KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
3rd November 2017
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 International News
Products British Ceramic Tile reinvents the classic metro tile with its latest V&A collaboration
Fall in love with The Amore from Triton
'Sleep Easy' with Springfield Bedroom Furniture by Daval
Primitive kitchen: back to basics with Hi-Macs
Bushboard set to change perception of bathroom wall panelling
Häfele adds the ingenious Schüco Smartcube to its UK portfolio
Launched at the ISH show this year, and available now, Mya takes its inspiration from the wooden clothes horse of yesteryear, featuring light, open pieces in natural or dark grey matt oak veneer, themed around hanging rails and practical drawers. Matching matt basins are available in white and stunning dramatic black. Utopia continues quest for modular dominance
Its fourth product launch this year, the new Halo range has a host of new features, additional units and a palette of six new on-trend colours. Supported by inspirational photography reflecting the latest home interior styles, the new range is very realistically priced to target a younger audience wanting stylish British quality products at affordable prices. Abode adds new 'on-trend' colour to Harmonie bathroom range
Bath remodelling expert introduces exclusive anti-mould and mildew technology
Kitchen design looks pretty in pink with Masterclass
Bowls of beauty: new manufacturing process produces super-fine basins
Shapes and edges like this are not possible using more traditional materials as the shape would not survive the firing process. |
Sadly, our industry has made it into the press again this week, in a way that most of us wish it hadn't. The news that there are apparently some 1million tumble dryers in our nation's homes that pose a fire risk, has made many of us wonder whether our own appliances are safe. The London Fire Brigade warned on Tuesday, when the issue was discussed in Parliament, that the Government must act now on white goods' safety. Giving evidence on behalf of the National Fire Chief's Council (NFCC) to the Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Select Committee which was holding a one-off session on the safety of electrical goods and the UK's product safety and recall systems, head of fire Investigation Charlie Pugsley said that since nearly one fire a day in London involves white goods, "Consumers need to be given a fighting chance and know exactly what the risks are". The LFB's 'Total Recalls' initiative has been campaigning for the last two years for Government and manufacturers to implement several changes to make all white goods safer. These include: * A single Government backed product recall data base * Recalls notices to be better publicised to reduce confusion * Greater regulation of second hand appliances * Changes to the way that fridges and freezers are manufactured * All appliances to be marked with a model and serial number * The inclusion of sleeping as a factor in risk assessments Charlie warned that despite the campaigning and independent and BEIS departmental working group reviews plus Coroners' recommendations: "We still don't have the outcomes that will help keep consumers safe" and that something must be done immediately. He also highlighted the Brigade's call for improved manufacturing standards for fridge freezers adding: "The key issue is that a fridge freezer is not something you can turn off when you go to bed. If something is going to catch fire, just watching it doesn't mean you're going to be safe." Also giving evidence were Pete Moorey of Which?; Martyn Allen of Electrical Safety First; Sian Lewis of the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances; Leon Livermore of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Ian Moverley, communications director, Hotpoint, Whirlpool. When people's lives are at stake we need to work together to put things right. It will be interesting to see what changes come as a result of Tuesday's session, since whatever they are, they will affect us all. Yours,
 This Week's News
SBID Awards 2017 winners revealed
With a 40% increase of entries and over 100,000 public votes, this year's awards have been one of the most globally represented editions to date, and include industry talent from over 40 countries across the globe. Roca to showcase the new Armani/Roca Baia collection at Sleep 2017
At this year's show, which focusses on 'Loyalty: Lessons in Love', Roca is exploring the personal experience of the bathroom space and introducing its luxurious new Armani/Roca Baia collection. Sealux HydroHalt shower seal wins architects choice award
The exhibition runs alongside the annual conference of The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland. The judging panel, made up of five principal architects, clearly saw merit in the HydroHalt invention, designed and patented by Sealux. Add style to any kitchen with the Blanco Envoy tap
The elegant Envoy tap boasts a sweeping swan neck and a tall spout, while the single lever control and high-pressure supply ensures a practical and powerful flow. Its ceramic disc cartridge improves performance and longevity. Uform makes London Stock Exchange list
The annual lists, compiled by the London Stock Exchange and financial technology firm DueDil, are a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized enterprises in the UK and in Europe. Success for Whirlpool's National Quiet Day campaign
The National Quiet Day inititative, which was established in 2016, highlights the problem of noise in UK households and how it can be damaging to our wellbeing. Nicholas Anthony renews KBSA membership
"We are delighted that Nicholas Anthony has chosen to continue its membership," says KBSA corporate retail chairman Simon Acres. "We're thrilled they have chosen to support our organisation for another year and we are particularly grateful to Tony Nicholas, a former KBSA national chair, for his continued involvement. British Ceramic Tile drives future growth with investment in its Devon-based factory
The company, which has three sites in Devon, London and West Yorkshire, is driving forward its strategic plan through increasing production capacity and streamlining process within its manufacturing division. Lakes Bathrooms appoints new sales & marketing director
Prior to that he held senior positions at both Russell Timber Technology and Jablite. In his new role at Lakes Bathrooms, Mike will manage a team of 16 and be responsible for growing and developing the sales force. Combined Independents (Holdings) appoints new marketing head
Robert joins CIH with an impressive background in eCommerce having begun his career with Amazon in 1999. He joined the company in the pre-dotcom and Google analytics era and so he was at the forefront of the Internet industry. Gorenje donates appliances to ITV renovation project
The third instalment of ITV's Love Your Home & Garden, which aired at 8pm on 13th September, saw retirees Richard and Ann Price receive a home overhaul, creating a dream home for the couple as a thank you for their outstanding services to charity and the community. Available now: Maurice Lay Distributors new trade price guide
Retailers will have access to the latest information across the entire portfolio from high-performance appliances and sinks & taps to top quality kitchen and bedroom furniture. 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
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Marketing
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