KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
30th April 2018
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 International News
Products TKC gains extra curves by significantly expanding its door choice
Textural and neutral - introducing Larna by Masterclass
Saniflo Kineduo walk-in shower-bath offers new features
Uform unveils four cutting-edge door designs and more colour choice
Blanco Durinox is the ultimate innovation in stainless steel
Resistant to scratches and fingerprints, the velvety-matt surface can be integrated with the new Blanco Zerox range of sinks which are also available in a Durinox surface. New wood finish for Crosswater's Glide II bathroom furniture
Keller Kitchens for the best delivery times
Hudson Reed gains CE marking approval for its entire heating range
Stoves extends Mini Range collection to meet demand: New appliances feature Bluetooth connectivity
Hoover bolsters cooking portfolio with Vogue Premium Collection
New intelligent voice and motion-activated recycling bin offers total control
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I was saddened to learn last week that one of our industry's most renowned companies - Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, is planning to cut jobs as a result of what it says are 'changes in the High Street' (you can read more below). Although I'm not party to the intricacies of GDHA's specific issues, I'm well aware that the growth of online retailing has a huge part to play in any retail company's falls in sales - and particularly so for 'big ticket' items. Add to that the high rates and rents ordinary retailers have to pay. Then there are the staff required to efficiently 'man' the shop floor and the increases in the National Living Wage which are so much steeper than they were when the National Minimum Wage was raised each year by - often - just pennies per hour, and we can see something of the battle High Street and out-of-town retailers have on their hands - and it's going to get worse. Although I don't buy online unless I'm forced to, I'm on first name terms with the woman in the white van who delivers parcels and packets to my home several times a week. The three slightly-pre-millennials who have these items delivered here are probably fed up with my nagging that if they continue to buy online there soon won't be any shops they can go to if they actually want to see what they're buying first-hand, but I'm sure that one day they'll remember my words and regret not having taken them on board. It was only a couple of years ago that Jessops, the expert camera retailer, supposedly closed, but it wasn't long before shops started being opened again. A good reputation and great service certainly helps in cases such as this - as does clever planning. From what I know of GDHA it's thought long and hard about what it needs to do, to remain competitive in this changing market. It has some great brands and products that really stand out for their look, their build quality and their features. While I feel for those who are about to lose their jobs, I'm hoping that the moves being made to keep the business viable are timely enough that the company will be hiring again in Merseyside before too long... Yours,
 This Week's News
GDHA to shed up to 300 jobs at its Prescot, Merseyside cooker factory
In a statement issued on Friday, the company said: "The proposed changes are likely to result in up to 300 potential redundancies over the course of the year, commencing from August 2018. New Housing Secretary must unleash potential of small builders, says FMB Commenting on the announcement that James Brokenshire MP has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: "Sajid Javid passes the housing baton to James Brokenshire at a crucial time for the sector.
We hope that Brokenshire will build on Javid's good work, both in terms of raising the profile of housing as an issue at Cabinet level, and implementing some sound policies aimed at tackling the housing shortage. UrbanTop range extended with new finishes
UrbanTop has been a huge success with retailers since its launch two years ago, having proved to be a versatile and popular finish for the budget conscious consumer looking for a designer finish. One Day Design Challenge returns to the Roca London Gallery
The competition invites students and young professionals who are starting out in the design and architecture sectors to showcase their creative talents with the chance of winning up to £2,500 in cash prizes. A multitude of mounting options with Matrix R15 sink range
Made from one of the most versatile materials on the market, the new Matrix R15 sinks are just as flexible in terms of installation. An ideal solution for creating a high-end and minimal look, the design of the Matrix R15 sink means it can be installed into any surface, including laminate, enabling the customer to create an undermount look without the expense of solid surface. The R15 can also be undermounted; clips are provided for both methods of installation. Homebuilding & Renovating Show reports growth of over 16% in last five years
Britain's largest event of its kind, sponsored this year by Klöeber and JG Speedfits, hosted over 36,233 engaged and targeted visitors at the NEC show with an average project spend of £120,000. The most popular projects people undertake are a self or custom build (21%) and a single and two storey extension (26%). Bette products now on Virtual Worlds CAD system
Bathroom showrooms and designers using Virtual Worlds can now quickly and easily include Bette products in their bathroom designs, including them in 3D and 4D rooms, 2D plans and elevations, and also in the costings of items used. Countertop class: the Clearstone range
Giving customers the option to have a coordinated bathroom scheme, the most popular bath designs from Clearwater are produced with a matching basin, echoing the bath's silhouette whilst simultaneously softening the architectural feel of a trend-led bathroom.
To celebrate the rising popularity of concrete, British Ceramic Tile has introduced a striking new grey concrete effect ceramic tile to the retail market, suitable for use on both walls and floors - Smokestack. Created using high definition technology, Smokestack replicates the raw, earthy qualities of concrete on a ceramic tile for a surface with an industrial edge. CRL Stone's Donovan Stanford focuses on the South East
Having worked within the kitchen and bathroom industry previously, selling granite, marble and engineered stone slabs used for countertop applications to stone masons, interior designers, property developers and architects, Donovan is well placed to advise CRL Stone customers on the company's range of ceramic and quartz surfaces. Hoover launches integrated heat pump tumble dryer
Launching this month with an A+ energy rating and 7kg capacity, the Hoover HBTDW H7A1TCE is also wi-fi connected, enabling users to have remote control of the machine through the Hoover Wizard app. This provides them with the ability to check health diagnostics, monitor energy consumption and even download more than 20 additional programmes. LDL introduces brochure library
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