KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th February 2017
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 International News
Products LDL presents new Furnipart handle finishes for 2017
Already available in Inox Look, Edge Straight is a stylish aluminium handle, 41mm wide, and is now available in four new finishes - Brushed Rose Gold, Brushed Anthracite, Antique Bronze and Brushed Brass. The perfect complement for the current trend for vintage or industrial looks, the new handles carry a lifetime guarantee along with all Furnipart handles. Abacus Bathrooms - innovations for 2017 by expert in advanced bathroom and wetroom design and build
The Elements brand, manufactured by Abacus in the UK, offers what is arguably the most comprehensive range of wetroom and waterproofing products currently available. Freestanding bathroom furniture from Mereway offers best of both worlds
Mereway Bathrooms has launched a new range of freestanding bathroom furniture that is traditional in style with a contemporary twist. Knightsbridge is a design-led collection that taps into the trend for painted furniture in the bathroom and offers an affordable alternative to bespoke hand painted furniture. 'Le Baou': A contemporary island in Hi-Macs inspired by the jagged lines of a rock
New Calla sink from Carron Phoenix offers durability of granite at entry-level prices
Liebherr's new 390 litre BluPerformance fridge 'takes it to the max'
Bauhaus beats bathroom blues when it's bitterly cold
Blending both contemporary and traditional radiator designs with the latest in thermal bathroom technology, the exclusive range is guaranteed to add a stunning design feature to any bathroom, en-suite or cloakroom whilst offering the ultimate in premium functionality. Gorenje brings the sunshine with new retro fridge
Boasting the highest achievable energy-efficiency rating (A+++), the fridge has a gross capacity of 260 litres and includes IonAir and DynamiCooling food preservation technology. Kitchen and bathroom inspiration on show in Bury St Edmunds
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Wednesday's Office for National Statistics announcement that UK employment reached 74.6% in the last quarter of 2016 - the highest rate since such records began in 1971, while unemployment remained at its record low since 2005 on 4.8%, compared with 5.1% for the same period the previous year - has caused quite a stir. Of particular interest to various players in the KBB industry was the announcement that the number of EU nationals employed in the UK had risen by 190,000 in the final quarter compared with the same period the previous year, but, comparing the final quarter of 2016 with the preceding quarter, there were 19,000 fewer EU nationals employed - the first three-month fall in since Q3 2014. While David Freeman, ONS senior statistician, warns that the fall in the number of workers born in other EU countries should be treated with caution as the figures have not been seasonally adjusted, the latest Labour Market Outlook from the CIPD and Adecco says that labour and skills shortages are starting to bite in UK sectors that employ a high number of EU nationals - such as general building and the more specialised allied trades, as well as retail. It suggests that, despite a near record number of vacancies (748,000 according to ONS data), UK employers are struggling to fill roles with the right candidates and that low-skilled sectors which typically employ a large number of non-UK nationals from the EU are facing particular recruitment challenges. The CIPD says employers need to review their approach to workforce development and training and improve the attractiveness of their jobs through better line management and job design, developing closer links with local educational institutions and improving pay and employment conditions where possible. Interestingly, the Outlook also asked employers that employ EU nationals how they would respond to potential migration restrictions. A quarter (26%) said they would 'pay the difference' and absorb the extra cost of recruiting EU nationals, whilst others said they would seek to retain older workers (19%), invest more in training and up-skilling (17%) and recruit more apprentices (17%). Good news then for the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, which has been working with the Government on the development of a new Trailblazer Apprenticeship for Fitted Interiors! Its success, about which you can read more below, means that in one part of our industry at least, it's likely to be, 'business as usual'. Yours,
 This Week's News
Soapbox: New report confirms BMA's worst fears The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's chief executive Yvonne Orgill, warns that some bathroom products may not be fit for purpose, as their manufacturers are being allowed to get away with flouting European Regulation ... "A recent report by the European Commission has confirmed what the Bathroom Manufacturers Association has believed for some time. The strict Regulations concerning 'fitness for purpose', and by implication the safety of bathroom products, are being habitually flouted by unscrupulous manufacturers and importers. And very little is being done to stop them. Utopia adds to popular Symmetry range
North/South divide threatens to wreck Government's smart meter target An emerging North/South divide could derail the Government's plan to install smart meters in 50 million homes by the end of the decade, new research suggests.
Older workers are not only wiser - they're more productive A survey that compares the working habits of different age groups among 3,000 office workers across Europe has thrown up some unexpected findings. Among them it suggests that with age not only comes wisdom, but also greater resilience to extra demands and higher levels of productivity than their younger co-workers. The Wrike Digital Work Report, an independent survey of workers in the UK, France and Germany, included respondents from five different age brackets, ranging from 18 to 24-year-olds, to Millennials (25-34) through to those aged 55 and over. Shower in style with Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection
Cosentino opens new centre in Scotland
Cosentino Scotland joins five other Cosentino Centres in the UK, currently based in Hook, Manchester, Gloucester, Darlington and East London. Screwfix celebrates opening 500th store
Since opening its first store in Yeovil in 2005, Screwfix has grown significantly and has opened one store per week for the past six years meaning 90% of the UK population is within a 20-minute drive time of a store. Baumatic launches new 'gift with purchase' promotion
BSH announces the appointment of sales director, Kitchen Independent
Tristan has a wealth of experience within the industry, and several years of success with BSH in his capacity as the regional business manager in London & South of England. He rejoined BSH in 2012, after previously working for the company as an area business manager between 2005 and 2010. Schmidt has started the New Year with a name change and new web address. The company is now known as Schmidt Groupe UK. 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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Date announced for KBSA AGM & National Meeting 2017
 £2.8 million fine for furniture parts cartel Two firms that make furniture parts have agreed to pay fines totalling £2.8 million for illegal cartel activity, after a Competition and Markets Authority investigation. Age UK Trading CIC & BiKBBI announce strategic partnership
Literature
Lustrolite - the easy way to create beautiful kitchen splashbacks and shower walls
New Smeg brochures separate different collections
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