KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd February 2018
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 International News
Products Sensor technology at its best with Blanco's Solenta-S tap
Utilising a professional design, the stainless steel product is elevated with a precise magnetic spray holder for user accessibility. Designed for convenience, the Solenta-S is available with the lever on either the left or right side making it a perfect match for user's preferences. Roca goes above and beyond at KBB
Velvet Victoria sleigh bed will provide that bedroom glamour
New Kinemagic model even more accessible
The Kinemagic Serenity Plus is a high quality, all-in-one shower cubicle that has been designed to fit in exactly the same space as a standard bath and can be installed with the minimum fuss and hassle. KBB 2018: Rehau's Rauvisio to take centre stage - M123
One of the products taking centre stage will be the Rauvisio Crystal Mirror. Technically known as polymeric glass, Crystal Mirror is one of the most advanced mirror materials in the world, and is a great alternative to mirrored glass. It is aesthetically as beautiful as real glass yet has none of its limitations, opening up new and exciting opportunities in the design and production of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture and surfaces. Alongside Crystal Mirror, Rehau will also be introducing visitors to Rauvisio Wave, Karat polymer-stone and Mineral solid-surface ranges plus its new Crystal Decors portfolio. British Ceramic Tile combines the old with new to advance its production techniques
With sales of collections such as Luna and Ted Baker Geometric growing month on month, the company has plans to increase its product portfolio to include more ranges that offer this innovative production process which sees the latest in inkjet technology combined with rotocolour printing. Bijoux accessories are perfectly formed
Not everyone wants a towel ring, or has the space for a standard 60cm rail. Recognising the shift in trend towards smaller, minimalist bathrooms, the new shorter rails have been developed to satisfy this market need. 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 KBB 2018: InSinkErator to launch new products - G120, Hall 19
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I was having a giggle with a friend over some of the issues I've had with so called experts from the building trade (well, what else can one do?), so as you may imagine, the press release I've received from the Federation of Master Builders really hit home. Well actually, it appeared to have been written with people like me in mind... Headed up: 'Consumer fears over cowboy builders costs UK economy £10bn', it highlighted new FMB research, which has revealed that the UK economy is missing out on potentially £10billion each year because homeowners are so fearful of hiring a cowboy builder, they simply don't commission building work. "A third of homeowners are so anxious about the possibility of choosing a bad builder, they don't commission any building work whatsoever," it said. "This means that the UK economy could be missing out on £10billion of activity every year." Indeed, the FMB's latest research shows that on average, your typical homeowner would spend £40,000 on major home improvement projects over the next five years if they could be guaranteed a positive experience. "If we were able to unlock this pent-up demand from fearful consumers, the benefit to jobs and growth would be enormous. Last year the UK experienced its slowest growth since 2012 with a rise in GDP of just 1.8%. With Brexit just around the corner, it's vital that the Government pulls as many school leavers as possible to turbo-charge the economy and protect it from any potential economic wobbles." I agree wholeheartedly that we need to end the cowboy builders' reign of terror so we can all have the confidence we need to invest our cash in building work. And I'd love the Government to consider introducing some form of mandatory licensing system for domestic builders so we consumers know that all building firms have a base level of skill, competence and professionalism. Something like the Gas Safe Register would be great! Unlike in Australia and Canada, this country allows anyone to play at being a builder and that's why there's a significant minority of rogue traders out there giving the whole construction industry a bad name and too few consumers are aware of the professional bodies the KBB industry boasts. We need to do something about the cowboys and as an industry, do our best to promote the people who know what they're doing! Yours,
 This Week's News
Soundbathe in good company as Google enters hidden speaker market
There are no visible wires, it's waterproof, hidden and completely safe and hygienic, all simply controlled from your smartphone! KBB Birmingham 2018: BiKBBI confirms its programme - T125
Sunday 4th March: KBB Birmingham 2018: Karonia to launch additions to Mistral worktop range - M100
There will also be a section of the stand dedicated to Karonia's contracts/large projects division with examples of how products can be used for student accommodation, city apartments, housing developments, hotels and schools. KBB Birmingham 2018: Rotpunkt to showcase new launches - N110
"We want to gain greater awareness for both brand and business, as well as forge new retail partnerships and routes of supply," explains Matt Phillips, head of UK operations, Rotpunkt UK. Stoves relaunches Community Kitchens Competition
The £10,000 Stoves Community Kitchens campaign, which aims to transform kitchen facilities on community projects across the UK, has been running for three years. In that time, it has helped a wide range of organisations including youth clubs, schools for children with additional learning needs, community projects that support the homeless, a pensioners' dinner club and organisations that help to educate people of all ages about cooking, food and nutrition. Bertazzoni joins forces with several distributors Bertazzoni is set to realise its distribution potential, having partnered with several companies across the UK. Gardiner Distribution, KA Distribution, KTS (Kitchen Trade Suppliers), MCD, Sinks & Things and Swift Electrical will be supporting the Italian-headquartered kitchen appliance manufacturer in achieving greater reach to kitchen specialists and independent retailers. "As an established brand offering quality appliances, we needed to make sure that those we joined forces with, matched our business aspirations and could supply the infrastructure and service needed to reach our target audience," explains Maurizio Severgnini, managing director at Bertazzoni UK and Eire. British Ceramic Tile inspires local students with creative project
The BA (Hons) Printed Textile Design & Surface Pattern students were challenged to design a collection of ceramic tiles tapping into the trend for white or natural stone effects. Not just a design or a moodboard, students were asked to show an understanding of current market activity and trends, and were encouraged to be bold and brave with their ideas, experimenting with different materials and effects. Croydex partners new national campaign to Love The Home You Live In
"Croydex is committed to providing no mess no fuss bathroom accessories and is delighted to support this exciting new initiative," says managing director, Nick McGrellis.
Having previously gained NVQ Level 2 in Business & Administration as part of the Abode apprenticeship scheme, Ellie and Abbie studied with North Lancashire Training Group, on a course funded through the European Social Fund. This supports activities to extend employment opportunities and helps employers develop a skilled workforce. Whirlpool offers Spring cashback promotion with supporting POS for retailers
Consumers can receive cashback of up to £150 on a range of cooking, cooling, laundry and dishwashing appliances and retailers will be provided with a raft of point of sale material, to support and alert consumers in-store to the promotion.
With experience in specification sales from his previous role at Yorkshire-based Cavalier Bathrooms, Cal will use his skills and knowledge to deliver additional contract business. And with 30 years under his belt working in the sector and many established contacts in merchants and distributors, he has been able to hit the ground running in his new role. 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
Soapbox: What lessons can we learn from Carillion's collapse?
Top inclusive design award for VitrA and Sheffield Hallam University
Overall growth forecast in the UK floor and wall tiles market at 7% until 2021
KBB 2018: Bathroom Brands Group set to impress - Stand H20 E95
KBB Birmingham 2018: Roper Rhodes returns with not one, but two stands - D55 & D60
Belling unveils winners of its first Cookery Club competition
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. KBB 2018: Blum set to create its biggest stand ever at Birmingham show - T120, Hall 17
Marketing
Blanco launches online spares website
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