KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
7th July 2017
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 International News
Products Ceramic sanitaryware market worth $59.17 Billion USD by 2022
Growth in the real estate sector, increase in demand for ceramic sanitaryware from Southeast Asian countries, change in consumer preferences and a shift of manufacturing facilities to emerging economies are factors driving the growth. Schmidt kitchens bring out natural beauty of wood, with contemporary and classic designs
French furniture specialist Schmidt has been working with this natural material for more than 80 years and its benefits are easy to appreciate. It's warm, versatile and full of heritage and artisan appeal. Falmec's Noise Reduction System extractors recognised as amongst quietest on market
'Pure and Simple' with Studio Towel Warmer by Vogue (UK)
Designed to efficiently hang and dry essential bath linen, Studio is made from high quality brass which is chromed to a mirror-finish. Introducing the Metallic Marbles collection by Versital
KBBG welcomes Opticolour as new supplier
'Party On' with new dishwasher Party Setting by V-ZUG
On The Level wet room tile-in system: more tile; less drain
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
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I visited a friend this week who was having work done on her bathroom. I knew the people who'd replaced her electric shower a couple of years ago and had expected that they'd done a good job, so was disturbed to join my friend at the consumer unit, as the electrician showed us how the wiring hadn't been properly fed through the casings, causing a burn. "You're lucky you didn't fry!" said the electrician. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I said how much responsibility we all have for one another's safety and the story above is just one that underlines this fact. Timely advice to our industry from the Bathroom Manufacturer's Association's Yvonne Orgill highlights a case where those involved weren't so lucky... that of the hot tub company fined £1m for a health & safety breach, which lead to an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease. Two men died and 20 others were affected due to contamination in one of its hot tubs on display. Legionnaire's disease is usually associated with large buildings, but Yvonne reminds us that because legionella bacteria are natural inhabitants of water, any part of a water system can be prone to contamination. "This can happen if the water system in your home is poorly treated or left to stagnate," she warns. "People usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria, from taps and showers, or spray from spas or whirlpools. " Legionella thrives in water temperatures of 20-43C. Consequently, general good practice is to keep your hot water at a high enough temperature and to regularly use your water systems to prevent stagnation. Hot water should be stored at a minimum of 60C and distributed so it does not drop below 50C. If you're away for a few weeks and your water system has been out of use, on your return it's a good idea to run a hot tap for a few minutes to flush any stagnant water from the pipes." That's something of which I'd not been aware so I thought I ought to share it - just in case...
 This Week's News
Call to end 'one in, three out' deregulation gains wide support More than 700 organisations and individuals have now signed an open letter to UK Prime Minister Theresa May which challenges arbitrary deregulation of health & safety. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze, global health & safety professionals, leading academics and some MPs have joined leading organisations in signing the letter. Official workplace fatality figures hide tens of thousands of related deaths The GMB Union, which has members across every sector of the British economy, says yesterday's official workplace death figures hide tens of thousands of related deaths. Official Health & Safety Executive figures show 137 people died at work in the financial year 2016/17. [see note 1 for breakdown by sector]. GMB says while the number of deaths is down slightly, they are just the tip of the iceberg and every death demands justice and enforcement. Remarkable backdrop for BMA's AGM
Around 60 members attended the annual general meeting which included the usual constitutional business, marketing and technical reports, an update on October's Bathroom and Kitchen Industry Business Conference, and presentations from two guest speakers. Year end results show growth for Lakes Bathrooms
According to Lakes Bathrooms, its premium collection, Coastline, was overall the biggest seller, with continued growth in sales of walk-in enclosures, to support the trend for wetrooms and more spacious showering. Utopia scoops 'Best British Bathroom Brand' award
As a leading British manufacturer of bathroom furniture, Utopia has consistently made the shortlist for the Best Bathroom Furniture Brand category in the annual award scheme run by BKU (Bathroom & Kitchen Update) but this is the first time it has won this coveted award. Hudson Contract encourages young people to pursue a career in construction H Zip to join forces with Culligan
Ideal Standard wins Lincoln development washroom specification brief
The £20million investment of the existing historic Mill House on Lincoln's waterfront into a high-end residential and commercial development, is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2017. Add elegance to any home with Lustrolite carbon panels
Abode's Darren Holliday makes it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Smeg UK welcomes Garry Leveridge as national account manager
Garry joins with 28 years of industry experience; he will not only be developing new and existing business, but will also manage the Smeg accounts for John Lewis, Homebase and B&Q. Hot off the press: Caple's new kitchen & bedroom brochure
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Trio of new starters join Hoover
 Barwick appoints new sales director Steve Hooley
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