KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
13th January 2017
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International News
Products New research shines a light on what really works in performance management
AKW promotes independent living on Care England and ITN's 'Caring Communities'
Bespoke Laufen for prefabricated construction
Belling enters new market with Sensicare Collection: family favourite launches into laundry market
The new collection - which includes four washing machines, a washer-dryer, two tumble dryers and a 15-place setting dishwasher - means Belling now provides a complete range of home appliances. British Ceramic Tile's 2017 design trend predictions...
Outstanding reaction to Utopia's Roseberry Collection
Gorenje reveals six new stylish extraction hoods
Built-in innovation from New World: Design Suites Collection to shake up market
The New Range Generation: GDHA releases report on Range sector
Kaldewei extends its Meisterstücke Collection
Whirlpool washing machine proclaimed a Which? Best Buy
Assessing the washing machine, Which? noted that it is 'dead easy' to use; the testers also loved the 'large and clear digital display' and the wide door opening, which enables easier loading and unloading of large items, such as a duvet, and particularly commended the way in which the FSCR 10432 'kept washing and spinning noises to a minimum'. Utopia upgrades and expands Halo range
With immediate effect all washbasin units and occasional units will have LED under unit mood lighting fitted as standard. This accent lighting offers subtle illumination below the unit, perfect for creating an atmosphere of subdued lighting or for use as low level lighting at night-time. Tutti frutti! Everhot launches tangerine range cooker
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Waterwise and Ideal Standard commissioned a water usage report at the end of last year, the results of which, reveal that more of us are actively using less water - up to 88% of respondents in 2016 compared to 70% in 2015. Some of this was down to a major increase in the use of water-efficient appliances, such as taps, showers and washing machines, as we either try to keep a lid on our bills or simply don't like wasting water - or a mixture of both. The news that 37% of those surveyed don't know how much water they use each day, suggests that those with a water meter, who can see how much water they are using and how, are more likely to be water savvy than those paying a fixed tariff. An encouraging 82% of those with a meter take steps to reduce water usage and thus save money, compared to just 30% of those with a set bill. You can read the full report below, but in the meantime, here are some water-saving facts, of which we should all be aware and which we should share with customers who are buying anything that requires water... * A running tap wastes over 6 litres/min * A dual flush toilet can save 7-9 litres each short flush * Don't try and flush cotton balls, wipes or make up tissues. As well as wasting water, you're likely to block your drains * Be aware that although a bath typically uses 80 litres, a power-shower may actually use more, so a shower is not always the better option. An inch less depth can save five litres while a shower timer can save loads more * Low flow aerated showerheads reduce water usage but not the shower's power (or a tap's) * If a dishwasher isn't going to be fully loaded every time, then it's probably too big for the household's needs * Experiment with different settings on the dishwasher and washing machine, for perfect results using minimal water and energy * Soak vegetables in a bowl and use a lid while cooking - and remember not to overfill that kettle! * Save around 10 litres a day by refrigerating drinking water rather than running the tap until it runs cold The survey shows we're making headway, but there's still a lot more we can do and I can't help but think that a water meter clearly focuses the mind! Yours,
 This Week's News
Consumer expectations have significantly risen over recent years, and many independent retailers have been left behind. So much so that in some quarters of the national media there is a debate about whether the independent retailer is still relevant. KBSA reveals new website and brand refresh
"It is key to us that we deliver increased leads for its members, more consumer awareness of the KBSA and a bigger KBSA family that can pick up the leads in areas where there are few or no members," explains Optima managing director Simon Shaw. "We need to make everything work as hard as possible, everything needs to be right so the brand refresh was really important."
Tapping into the trend for the 'fifth wall', the House of British Ceramic Tile has introduced three new ranges to its Feature Floors collection - Henry, Alfred and Distinction. Launched to provide retailers and consumers with something different, these latest ceramic tiles offer an inspiring range of designs from opulent marble effects through to traditional geometric patterns. Six-in-10 SME invoices unpaid within debtor period According to a new report commissioned by Amicus Commercial Finance, well over half (61%) of invoices issued by UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) remain unpaid within the debtor day period. Of these, almost three-quarters (70%) of firms say they rely on getting paid during their debtor day period to avoid facing a shortage of working capital. The research shows that one in six (16%) SME invoices remains unpaid after 90 days and of these, almost half (7%) have yet to be settled after six months. Utopia flies the flag for UK distribution
Number of UK consumers reducing water usage to save money rises by almost a fifth in one year
The survey undertaken at the end of the year found that there has been an 18% increase in the number of British adults actively taking action when it comes to addressing water saving, up to 88% of respondents in 2016 compared to 70% in 2015. Blomberg slimline dishwasher awarded Which? Best Buy
Creative and considered storage with PWS's YouBoXx
Considered and creative, YouBoXx is incredibly versatile enabling consumers to customise their storage to ensure maximum usable space and effortless ease of access. The system is available to suit both base units and larders, so brings benefits across multiple configurations of cabinets. Raise the Bar with new Cluster and Bohemia Contemporary towel warmers by Aestus
Offering a desirable double-dose of contemporary heating design, Aestus introduces the Cluster and Bohemia towel warmers, both featured as part of its highly versatile Contemporary Collection of towel warmers. Geberit teams with the Sleep Geek in campaign to uncover secrets to a good night's rest
Central to the campaign was a radio broadcast with independent sleep practitioner, educator and environment analyst James Wilson, aka the Sleep Geek. During the radio interviews, which aired on 33 stations around the country to more than four million listeners, the Sleep Geek used results of a Geberit survey into people's sleeping habits to offer tips on reducing night time disturbance. Wilsonart UK celebrate 60 years with a terrific £6,592 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support
Activities throughout the year included a 170-mile bike ride undertaken by Wilsonart UK employees and customers from IDS and Benchmarx. Cake sales and bake days throughout the year also helped smash the amazing total. Amica moves sales, marketing and service to Nottinghamshire
David Vincent remains as national account manager and is joined by Steve Stroud, formerly of Samsung and then Viking Appliances, as the national account manager for distribution. Amica and CDA marketing will be headed by Steve Corbett. 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
Not so grim up North as growth continues at NESP
Euronics postpones Showcase 2017 but will invest £multi-million to support growth
Cashflow problems undermine four in 10 small UK firms Four-in-10 (38%) small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have suffered cashflow problems over the past two years, according to new research by Amicus Commercial Finance, the specialist lender of flexible working capital to SMEs. The figure rises to two-thirds (65%) among medium-sized firms with between 50 and 250 staff. Karonia freezes Mistral prices
People
Croydex continues drive for growth with two new commercial appointments
Literature
Baumatic launches new 2017 matte ovens brochure: Matte Perfection for the Kitchen
IDS launches new 72-page Solutions Guide for decorative surfaces
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