KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th June 2018
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 International News
Products Shades of grey find new lease of life in kitchen design with matte finish
Shades of grey, white and black are dominating kitchen design in 2018. These versatile, albeit no frill tones, pair with any colour and finish, making them perfect for the modern kitchen. With moodier aesthetics in demand, as seen at EuroCucina, grey, white and black décors are the perfect building blocks to design a kitchen around. Facilitating this trend, the Formica Infiniti Worktops range comes in 12 modern décors including four core neutral colours: Graphite, Fog, White and Diamond Black. Kitchen TVs make handy save as World Cup kicks off
More than 20 million UK viewers tuned in at home four years ago and there's no doubt that the tournament will be dominating the airwaves again this year. While that may be great news for football fans, it's likely to lead to disagreements in households where not everyone's as passionate about the beautiful game. Arty Artago sink will stun in the kitchen
Featuring a concealed C-overflow and the innovative InFino waste system, the unique models are incredibly hygienic and easy to keep clean. Focus on stainless steel new tap range from Abode
All manufactured from hard-wearing and natural 304 grade stainless steel, the new taps present a professional image in the kitchen, with their own distinct style, innovation and high quality finish. Rangemaster's Paragon sink family extended with two new models
The new Paragon single and double bowl models are designed to blend seamlessly into contemporary kitchens, with both sinks suitable for undermount fitting. For added flexibility in kitchen design, the single model can also be fitted inset for a more traditional look, making it an excellent choice for refurbishment projects. Facelift for Amica family laundry
Priced to appeal to the family market, all three machines feature a number of useful innovations - such as child locks and drum clean - a programme that keeps the drum smelling fresh and clean...
Brassware trends are on tap with new Abode Additions
Design flair is evident throughout the new collection, which includes Loop, a contemporary brassware solution featuring an on-trend single lever and elegant tapered spout, giving high-end appeal at a competitive price point. Tankless intelligent toilet debuts at New York's International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Each intelligent toilet is designed to make life more comfortable with smart and personalised cleansing technologies free of the unnecessary bulkiness and lackluster design of traditional toilets. British Ceramic Tile brings great British design to Spain with the Laura Ashley collection
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I thought when I read about the recent ruling that tradespeople working for Pimlico Plumbers are not to be classed as self-employed, that the decision would have far wider-reaching implications for our industry, and indeed it seems I was right. Hermes has also been in Court over similar issues and of course now the precedent's been set, that outcome was really a forgone conclusion, wasn't it? I expect these to be the first of many cases that will change the way we work. Over decades of owning 'falling-down' property I've realised how often tradespeople uncover problems they couldn't have been expected to see before starting the job. As a result, I'm aware that when these cans of worms have been opened up, the likelihood of the tradesperson having all the parts required to deal with the newly-discovered issue/s are low. Thus, these people have to rely on parts being delivered later that day or overnight by courier, to avoid holding up the job. And of course, when it comes to the trade, busy professionals will have to work silly hours to prevent any downtime from having a knock-on effect on the work they have lined up for the rest of the week. I think it will take a little while for things to settle down again and am wondering whether tradespeople are going to consider it necessary to expand the stocks of spare parts they keep in their vans, in an attempt to cover almost every eventuality, and also what effect this may have on future insurance premiums. Moving on, please accept my apologies for the late arrival of this issue of KBzine. Suffice it to say, you can't always rely on the Internet - particularly when housing developers are afoot and are not being too careful about where they're digging... Finally, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association tells us it's soon to share the results of its recent consumer research into how people use their bathrooms. Whilst waiting for my Internet to click back in (Spotify's a great aid, as the music starts again when it picks up the connection) I asked my elderly neighbours what they'd like to see in their bathroom, which isn't currently available. "A wipe-clean magazine rack or book rest," mused the lady of the household, while her husband suggested a voice-controlled crossword problem-solving device. Any takers? Yours,
 This Week's News
New account manager bolsters sales team
Esther brings with her a wealth of experience from all channels and all areas of not only the kitchen and bathroom industry, but the wider consumer market too. She began her career in account management at the age of 21, working for Haribo for seven years managing key accounts with major retailers such as Waitrose. Stronger April sales for merchants
Average sales a day, which take trading day differences into account, were down 2.1% on April 2017. Bushboard Nuance top choice for Bannatyne Spa Hotel refurbishment
Crossley Webb Contracts has specialised in giving exceptional quality interior refurbishments and fit-outs for the past 16 years. The key must-have features for the hotel bathroom refurb' were for a product that was completely waterproof, quick to install and available in a choice of upmarket finishes. Tradespeople shake off stereotypes by choosing work over World Cup
Nearly 20 million viewers tuned in to watch England in its first World Cup match; although, it is the daytime games that will put loyalties to the test in a clash of the World Cup vs work. Croydex inspires with innovative additions and new-look for firm favourite in latest collection
Big on performance but low on water consumption, each of the six new water-efficient Aqua Air showerheads use the latest water-saving technology to draw in air and blend it with water flow, making each droplet bigger and softer. By enhancing the system's spray power, Aqua Air promises to reduce water use by up to 50% compared to normal showers. BMA looks to the future at AGM
Alan Dodds from Roca UK (pictured here speaking at KBB Birmingham) takes on the role of president for two years, assisted by Nick McGrellis, Croydex, as first vice president and John Robinson, from Ideal Standard International in the position of second vice president. Blanco's Catris-S tap; for the ultimate in flexibility
The flexible spout can be swivelled from side to side, it also can easily be removed from the holder. The spout is fitted with two buttons for the user to change the water flow from normal to a spray. Indesit nominated for Best Baby And Toddler Gear Award
Organised by Mumii.co.uk, a website dedicated to parents, the Awards recognise the very best products aimed at parents and their little ones. Award winners are selected based on comparative testing by both industry experts and 'real life' mums and dads. British Ceramic Tile launches new Tile Collection brochure
Created by British Ceramic Tile's in-house marketing and design team, the new brochure reflects the company's obsession for tiles and putting the customer first with a new, easy to navigate format. Rotpunkt delivers on 'lead-time' promise to UK independent retailers
No more leaks! See how it all works...
Caesarstone Metropolitan Collection now available for ArtiCAD designers
ArtiCAD designers wishing to use these groundbreaking new surfaces in their designs can browse through the catalogue and select those which best suit the style they are seeking. KWC launches its first UK brochure of luxury sinks and taps
Available now, the 58-page, full colour A4-size brochure comes in a stylish matt finish and reflects the company's flair for innovative design and finest quality precision manufacture. Account managers join the team at Gaia Climate Solutions
Gaia Climate Solutions has appointed two new account managers to join its team, Rebecca O'Hara (left) and Ella Robinson. Rebecca joins the underfloor heating sales team from Chubb Fire & Security. Although she worked across a variety of roles, Rebecca primarily worked as a territory sales executive where she was responsible for growing service contract portfolios within the South East Region, negotiating service agreements and specifying intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems. Rebecca is looking forward to her new role at Gaia Climate Solutions. 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
BMA calls for more anti-scald education after man dies after falling into scalding bath
Shortlist for KBSA Designer Awards announced!
Penny Mallory to join Wayne Hemingway at KBSA Conference
If you want to learn from world class speakers, you'd better register soon...
A strong future for AKW following buyout
UK inclusive bathroom and kitchen products market sees 4% growth
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