KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
19th May 2017
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 International News
Products
'Catch a Wave' with new Surf contemporary radiator by Aestus
Bertazzoni to cook up a storm in the UK
Abode's new Pronteau 3 in 1 steaming hot water tap come in two designs and five finishes
As with all new products from Abode, the technical and design side is hard to beat. The new mixertaps offer all the benefits of a standard kitchen mixer but with the addition of steaming hot filtered water available instantly at 98 degrees C. Exotic meets Tranquil with Blanco's new nutmeg shade
Nutmeg, the new CombiColours' hue, is a true feast for the eyes. Now available: 'Affordable Luxury' from Xey UK
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It's funny, isn't it? We work in the KBB industry but unless we're involved in a makeover or are removing an old appliance/ripping out an unwanted bathroom or kitchen, we always picture everything as being in perfect condition. Our industry spends a fortune on designing new appliances, fixtures, fittings and furniture, before spending a further fortune promoting and then selling them, yet rarely, I should imagine, do we wonder how these wonderful new things will look several months down the line when they'll have been knocked about a bit - or if it's an item that's in contact with water, covered in limescale. Do you ever imagine these products when they're not in 'as new' condition? Do you advise customers on how to properly care for their new purchases, and talk to them about cleaning and the best methods and products to use... and what to avoid? Apparently, we Brits aren't cleaning our bathrooms as often, or as thoroughly as we should; making ourselves vulnerable to some nasty bugs... Recent research by Showerstoyou.co.uk of 1,200 UK residents, found that while we spend six months of our lives using the bathroom and a further four and a half months cleaning it, we're not cleaning it that well. "We've seen some awful bathrooms," reveals Showerstoyou.co.uk's, Martin Smith. "Mould on the walls, floors and shower curtain, as well as on shower heads which have never been properly cleaned... people underestimate how much cleaning the bathroom requires. They do the toilet, floor, bath tub and basin but forget all the other bits and pieces which collect dirt and where bacteria can thrive." Tests have shown that the average bathroom contains 764 bacteria/square inch and that 27% of tap handles have Caliform - a potentially harmful bacteria. Shower heads can host 29 varieties of microbes. The fact that these areas are moist and warm means they offer the perfect place for bacteria to thrive. And when water passes through, they blast bugs onto our faces and bodies (keep your mouth closed next time you shower!) Only 22% of those surveyed clean their shower head regularly - 48% never clean it at all. Of the toothbrush holders tested, 27% had coliforms, 64% had mould and 14% had Staphylococcus. Just 15% of survey respondents reported cleaning their toothbrush holder regularly, and 32% admitted to never cleaning it at all. Relaxing haven or hotbed of germs? What type of bathroom do you have? Yours,
 This Week's News
The special Facebook page called 'Crazy 40 years', promoting lots of crazy stories and activities in which Wirquin customers and staff are taking part, can be followed and contributed at facebook.com/wirquin40years/. Other new platforms for Wirquin include Twitter and Linked In, so whether it's new products, career vacancies, new installation videos or problem solving tips the company is sharing it all on social media. Enjoy a night in on the tiles with the Spring Summer Ted Baker Collection from British Ceramic Tile
Who needs a night on the tiles, when you have all you need for entertaining at home? The new Indesit chest freezers easily adapt to consumer shopping needs
Featuring the exclusive Cool Switch function, the new range allows for the appliance to be converted from freezer temperature, of around -18°C, to fridge temperature, of around +4°C, in just one turn, while the easy to use Flexi Rack allows users to tailor the space to their exact needs and requirements. The dedicated rack makes it convenient for storing tall items or ensuring that smaller items stay immediately accessible and visible. Consumer research shines light on laminate work surface popularity
Ruby Kiernan (pictured), marketing communication manager for Wilsonart UK, based in County Durham and part of the world's largest laminate manufacturing group explains: Ripples' Solihull designer wins 'Design Of The Year'
Designers from Ripples' 13 UK showrooms gather for a training day filled with inspiring and motivating speakers, they get the chance to compare design ideas and discuss techniques with their peers. The day is headed by Ripples' sales manager, Nicola Crow. LDL launches new PEKA Fioro range
In a contemporary combination of anthracite metal and oiled oak, the new pull-out shelving system includes a larder unit and various solutions for base units, including Magic Corner options to maximise the usable space in hard to access corners. Franke's updated WDU range now includes anti-bacterial protection
The five WDUs in the Turbo Elite range are available now and offer different performance levels to deal with differing household waste requirements, at prices to suit every budget. Alchemy - PWS's new classic brand for the modern era
Speaking directly with consumers and retail partners, PWS's research revealed key information about the balance of classic elegance with functionality. A key indicator of the market review identified that classic style is no longer favoured solely by the older generation, it is relevant and appeals to any age group. New marketing lead joins F & P as company enters fresh phase of development
"Following consolidation of the F & P, Primaflow and Connections brands, we are poised to upgrade our customer service proposition further, with the introduction of new product lines, plus improved ordering technology and a new distribution facility," he explains. Hoover gears up for huge charity bike ride
The dynamic duo will tackle The Veloddyssey Cycle, a 745m cycle route along the Atlantic coast, to fundraise for St. John's Hospice in Wirral and Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. Both charities are local to Hoover's operations in Bromborough and Dublin. The ride is equivalent to 70,000 of the manufacturer's new tall larder fridge and freezer laid end to end. 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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Judging line-up announced for KBSA awards
New judges this year include Andrea Hillier, national retail services manager Blum UK (pictured); James Herriot, director, Callerton, and Dave Hewitt, managing director, Oakwood Bespoke. They join returning judges Martin Thomas, director, Denmore Kitchen & Bathroom Studio and Renee Mascari, director, Mascari Design Solutions and CEO of KBBNTG, who is also head judge.  Celebrating 150 years in style!
BMA representatives visit The Imperial Bathroom Company, Aldridge
The children were enthralled with everything - from learning new English words to playing games on Adam's iphone. Checkatrade adds a touch of Hollywood glamour
Maurice Lay Distributors celebrates 40th anniversary
Set to become available to retailers later this year, the new-look Sense range will combine sleek, stainless steel and black glass with the latest technology to provide consumers with innovative appliances across all categories from cooking and cooling to laundry and dishwashers. 'Improve not move' as home improvement figures continue to grow
House builders' views on their supply chain: from the Jablite round table debate
When resignations in trades don't have to mean the end
Birmingham resident's oven stands the test of time
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