KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
3rd August 2018
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 International News
Products New VitrA Signature Collection offers retailers that little extra
The award-winning shower toilet; V-care Essential, is also included to provide retail partners with a competitively priced solution in this rapidly growing market segment. New mineral cast basins for VitrA Ecora Infinit furniture range for that millenial vibe
Multi-compartment bin from Binopolis make recycling quicker and easier
The new Rapide Collection from Ambiance Bain - available from UK stock
European bathroom industry will adopt single scheme for water/energy efficiency labels
New washday wonders from Amica
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I know that just a few of KBzine's readers are involved in full-scale construction work but I'm running a piece today aimed at construction safety in excessive heat, since it made me wonder how on earth people are managing to cope - whatever their job involves. I read somewhere that very high temperatures - while not exactly frying the brain - damage its function to the extent that we find it hard to focus and simple functions create a real drain on our energy. I get that, having struggled myself to complete last week's KBzine to the standard I'd like. It took so long and I felt exhausted by the end. This week hasn't been much better. I care for my elderly mother who luckily, lives locally. Last week she was on antibiotic eyedrops that needed administering six times a day. What I found so wearing was not just having to stick to schedule, but the need to keep closing the windows and then getting into what felt like an oven when I returned to my car. How on earth do delivery drivers cope, for even with air conditioning, they experience what I did in reverse - emerging from a cold cab into baking sunshine, before having to unload the delivery and carry what may be an awkward, heavy load into a building and potentially upstairs too. While I was complaining about whizzing just a few minutes along local roads without traffic, those whose job it is to deliver to households or businesses have to fit in loads of calls and probably spend much of the time sat in traffic. Those having to commute haven't had it easy, either, with melting road surfaces and train tracks. And once in the workplace there's smelly, noisy air conditioning to cope with or excessive heat and sweaty colleagues, who may be grumpy because they're hot too. This weather makes us lethargic or even sleepy, yet we still have our deadlines and I can imagine how easy it is for those with a tight schedule (unlike me who works from home and can go more slowly and work into the night) to cut corners and jeopardise their safety and that of others. The article I mentioned earlier talks about the need to behave differently in this heat, if we want to remain safe, so is worth reading. Hate the heat? Don't worry - we'll soon be complaining about the rain, ice and snow! Yours,
 This Week's News
Miele GB appoints John Pickering as managing director
John brings a wealth of leadership and sales experience to Miele, having spent the last eight years at the blue-chip FMCG business, Mars. His last position there was as general manager for Mars Ireland, responsible for all brand categories and aspects of the Dublin-based operation, with achievements in business performance, customer focus and employee engagement. KBSA Designer Awards quality 'better than ever' - say judges
Head judge Wayne Hemingway said: "It is pleasing to see so much design talent in the kitchen and bathroom sector, which was very much in evidence at the judges' review meeting." The heat is on and the spotlight is on construction
Outdoor workers are at a significantly higher risk of skin damage, including developing skin cancer in the longer term, than indoor workers. The failure to properly appreciate and manage the risks from working outside during hot weather is graphically illustrated by the fact that construction workers account for 44% of the estimated 48 'vocational' skin cancer caused deaths per year in the UK, according to the British Journal of Cancer [2017]. Abajo - a space-saving, subtle extraction system from Blanco
This system is perfect for open-plan living where sightlines should be kept clear. The Abajo sits flush to the worktop and siphons steam and cooking odours away leaving the room's atmosphere crystal clear. New face for Saniflo in the Midlands
James Beresford, who is based in Leicestershire, has previously worked for leading brands in the industry including AKW, Novellini, Impey and Roca and is now bringing his merchant, retail and sales experience to Saniflo.
The reasons customers contact an organisation are varied, but one of the most common is because something has gone wrong with the customer 'journey'. Whether it's a billing issue, a technical support case or an order incorrectly fulfilled, the valuable customer requires assistance. Survey reveals safety managers' confidence with workplace eyewash stations
A survey conducted among 124 safety professionals at the 2018 ASSP Professional Development Conference last month in Texas, reveals whether businesses are prepared for these difficult-to-avoid eye injuries. New superslim worktops - a real innovation in laminate
The material has a double-sided decor, is exceptionally easy to cut on site and is completely waterproof. The colour core allows features such as routed drainer grooves and crisp machine cut edges that blend while making a beautifully neat job of undermount sink installations. Crosswater's Svelte bathroom furniture collection now offered inn Storm Grey
With a distinctively modern finish, this contemporary grey hue introduces a fresh update to the existing range of colourways within the collection that includes American Walnut, White Gloss and Matt Coffee. Franke's new Atmos hood aims to make condensation a thing of the past
Ideal for use with induction hobs where condensation can be more common, the hood uses a second motor which emits air jets that create a vortex effect. This draws up the steam and eliminates water droplets forming on the underside of the hood, keeping glass, walls, the cabinet and the hood's filters moisture-free. Streamlined and elegant: Rangemaster launches two new kitchen taps
Estuary has classic design cues, with beautifully tapered handles sitting gracefully on an elongated base. To emphasise the subtle curves of this model, there are three distinctive finishes available, including chrome, brushed nickel and stunning brushed copper - all of which make the Estuary a perfect partner to more traditionally led kitchen designs. KitchenAid supports retailers with bespoke training opportunities
Stylishly arranged over two floors, the venue offers retail partners valuable and bespoke training on the vast array of KitchenAid appliances. New FTA events to provide road map for new international logistics landscape
The three one day events will be sponsored by Brigade Electronics, Navitrans and PTV Map & Guide. 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 sponsors new award to promote customer safety through compliance
The kitchen of the future : Magnet and Samsung launch Smart Kitchen
Plumbers' Merchant Graham reaps benefits of Saniflo Kinemagic display with free fitting and training
How-to video focuses on installing Abacus' Easi-Plan Modul Basin Frame
The key to any stylish bathroom is in the planning. With the Easi-Plan range of flushing & support systems by Abacus, any bathroom structure is possible. A solid May for Merchants; kitchens & bathrooms up
Homebuilding & Renovating Show attracts a serious quality audience
More needs to be done to protect workers' lives
Tickets selling fast for KBSA Annual Conference & Awards Dinner
Marketing
Big brand consumer promotions from Amica
Discover Saniflo consumer campaign underway
Literature
New brochure taps into kitchen design
New brochure 'Look-Book' for Bushboard Omega
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