KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
26th May 2017
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 International News
Products Enjoy a night in on the tiles with the Spring Summer Ted Baker Collection from British Ceramic Tile
The new Indesit chest freezers easily adapt to consumer shopping needs
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.
'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. |
Following on from last week's leader in which I shared the sad story of a tradesman who met his demise as a result of a lapse in safe working procedures, I'm delighted to see that the UK'S safest house builders have been honoured by the NHBC, which has announced the winners of the first round of its annual Health & Safety Awards; the UK's only awards scheme to honour the safest home builders. Frighteningly, every year several thousand construction workers are injured while working on a building site. Through effective management of working areas and access routes many of these injuries could be avoided, whilst also helping to reduce the number of working days lost to a business. The matter of health, safety and environment continues to be one of the top priorities in housebuilding and construction. NHBC's role is to support the industry in maintaining and improving the build quality of new homes for homebuyers, whilst providing the benefit of its 10-year Buildmark warranty protection, when required. The NHBC Health & Safety Awards, now in their seventh year, are designed to recognise and reward the very best in health & safety, and are also helping to drive up safety standards in the industry by showcasing and sharing best practice. A total of 56 site managers have been awarded Commended status for their sites and will now go on to compete for the Highly Commended and National titles, which will be announced at a gala event next month. All of the competing sites have been visited by NHBC Health & Safety advisors and were scored against the highly stringent health & safety standards set for the competition. Stephen Ashworth, NHBC health and safety services manager, says that in 2017 there was a record number of entries into the Awards programme and the shortlist of finalists was "outstanding." That delights me and I really hope that awards programmes such as these, soon spread throughout the KBB industry. I spend my life writing about the quality of items produced by this industry and occasionally how they've been manufactured to be 'easy to fit'. Anything that avoids being difficult to fit or transport is going to make life easier for those tasked with the job, and with it their safety at work, so the more often I come across that term, the better. Yours,
 This Week's News
Ideal Standard announces Bathroom of the Future winners
'Taste the Rainbow' with Pure S2 Kitchen from Urban Interior (London)
This Pure S2 kitchen concept is distinct and fresh, seeing its handleless block-colour styling embody the colours of Summer. Appreciating the beautiful form associated with minimalist design, the Pure Kitchen Collection by SieMatic gives focus to exquisite materials and craftsmanship. LochAnna Kitchens introduces seven new on-trend colours
Designed to give customers an even wider choice of stylish shades to revitalise their kitchen, the new palette offers shades in new Gloss and Matt finishes including: Whirlpool Corporation opens new EMEA headquarters in Milan
The building will accommodate more than 600 employees from 28 countries in a modern and collaborative working environment. TKC launches new Vero handleless rail system
Vero, meaning 'true' in Italian, is a complete system of aluminium rails, profiles and fixings that is easy to install into wall and base cabinetry. Vero allows retailers to build a true handleless kitchen combining style and value that will hit the market sweet spot for TKC customers, while earning them healthy profit margins. Browns 2000 range coming to Articad-Pro
Northumberland-based Browns 2000 has long been known for its vinyl wrapped doors; however in 2011 it took the significant step of producing laminated products in-house for its Glacier range, spanning both high gloss and supermatt finishes. The laser edge banding on the company's range is regarded as the 'Rolls Royce' of production techniques. Glass splashbacks made to any size and colour, have also been added to the portfolio and are proving a real winner with their customer base. New BetteLux Oval Circular built-in washbasin has flowing lines
State-of-the-art manufacturing expertise in forming technology and skilled craftsmanship are required to create this visual lightness in finely glazed titanium-steel. Dekton chosen for Gaze Burvill Furniture & Outdoor Kitchen at Chelsea Flower Show
With elegant design and practical features at its core, the cabinet combines a sleek design with contemporary flourishes. This includes two internal integrated charging sockets inside the cabinet which are ideal for electric toothbrushes, shavers and trimmers, for ultimate ease of use. Methven appoints UK head of marketing
Simon Cornelius joins Methven having worked previously in senior marketing roles at Aqualisa, where he was instrumental in the launch of the UK's first smart shower. Abode's Matthew Pitt completes charity challenge
Bob Baines, owner of KB Studios in Beaconsfield, passes away
"It is a very sad time and we will all miss Bob," says KBS project manager Brent Mullane. "He was well known and liked in the industry, inspiring laughter and smiles with the clients and colleagues he dealt with. He cared about our customers and inspired us all to build a great business. 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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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.  Consumer research shines light on laminate work surface popularity
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. 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. People
New marketing lead joins F & P as company enters fresh phase of development
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