KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
2nd February 2018
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 International News
Products KBB 2018: Keller Kitchens - Dutch design showcased on Stand W110 in Hall 17
Keeping up to date with current trends, Keller Kitchens creates a perfect kitchen for every customer. Gorenje to implement aluminium backing on all cooling lines
Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, the Slovenian-manufacturer's commitment to the campaign for safer appliances is a step in the right direction towards tackling the industry-wide issue. Meet the kitchen specialists' choice...
Big as in '559.741 sq feet of state-of-the-art production space' big, earning Keller a place in the top 10 biggest European manufacturers. That's huge. KBB 2018: Abacus Bathrooms to display new innovations - E78
KBB 2018: Bushboard to unveil exciting new solid surface developments - Stand G95
KBB 2018: New version of ArtiCAD-Pro being launched - J85 & M80
KBB 2018: Abode to showcase new products - I90 Hall 19
Kaldewei Iconic World offers multisensory experience of brand and material
New Retro fridge freezer joins Amica catalogue
New Year, new Rangemaster: stylish Nexus SE released for contemporary kitchens
Samsung Electronics debuts next generation of Family Hub refrigerator at CES 2018
Family Hub in 2018 offers a wide range of smart features that allow consumers to do what they could not do before. Steel yourself: Appliances are now in Pantone colour of the year!
Marvellous mirror cabinets from Abacus
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. Bright and beautiful bathroom lighting
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). |
It was interesting to read the Bathroom Manufacturers Association’s response to the Government’s creation of a national body tasked with identifying consumer risks and managing responses to large-scale product recalls and repairs (see Soapbox, below). The new Office for Product Safety & Standards will help us meet safety challenges by responding to expanding international trade, the growth in online shopping and the increasing rate of product innovation. In addition to providing support for Trading Standards teams, it will co-ordinate work across local authorities where action is needed on a national scale and will ensure that the UK continues to carry out appropriate border checks on imported products once the UK leaves the EU. It will also work with the British Standards Institution to provide guidance on product recalls and corrective action, while conducting research into technological solutions to product marking and identification issues. An ‘expert panel’ will be created from trade associations, consumer and enforcement representatives, to advise on safety issues as they arise, and – interestingly – it will research consumer behaviour to identify the best way to get people to register their appliances. Am I naïve in thinking that the best way of ensuring products are registered, is for anyone selling an appliance to be bound by law to take the customer’s full contact details for inclusion on a national register? Yes, people move home, but rarely do they change mobile numbers and email addresses! Product recall/advice made easy… The BMA’s Yvonne Orgill asks why, with so much legislation already in place, consumers are able to buy products that are unsafe or unfit for purpose. Product safety never comes into question when I’m considering buying an electrical appliance. Yes, I’m aware of some of the dangers of some products because of what I’ve read in the news, but I look for something that fits the allocated space, looks good, has great reviews and as many of the functions I’d like, while still being affordable. I’ve never asked if something’s safe… I expect it to be. But then I’d never by an appliance from a dodgy source and clearly some others do! Yvonne says that we as an industry could do more to make the consumer aware of the dangers of ‘buying cheap’ and I couldn’t agree more. I also think we could do a lot more to educate consumers on how to look after and use their appliances more safely, as this is clearly an issue too… Yours,
 This Week's News
Soapbox: Consumer safety in the home - Government gets serious
"With the news this week of the creation of a new Office for Product Safety and Standards, it seems at last that there are signs of Government taking a serious interest in consumer safety in the home. The remit of this new office, according to the Government, will be to manage large scale product recalls, like that of the defective tumble driers and faulty fridge freezers known to be the cause of many devastating fires - including Grenfell. Innovative modern design with Blanco's Collectis 6-S sink
The sorting bin comes with a lid to cover the bin when not in use and is integrated with a sorting compartment which is fitted with a space-saving waste pipe to collect the waste cuttings. The Collectis 6-S can be combined with BlancoSelect to make the ideal waste disposal system. With an elegant look and practical outflow, the Collectis 6-S is available in White, Tartufo, Pearl Grey, Nutmeg, Rock Grey, Jasmine, Coffee, Champagne, Anthracite and alumetallic. The large range of colours offers the user multiple choices to suit a particular kitchen style. T: 01923 635 200 BiKBBI launches Insurance Services The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has this week launched an exciting new insurance service which provides a wide range of robust commercial insurance products to the KBB industry. BiKBBI chief executive Damian Walters, announced the launch of the new insurance service, in conjunction with United Insurance Brokers (UIB), a leading international insurance broker, in what he called "another milestone moment" for the organisation. KBB 2018: Blum set to create its biggest stand ever at Birmingham show - T120, Hall 17
Visitors to the Blum stand will experience the very latest products, including stunning Space Towers, along with in-depth details on its outstanding services for retail and technical support. KBB 2018: InSinkErator to launch new products - G120, Hall 19
Steaming hot water taps and food waste disposers are beneficial to retailers and independent kitchen specialists, as they are valuable add-on sales for new kitchens or for retro-fitting.
Surrey Interiors joins KBSA as membership continues to grow
"Surrey Interiors is an independently owned business committed to providing its customers with a quality service from design concept to completion and we're delighted to welcome them into membership," says KBSA corporate retail chairman Simon Acres. Bowled over - new basins join Frame collection
The round basin is available as either a countertop or an inset. The 40.5cm countertop design is striking with gently sloped sides and a fashionable narrow rim. It has a smart ceramic waste cover and comes in white, matt white, black, and matt black. The inset version is 39cm in the same colours. HiB's new-look brochure for 2018 brings style to the fore
Reflecting HiB's status as a major player in the industry and its commitment to pushing boundaries in innovation, the brochure provides retailers and end users alike with a comprehensive look at the company's vast product portfolio. Patent granted for Abode Pronteau 4 in 1
The innovation comes in the form of the Hotkey, a simple but effective mechanism for the safe delivery of piping hot water. Hidden inside the tap body, a proximity sensor detects when the HotKey is nearby, activating the boiler to pump steaming hot water through a separate central channel to the spout. This is insulated, meaning the water arrives hot but the outside surface of the tap remains cool and safe to the touch. Paul Harman joins Hansgrohe UK as national sales manager - projects
Paul will work closely with architects and designers within the highly competitive contract market. 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
KBSA announces new venue for Annual Conference
SOAPBOX: Retentions... has the construction industry had enough following the Carillion disaster?
"The use of cash retentions is commonplace in the construction industry. Some £3 billion of retentions remain outstanding in the UK construction industry at any one time. With the collapse of Carillion, however, has the industry had enough? KBB 2018: KBBG to treat visitors to launch of new Störmer kitchen - J115 hall 19 at stand
KBB 2018: Blanco's stylish new products to be showcased - I100
Moderate growth for UK shower market in 2017; market penetration now at c.90%
Marketing
Bathstore and Elle Decoration announce partnership
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