KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
14th September 2018
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 International News
Products Sleek with no leaks for the perfect wetroom
"A few manufacturers have attempted to create something similar but, in our opinion, Abacus Elements has really nailed it with this clever design making it one of the best wetroom trays we have seen," Roger Bisby, Skill Builder. Better than ever ceramic hobs from Amica
Matt black finds its surface match with CRL Quartz Vicenza
Traditionally modern design for your kitchen
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. Survey reveals safety managers' confidence with workplace eyewash stations
New superslim worktops - a real innovation in laminate
Crosswater's Svelte bathroom furniture collection now offered inn Storm Grey
Franke's new Atmos hood aims to make condensation a thing of the past
Streamlined and elegant: Rangemaster launches two new kitchen taps
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Welcome back to our first post-Summer KBzine. It seems like such a long time ago that I wrote my last leader - perhaps that's the sign of having had a good break! As is usual over Summer, I've gone from one festival to another without actually unpacking my car and I'm happy to say that all bar one boasted a crowd that takes note of the mantra: 'leave no trace'. The one where there were issues was not really caused by the festival-goers however, but because e.coli had been found in the pipes supplying the local village and farm where the festival was held. This meant that although most of us were proudly carrying reusable water bottles, (my smart Franke water bottle served me well - see #RefillnotLandfillUK to find out how to get one for yourself) rather than the environment-contaminating common sort, we ended up not being as environmentally-friendly as we'd hoped as the festival organisers had to ship in 27,000, two-litre plastic bottles of water to keep us all going - not good for an event that runs on solar power and doesn't normally leave a carbon footprint! I just hope these plastic bottles are eventually put to good use, such as for more of the loft insulation material I have at home which has made a real difference to the Winter temperatures we have to suffer indoors, since it's been installed. Whilst away I experienced a vast array of compost loos of different styles which were always incredibly clean and didn't smell (I so wish it was like that in 'away from home' loos in normal life) so it's been something of a shock to come back to an inbox full of press releases and images of fabulous bathroom products with high-tech features! I did wonder more than once why no-one has thought of using the doors to advertise some of these products to the captive audience 'roughing it' within... But onto festivals of a different kind... Tomorrow, of course, sees the start of the London Design Festival & all that it brings. There's so much to see and a multitude of related events being staged at so many venues (https://www.londondesignfestival.com/events) that I wonder whether anyone could manage to see everything before the Festival closes its doors on the afternoon (or probably evening) of 23rd September. If you're visiting, I hope that you're inspired and if you're exhibiting, that you make lots of sales! Yours,
 This Week's News
KBSA Designer Awards 2018 winners receive their trophies
Brassware and taps market enjoys 4% value growth despite intense pricing pressures
A more modest performance is anticipated in 2018 and 2019, with consumer and business confidence expected to decline, impacting on demand for brassware and taps. New for 2018 at Küchenmeile: Holland Trend Haus
Following on from their last presence at Küchenmeile in 2013, Holland Trend Haus sees the three companies charting a new course. Poor consumer lending practices short-change UK businesses by some 40% of sales
The study, compiled by specialist finance platform, Duologi, looked at the biggest frustrations consumers face when borrowing funds to purchase goods and services on credit. It revealed an array of barriers that could be having a hugely detrimental impact on sales across a range of consumer-facing business sectors.
With many new products launched within the last 12 months, Salice says visitors to the stand will have much to admire including the stylish Slider M35 Top coplanar sliding system which is suitable for medium sized cabinets, with doors width up to 1500mm and a maximum weight of 35kg per door. Miele's new CM 7550 bean-to-cup countertop coffee machine incorporates WiFi technology
Available from October, this attractive redesign of the existing CM 7500 is equipped with Miele's WiFiConn@ct technology, allowing the machine to be easily integrated into a smart home using an existing WLAN network. Blanco introduces super stylish stainless steel taps
The Ambis is an elegant, angular tap with a spout which can be swivelled by 360 degrees, making cleaning, washing up and food preparation simple. NoCode Versobox - innovation in shower valve technology
With an impressive shallow depth of between 70 and 90mm, Versobox can be used in any type of wall. Rangemaster updates iconic Elan range cooker by launching the Elan Deluxe
The distinctive Elan features including rotary controls, door, handles and towel rails have been retained and brand-new features have been introduced, bringing the Elan Deluxe in line with Rangemaster's most contemporary range cookers. The Elan Deluxe is also one of the first range cookers to benefit from the brand's recently unveiled 'next generation' induction system. Illusion of wallpaper made possible with new V&A Serenity Collection from British Ceramic Tile
We all love the look of wallpaper. Textured, detailed, patterned... it's a surface covering that adds a new dimension to walls but often it's not suitable for wet rooms or busy areas of the home due to wear and tear. With this new collection of ceramic tiles, people can recreate the same stunning wallpaper effect knowing that the tiles are waterproof, easy to clean and will last for years. British Ceramic Tile expands its internal design with creative new talent
Worktop Express launches Wilsonart's Zenith Solid-Core slimline worktops
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BMA works towards international agreement on water efficient products
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Smeg's new digital brochure features entire built-in and integrated appliance range
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