showing we are at the forefront of the industry," said Henrik Sundström, head of sustainability affairs at Electrolux. Reed Harris opens the doors to stunning new studio
Featuring an abundance of natural light, which shows off the carefully selected range of stone, porcelain, ceramic and mosaic tiles on display to great effect, the new studio is a must-visit destination for professionals. Introducing the Esteem monobloc kitchen tap
One of the latest products to be launched is the contemporary styled Esteem monobloc. Targeted inspections coming to a street near you
Inspectors will be out and about ensuring high-risk activities, particularly those affecting the health of workers, are being properly managed. Neolith Polished - a real winner!
Introduced in 2014, Neolith Polished finish, featuring in the Neolith Classtone collection, stands out for its high degree of gloss and a perfectly linear reflection that mirrors the way precious marbles and stones look naturally. The finish adds depth, realism and sophistication to any given design. Ripples heads to Switzerland with Laufen
Laufen's Jamie Welch (regional sales manager) and Richard Court (national training manager) led the group. Those attending from Ripples included managing director Paul Crow, sales manager Nicola Crow and marketing manager Grazziella Pinto, plus five of the top performing sales designers at Ripples. Consumers upgrading from laminate to Quartz increases Max-Top sales
Stephen Moss, managing director of Max-Top, comments: "Previously consumers perceived quartz as being a luxury kitchen surface, perhaps out of their price range, whereas they are now becoming aware that they can greatly increase the grandeur of their kitchen for a relatively small cost implication. New and improved spec for Prima Brand
InSinkErator appoints new marketing manager, Europe and Russia
With international marketing experience, Denise brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise in brand strategy and development, gained through various roles at well-known companies, such as Scandinavian Tobacco Group and Nike Europe. Rearo promotes internally for new domestic sales team
Kevin has worked at Rearo for 11 years in the sales team, and was involved in the company's recent restructuring. His previous role was UK branch sales manager, overseeing the regional performance of Rearo's seven showrooms. Charity Sporting Dinner at Birmingham City with Mereway West Midlands based kitchen, bathroom & bedroom manufacturer, Mereway, is hosting a Sportsman's Dinner as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, with the aim of raising funds for four charities: Acorns, The Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, Help for Heroes and Helping Harry Help Others. The company is offering tickets for a significant game at Birmingham City FC that will include tickets to the game, dinner and a charity auction. The Birmingham City game is against Ipswich Town and takes place on 13th December at St. Andrews Stadium, Birmingham. Wilsonart UK team smashes £6000 target for Macmillan Cancer
The well-known Way of The Roses 170 mile bike ride started at Morecombe in the West and finished at Bridlington in the East and is the main event in a year-long charity fundraising campaign for Macmillan by the company. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Self-build consumer confidence high at London Homebuilding & Renovating Show The capital city's largest self-build event, The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, (23-25 September, ExCeL, London) experienced a 11% year-on-year increase in visitors and those questioned stated that they were prepared to spend up to £123,000 on their property plans despite the prediction that Brexit would cause uncertainty and slow down the market - a 2% increase in spend from 2015.  KBSA "proud to report another successful AGM and National Conference"
KBSA Designer Awards Winners - a rundown
Winner of the Kitchen Designer of the Year (Under £30K), sponsored by Omega, was Aileen Thomson of Kitchens International, with her 'blend of modern and traditional' kitchen. People
Abode continues investment in training
Alno UK appoints a new south east area sales manager
Marketing
Virtual worlds advises on how to leverage the bathroom boom
Literature
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