The KBzine

KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
12th January 2018

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International News
Products

Roca creates new forms with Modo

Roca places a huge importance on innovation, design and style and its new Modo collection is the epitome of all three. Modo's unique quality is that it can be moulded and sculptured into bespoke and individual pieces ready to suit all interior decors.
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Belling releases first 50cm induction cooker

British appliance manufacturer Belling has launched its first 50cm induction cooker, the FS50DOTi, the only appliance of its kind on the market.
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Tactile and luxurious, Fenix NTA is the new 'wonder metal' material

With the current trend for material mix, everyone knows that adding a touch of metal to an interior project will elevate it instantly, but that cost, fabrication and performance can be drawbacks.

Step forward the new 'wonder metal', Fenix NTA, a unique material in its field and the result of three years' research and development.
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Abode introduces Serenitie bathroom taps in rose gold

The Abode ranges of bathroom brassware and showers are created with a perfect blend of design, performance, functionality and quality. A new 'on trend' finish has been added to the Serenitie range - Rose Gold - which is right up-to-date with the predicted colour trends for 2018 and is available now through Abode's distribution partners.
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Welcome to the
KBzine

One of the many things I've always loved about this industry is the commitment of various individuals or teams of employees to give up their time to raise funds for charity. Generally though, these are individual company efforts, rather than industry-wide.

As you can imagine I was excited to learn this morning that Vado has announced the return of the Vado Rally for June 2018.

Competing to raise money for the Rainy Day Trust and Variety charities, members of our industry who are so inclined will once again have the opportunity to rally through some of Europe's greatest cities and scenery as they raise funds for charity. I can imagine that - as there is in terms of vying to be the first, or the best, when it comes to introducing new products and technology - there will be a great deal of competition, but in terms of bonding, it will be fantastic. I daresay too, that as happens on the golf course, new work partnerships will be established and business is likely to be done...

The Rally has been a major success since its launch in 2016, with a staggering £65,000 raised after 37 cars successfully covered 1,300 miles through eight countries in just four days. Our picture shows the 2016 winners, Chandlers Building Supplies Lewes branch manager Stuart Campbell and timber trading director Trevor Mudd, who raised over £1,500 in their Mercedes E230, which they bought for a mere £147.
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They completed challenges along the way and ensured that they and their car were dressed and decorated in a different theme each day - something teams in this upcoming rally will also be encouraged to do. To add to their points and fundraising total, Trevor also completed a 220 metre bungee jump off the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland whilst dressed as the pair are here, as a Fearless Fraulein!

It will be interesting to see this year's fancy dress ideas as drivers from builders' merchants to retailers, manufacturers and buying groups, will be challenged to trek through Copenhagen, Namur, Amsterdam, Lüneburg and Malmo in a road-legal car worth under £500. Will you be one of them? The closing date for entries is 31st January. Email [email protected] for details.

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Yours,

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Jan Hobbs

This Week's News

Moderate growth for UK shower market in 2017; market penetration now at c.90%

In 2017, the value of the shower equipment market is estimated to have seen a moderate increase of around 2%, according to a new report by AMA Research. This follows a similarly modest increase of 3% in 2016.
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Kaldewei Iconic World offers multisensory experience of brand and material

With the opening of its new Iconic World after a year and a half of planning and construction, Kaldewei has created a fascinating, interactive and multisensory space that enables visitors to thoroughly explore and understand the brand.

The exhibition allows insights into the premium manufacturer's understanding of design and gives visitors the opportunity to see the quality and durability of Kaldewei steel enamel for themselves. Additionally, the experience is enhanced by a tour of the factory during which visitors get a close-up look at the manufacturing process.
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New Retro fridge freezer joins Amica catalogue

Amica, one of Europe's fastest growing domestic appliance brands, has added a compact 55cms(w) but compellingly spacious retro fridge freezer to its comprehensive range of freestanding A+ refrigeration.

The new Amica Retro range (FDR2213) is available in Chilli Red, Cappuccino Cream, Duck Egg Blue, and Olive Black and unlike most of the retro fridge freezers on the market it has been designed to fit into smaller kitchen spaces, without compromising on storage space.
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New Year, new Rangemaster: stylish Nexus SE released for contemporary kitchens

Modern chefs looking for an update to their homes in 2018 need look no further. Rangemaster has revealed its newest offering in the range cooker series, the Nexus SE 110 Dual Fuel. It is available in stainless steel, black, slate and ivory.

Building on the success of the Nexus range cooker by offering ultra-modern styling with a symmetrical design - perfect for the contemporary kitchen, the Nexus SE offers users the same high standard of performance expected from Rangemaster, with a host of distinguishing new features that make cooking for any occasion simple and stylish.
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Samsung Electronics debuts next generation of Family Hub refrigerator at CES 2018

On Sunday, Samsung Electronics unveiled the next generation of its award-winning Family Hub refrigerator. A winner of the 2018 CES Best of Innovation award, Family Hub sets a new standard for connected living.

Family Hub in 2018 offers a wide range of smart features that allow consumers to do what they could not do before.
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Crosswater Contracts team grows and rebrands for an exciting 2018

Crosswater Contracts has announced an exciting rebrand for 2018, and will now be known as Bathroom Brands Group Projects. Providing the same superior level of service to its contract-based clients, which caters to jobs in the hospitality, residential and commercial sectors, the team will now offer a much wider portfolio of bathroom products.

Joining the current ranges from Crosswater, Simpsons and Bauhaus, the merged team will now offer clients products from the Bathroom Brands range, including Burlington, Britton, Clearwater and Thirty6.
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Steel yourself: Appliances are now in Pantone colour of the year!

If your customers are looking for something a little different, it might be worth pointing them in the direction of Steel, which has manufactured a range of appliances in the Pantone colour of the year - Ultra Violet!

Whether it's a fridge freezer, modular units, range cooker or cooker hood, the family owned bespoke Italian manufacturer, Steel, tells us that its exclusive collaboration with Le Creuset means that its Ascot, Genesi and Oxford appliances are all now available in a stunning purple Le Creuset shade, - perfect for adding a contemporary update to any kitchen.
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Marvellous mirror cabinets from Abacus

Abacus, has released an exciting new collection of beautiful mirror cabinets; perfect for any stylish, modern bathroom.

Offering a practical, sophisticated design, every cabinet is fitted with a shaver socket, adjustable shelves and low energy LED lighting. Each is easy to install and there is a range of sizes to suit any bathroom decor.
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Bright and beautiful bathroom lighting

Bathroom designs can be taken to the next level with Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection's elegant wall lights and stunning collection of illuminated mirrors.

Those looking to add some period-style charm and incorporate useful lighting for tasks such as shaving or applying make-up can tap into the growing trend for wall lights with the Collection's Bathroom Wall Light (pictured).
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British Ceramic Tile appoints new commercial director

British Ceramic Tile has made a strategic new appointment to its Board, announcing John Chater as commercial director - a new senior position within the business.

John will assume responsibility for the company's sales, marketing, design and product development departments, with a focus on driving forward the company's impressive portfolio and brand across all markets.
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How to contact us at The KBzine:

Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307
Mobile: 07980 288 373

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888

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