KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
9th June 2017
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 International News
Products Howarth At Home has recipe for success at Laura Ashley kitchen collection Stockist Awards
Utopia champions British design
Targeting the top end of the market, Utopia is deliberately competing against European brands to prove inspired British design can not only match but surpass the continental offering. 'Taste the Rainbow' with Pure S2 Kitchen from Urban Interior (London)
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. |
With the Election results now in, the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom Specialists Association's national chair Richard Hibbert has been considering the outlook for the sector. Richard says that while much of the focus of the election has been on investment in the NHS, education and social care, Brexit is clearly an issue that will affect businesses because of the terms of the deal and trading agreements and the impact the process will have on the economy. He quotes a recent British Chamber of Commerce report which suggests that uncertainty over Brexit and the General Election has squeezed spending and reduced retailer margins - which in turn has slowed growth. Anecdotal evidence from KBSA retailers is mixed, however. Some are reporting that the market remains buoyant with average spends rising, albeit with quieter periods during holidays and in the lead-up to the election. Others suggest that there has been a change this year and things are not quite as good as they were. Footfall remains good and order books are still full but consumers are more cautious and not spending as much. This could be down to uncertainty or simply mean that people have less disposable income. Richard says typical KBSA customers are older, spending money on their 'empty nest' homes, but these couples are now having to use their money to help their children get on the property ladder, leaving less for them to invest in their own homes. The housing market will remain difficult for some time so this scenario is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Whilst these factors suggest that things may get tougher, the overall economy is in good shape. Manufacturing output has increased during the year by 0.5% mainly thanks to the drop in the value of Sterling. Unemployment has been steadily falling and now sits at 4.8% compared to a figure of 8% just four years ago and interest rates are at their lowest levels for 50 years. At the same time life is becoming more expensive for the consumer with inflation hitting its highest level in four years, and wages dropping in real terms for the first time in three years. Like Richard, I feel that with no crystal ball to fall back on, the only certainty we have is that the outlook will be uncertain for some time to come. I hope we as an industry can convince consumers that investment in their properties, in terms of new bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms, will be always be money well spent. Yours,
 This Week's News
Expansion plans announced by The BiKBBI
Stand-out features include LED sensor lighting under the washbasin units which adds to the feeling of space and creates a reassuring glow for children or the infirm, and soft close drawers that fully extend, complemented by non-slip mats in all drawers and glass shelves throughout the range. Sento furniture units can be mounted with or without oak legs or onto a stylish oak console table. Creating opportunity out of change: Host and first speaker for B&K Conference 2017 announced
Nick Owen, the television broadcaster, has been secured to host this year's industry conference. Nick has worked in regional and national television since the late seventies. He came to national prominence in the early eighties as one of the first faces to appear on breakfast television in Britain. He was recently awarded an Honorary Doctoraof Letters by the University of Worcester. MHS Radiators partners with Antrax to launch exciting new collection
With an emphasis on cutting edge design, these magnificent radiators and towel rails have been crafted to make an impact, whether they are specified for a high-end residential property, or within a commercially-focused environment. Franke extends its award-winning Maris Plus hood range
The elegant hood has three speed settings and an 'intensive' speed setting for short, powerful bursts to remove unpleasant odours quickly and efficiently. National distribution secured for Wilsonart Zenith
Following exponential sales of Zenith to specialist kitchen retailers via distribution in England (J P distribution), Wales (Llandaff Laminates), Scotland, and Northern Ireland (Potter Cowan), Wilsonart is completing the national distribution line-up with a partnership with Hadleigh Timber Group and its brands Panelco, Tay Firth and Meyer Timber. New laundry appliances from CIH - exclusively for members
The AEG 7000 Series freestanding washing machine, boasts an efficient 'A+++' energy rating and, thanks to the OKOInverter motor, ensures the lowest possible energy consumption, while still delivering the highest efficiency and durability. Abode launches all-new Pronteau website
Visitors to the site www.pronteau.co.uk can now easily view Abode's full collection of steaming hot water taps and navigate through all supporting information to help that all-important buying decision from detailed downloadable specification sheets for each model, to technical drawings and installation and care instructions. Bauhaus launches two new basin designs
K introduces new Alaska family to range
New Geberit executive team announced
Following the acquisition of Sanitec and the launch of the Geberit Bathroom Collection, specification and retail sales are being brought together under the leadership of Raffaela De Vittorio as UK sales director - specification and retail. Yorkshire engineer's new creation helps disabled kids and features on DIY SOS: The Big Build
"The soundbathe is a nifty little gadget that turns your bath into a giant speaker and plays music from any Bluetooth-enabled device," explains Andy. New, improved design for PWS's Directory
"The PWS Directory is well known in the kitchen industry and viewed as an essential reference guide by the trade," notes John Lennon, managing director of PWS. "Each year we strive to enhance the content and this year is no exception. 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
Franke scoops four prestigious design awards
 Bathroom inspiration at every turn -BagnoDesign Chelsea
Football & rugby battle it out during K&B showroom bake-off event
Ideal Standard announces Bathroom of the Future winners
Dekton chosen for Gaze Burvill Furniture & Outdoor Kitchen at Chelsea Flower Show
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. People
New marketing lead joins F & P as company enters fresh phase of development
Literature
New for 2017, kitchen sink & tap brochure from Abode
Maurice Lay Distributors publishes 60th trade price guide
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