KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd June 2017
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 International News
Products Kitchen islands back to the future
If we wash everything with water, why don't we wash everything with water?
In-Wash is an innovative WC with in-built technology for exceptional personal hygiene that provides complete cleaning, care and comfort. Its soft curves and minimalistic design mean In-Wash will adapt perfectly to the interior design of any bathroom space for ultimate well-being. Cosentino work surfaces to be available in ArtiCAD-Pro
Extra deep with sleek lines for a luxurious bathing or showering experience, there are three freestanding models in both acrylic and solid surface resin along with two double-ended, two single-ended and one inset bath. The Indesit Aria built-in microwave - ideal for the modern busy family
Utopia targets freestanding bath sector
MHS Radiators partners with Antrax to launch exciting new collection
Franke extends its award-winning Maris Plus hood range
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. |
We Brits are regularly using social channels to find inspiration and show off our cooking accomplishments - with 57% of us saying we eat more adventurously than ever before as a result - either to impress our followers, or as a result of resolving to copy something we've seen on social channels and like the look of. Commissioned by Neff to highlight its search for the next 'Cookaholic' (www.nextcookaholic.co.uk), new research of 2,010 Brits showed that a quarter of us take pictures of our dishes to put on social media when cooking for friends and family and spend six minutes perfecting that all important post (meaning that any hot food will have got cold before the first mouthful is enjoyed). Lovely as some of these dishes may look, this is highly frustrating for those of us who've been taught that we should wait until everyone is seated and has their food in front of them, before we pick up our cutlery. Many of us, however, are using these feeds as a source of inspiration... A third of those surveyed say social media has inspired them to create a new dish, so I suppose it cuts both ways... And how many of us would have thought of cooking in a waterbath, or deliberately seeking out an oven unit incorporating a plate warming drawer, had we not first seen them in use on one of the many cookery programmes to grace our screens? Sadly though, while 'Instagram-able' foods are clogging our newsfeeds, the survey has revealed that many of us are losing our basic cooking skills. Some 37% of Londoners have confessed that they don't know how to cook dry pasta, while 34% of 25-34 year olds don't even know how to boil an egg... Mmmmm... I have an idea for a new cookery show... Yours,
 This Week's News
Soapbox: The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's CEO Yvonne Orgill on 'Leaky Loos'
To put the record straight - any product will leak or fail, if, it's of poor design and quality and does not meet the legal requirement and is installed by 'Fred' up the road. Introducing the Metallic Marbles collection by Versital
The collection features three stunning colours: Copper Stratos blends a backdrop of white marble with statement metallic copper veining; Gold Stratos (pictured) incorporates high quality gold veining for an opulent finish; whilst Silver Stratos completes this on-trend trio with a modern and contemporary look. Apprenticeship Levy key to unlocking disabled talent
However, attendees identified a number of barriers to engagement. Not least a level of ambiguity around where employers should turn to for support in this area with an overarching theme running throughout the discussion being the 'missing link' in the dissemination of expertise around inclusivity in apprenticeships. Groundbreaking British Standard for the 'circular economy' launched
The 'circular economy' is a concept which challenges organisations to rethink how their resources are managed to create financial, environmental and social benefits. BS 8001 was developed to meet these mutually beneficial goals, by providing guiding principles for organisations and individuals to consider and implement more sustainable practices. It is the first standard of its kind, both in the UK and globally. KBBG welcomes Opticolour as new supplier
Opticolour manufactures glass splashbacks and glass wall coverings. Advanced digital technology allows Opticolour to print photographs onto large glass panels, ranging from scenic views, retro patterns and even your own photograph. 'Party On' with new dishwasher Party Setting by V-ZUG
On The Level wet room tile-in system: more tile; less drain
Available in linear and square options, the new drain covers have a minimalist stainless steel finish on one side or can be flipped and completely tiled in to create a seamless wet room shower floor. BiKBBI 2017-2018 brochure available here
HIB directors raise £13,500 for charity
Managing director, Robert Ginsberg, signed up to run the London Marathon whilst finance director, Himesh Shah, braved the skydive as part of the bathroom product manufacturer's ongoing commitment to supporting worthy causes. Franke More in Store retailers ready to support Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party campaign
Fully embracing the campaign, now in its fourth year, retailers are getting more creative this year to entice customers into their showrooms by holding the tea parties with golf challenges, luxury prize draws and full bake sales. One retailer, J Sheppard and Son, is also unveiling their fully revamped showroom, featuring a new Frames by Franke display. Search is on to find Golden Ticket in Showerwall's 500,000th panel
Showerwall, the waterproof bathroom panelling system, offers 56 designs ranging from bold metallics to classic stones and the panel containing the Golden Ticket was placed randomly into stock in May, so it could now be anywhere in the UK. Details on how to claim the prize are printed on the winning ticket. Trio of new starters join Hoover
Each of the new starters will be working closely with key customers, contacts and the supply chain to ensure that the brand continues to be front of mind for quality, state-of-the-art products which make people's lives easier. New appointment for the Whirlpool brand
"My previous role with Whirlpool is great grounding and has given me an excellent insight into the commercial and marketing side of the business," she says. "This depth of knowledge will enable me to progress and execute the needs of the brand effectively, including working with retailers to broaden distribution, raise awareness and selling the benefits of the brand." Christian Taylor-Hamlin to leave BMA
The BMA is now recruiting for a technical manager to replace him. 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
Expansion plans announced by The BiKBBI
 Creating opportunity out of change: Host and first speaker for B&K Conference 2017 announced
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
People
Barwick appoints new sales director Steve Hooley
Marketing
Abode launches all-new Pronteau website
Literature
New for 2017, kitchen sink & tap brochure from Abode
Maurice Lay Distributors publishes 60th trade price guide
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