KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
12th November 2010
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International News
Products Franke's flow restrictor is perfect for saving water in the kitchen
When attached to a Franke kitchen tap - such as the Olympus pictured here - the amount of water is almost halved from six litres per minute in line with regulations, with no loss of performance or power in the flow. The flow restrictor is a small screw-in aerator which can be retrospectively fitted to a number of popular Franke models. T: +44 (0)161 436 6280 F: +44 (0)161 436 2180 Whirlpool's new white oven from the Ambient line is a winner
Next Chapter of 'Vac from the Sea' initiative revealed
Stoves unveils new built-in collection and switches production back to UK
Composting the clean and easy way with Brabantia's new biodegradable bin liners
Keep waste bins clean and dry with Brabantia's 100% biodegradable and compostable bin liners - specially designed for all organic kitchen waste and now available in three convenient sizes - 10lt, 12lt, 18lt. Modena tap by Carron Phoenix is a move outside of the design box
Making a splash! The new addition from Leisure Sinks
Lighting display boards from HiB are a fantastic aid for retailers
EverGrip and new Sealants Catalogue launched by CRL Europe
EverGrip has been specially formulated for the installation of mirrors, with or without backing tapes, to a wide range of substrates. |
Welcome to the
Water scarcity has become a key global issue for the US because of its potential to fuel armed conflicts in regions such as the Middle East or between nuclear rivals such as India and Pakistan. "Worldwide, water is not only a problem for billions of people who lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation," said Maria Otero, US under secretary for democracy and global affairs, during a visit to Brussels last week. "It is also an issue of security as we see scarcity emerging more and water becoming potentially a source of conflict. There are more than 260 river basins around the world that are shared between countries. And that raises a security issue for everyone. "We believe it is very important to help those countries develop agreements and develop ways to address the water that they share." She said the US had backed the UN resolution, adopted in July this year, to make access to water a basic human right, saying that: "Every human being should have access to water and sanitation". Quite right too! A little closer to home, Chris Taylor-Hamlin, Technical Director of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, (www.bathroom-association.org.uk) has been thinking a great deal lately about Water Efficiency being a driver for cost reduction in hotels. And he says that recent announcements of impending energy price hikes (British Gas has today announced a 7% rise in both gas and electricity this winter, in case you've not seen the news yet) make the BMA's speech on 25th November on day two of the forthcoming Sleep Event (www.thesleepevent.com) more relevant than ever. Chris, speaking on 'Water efficiency in the Commercial Environment' at the Sleep Event Seminar, will develop the argument that water efficiency and energy efficiency are inextricably linked. He will show how the BMA's 'water efficient product labelling scheme' is helping all businesses - and hotels in particular - reduce their water and energy consumption and hence utility costs. He will show how business managers can use the WEPLS on-line database to choose the most efficient bathroom products currently available. "WEPLS has grown rapidly from a germ of an idea to a benchmark scheme which is now being copied in Europe and wider afield," he says. "Our database holds the details of around 1000 water efficient bathroom products which, by default, have the lowest carbon footprint. The scheme is recognised by several government departments and is a major aid for them in their drive to meet the Green Agenda." Hotels are always looking for efficiencies and cost reduction. WEPLS is an increasingly important tool for proprietors and managers aiming to reduce their hot water consumption. Yours, Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Business owners sceptical over Coalition's ability to cut red tape
Many small business owners doubt the new Government's ability to free them from the shackles of red tape, according to new research. A study by the not-for-profit Forum of Private Business found that just 28% of small to medium-sized enterprises believe the Tory/Lib Dem Coalition will make a noticeable difference to the rules and regulations they face. Hotpoint campaigns for confident cooks
The research shows that a combination of busy lifestyles and work commitments means that nine out of 10 British households are stuck in a creative culinary rut and just cook the same meals over and over again. Get the Regency feel from British Ceramic Tile
The new Brighton Regency border & feature tiles have an intricate wrought iron design with colourful accents and platinum highlights, which can be combined with the Brighton wall tile range to provide a wide selection of possibilities for use in hotels, bars and restaurants or equally in a kitchen or bathroom. Everything for today's supply chain operations - under one roof!
If you haven't yet pre-registered for IMHX, you have only until noon on Friday to do so if you wish to receive your visitor pack in the post in time for the event. Remember, IMHX 2010 runs from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th November at Birmingham's NEC. Taking place only once every three years, IMHX - the International Materials Handling Exhibition - is the UK's premier logistics, materials handling and storage exhibition, showcasing thousands of products and services from right across the supply chain. Liebherr scoops six awards in world's largest technology competition!
The Plus X Award panel is made up of 144 experts from around the world and the 'Best Product of the Year 2010' seal is awarded for outstanding achievement. Thanks to innovative ideas, high quality and great design, both the CBNes 5167 combination fridge / freezer and the CBNes 6256 French door combination fridge / freezer won 'Best Product of the Year 2010'. New self-builder's/renovator's contract pack could save £ thousands
Self-Build Zone has teamed up with ContractStore.com and construction lawyer Giles Dixon to produce a suite of contract templates specifically for self-builders and renovators for just £49 + VAT. The easy-to-understand documents have been specially designed for self-builders and renovators by award-winning construction solicitor and 'contracts. The pack, developed with warranty and site-insurance provider, Self-Build Zone, offers peace of mind for contractor, homeowner and project insurer for the fraction of the price of a lawyer. Painted palette perfection for English Revival
Drawing from the success of the Lincoln Shaker range, the new In-frame collection follows suit with painted ash doors in elegant colours; Spring White, Fennel Green, Pebble Blue, Chalk White and Willow Green, while the ready-to-paint option offers customers the versatility to paint their kitchens in any hue to achieve the look they want. The In-frame shaker door itself comprises a frame with beaded profile and 78mm stiles and rails for a more delicate look. Three companies fined after man suffers serious leg injuries
Three companies have been fined a total of £24,500 after electrician Martin Cox, 28, suffered serious leg injuries when he became trapped under a prefabricated wall which he and six other men were attempting to lift. Principal contractor Emcor Facilities Services and the subcontractor, BS Interiors (South) had taken a decision to erect the 10.4 metre long, 2.8 metre high wall, flat on the floor due to the design of the building. Win a Luxury Harvey Nichols Christmas Hamper worth £150
Tickets will be on sale at the showrooms from 16th November and the winner will be drawn from those who've participated, in each of the showrooms, on 16th December 2010.
"I came across Smart Systems several years ago and what impressed me then was how the company's extensive knowledge of the business needs of our community had been cleverly transferred to its Smart, Business and Operational Management System software application," reveals Nigel. 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. News in Brief Most of us are familiar with Swarovski crystals... Now imagine them in two vertical bands on the front of a black Gorenje fridge freezer - stunning! E: [email protected] Inspired by France but made in Britain, Newtons new Chateau D'Or bedroom furniture has an air of opulence. Online blinds retailer Tuiss has launched a range of stylish, 100% waterproof roller blinds, which are perfect for wetrooms. E: [email protected] Moods Bathrooms' new Dream tapware range features waterfall-effect technology and a single lever for easy adjustment of flow and temperature. E: [email protected] Merlyn's new 'Vivid' shower enclosure range includes three with a lifetime guarantee; plus the more affordable Entrée - ideal for the entry market. T: 00 353 56 779 1555
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