KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
9th November 2018
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 International News
Products Stay trendy with Keller's industrial style
Rangemaster unveils broader strategy as it launches four new built-in products
VitrA presents its latest designer collaboration and most iconic designs at Sleep + Eat 2018
Winchester by Keller Kitchens; a modern twist to a countryside style
Available in silk gloss lacquer or structured lacquer, the Winchester kitchen boasts beautiful colours from the Master, Trend and Comfort Collections, including 1,950 hues and natural stain on veneer shades, such as honey and oak, allowing homeowners to create their favourite look and feel. Special display offer for Evolve retailers
Terramix recreates exposed brickwork with ease
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The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Yvonne Orgill has been in full flow this week, with two comment pieces that are of real importance to our industry and, I believe, mankind in general. One of the pieces is featured below and please make sure you read it as it's the other piece I'm mentioning here - the need for the entire bathroom industry to get behind the Water Label to help us all make better choices and save water. Yvonne's calling for the industry to take action in a week that toilets - specifically toilets which work without water - have been in the news. Yvonne refers to Microsoft founder Bill Gates unveiling a toilet that doesn't need water but instead uses chemicals to remove waste. Regular readers of my leaders will be aware of waterless urinals (which use a chemical to improve hygiene and reduce odour) and the compost loos I use when I'm away at festivals - which don't require water or chemicals. Sadly, neither of these is practical in most people's homes but I'm hoping that the concepts can be adapted so they can be more readily available to us in the civilised world in the near future. I can vouch for the fact that compost loos are the perfect solution for the millions who don't have access to toilets and whose lives involve water shortages on a scale that most of us can't comprehend. I can't opine on waterless urinals though! Like Yvonne, I believe that our industry must take seriously the need to save water, particularly as 22% of water used in the home is due to toilet usage and 25% for showering. We could really make an enormous difference, couldn't we? And with the predictions that Britain will need an extra 4,000 million litres a day by 2040 to cope with a drier climate and increased population, and Government wanting targets of around 80 litres per person per day, as opposed to the current estimate of around 142 litres, it would be better to be more proactive than to end up facing imposed restrictions. "Many manufacturers have developed water saving products but we need greater support for the Label and help to communicate its benefits," says Yvonne. "It is currently used on 12,500 products and supported by 144 brands, this could be so much more but we need the industry to get behind it and drive forward real change." Bravo! Yours,
 This Week's News
Seven new members as KBSA continues recruitment drive
The latest new members include one corporate member, Ashley Ann, with eight kitchen, bathroom and bedroom showrooms in Scotland; as well as Foundation member Kessler Furniture Group, based in Cumbernauld. Soapbox: A good week for toilet talk
"It has been a good week for toilet talk. First we had the chancellor making numerous toilet jokes as he announced in the budget that owners will no longer pay business rates on public toilets. Then Microsoft founder Bill Gates unveils a futuristic toilet that doesn't need water by making a presentation with a jar of human faeces on show beside him. The Chancellor's announcement caused much merriment in the house and Bill Gates's stunt made the headlines, which is great news for the bathroom industry, as it brings the toilet and water use to the top of the news agenda. Stoves launches retro-style fridge freezer
The 1.9m tall, 60cm wide appliance offers 230 litres of net cooling capacity and an 87 litre, 4* rated freezer. The appliance is Total No Frost and boasts high quality internal fridge furniture including a five-bottle wine rack, three glass shelves, two salad drawers and four door racks. 'Strength in Detail' with MGS Ergon from Grange Design
To answer this trend, UK based designer, manufacturer and specialist distributor, Grange Design, has introduced MGS's Ergon Collection: a knurled handle tap collection that optimises utility and impact.
Boasting impressive luxurious functions including a heated seat, the Tornado Flush, a deodoriser and the retractable wand with warm water spray, the new slimline Washlet SX is pre-programmable for two personal profiles, offering adjustable seat and water temperature and an alternative wand direction setting. Blanco's smooth Zia sink portfolio offers something special for everyone
All sink models are suitable for modern kitchens with some featuring specialist designs to suit the user's requirements. CIH announces new Associate Membership Combined Independents (Holdings) has introduced an associate membership package, to extend the benefits of being part of Europe's largest buying group to even more independent retailers of electrical appliances. Associate members can benefit from CIH's buying power, have access to its fully stocked warehouses and three deliveries a week, with minimal joining fees and no upfront investment. CIH associate members will be able to retail Euronics agency products, from all of the major brown and white goods suppliers with exclusive models from brands such as Blomberg and Dyson, which their customers are unable to purchase anywhere else on the high street or Internet. Masterclass retailers cook up a treat at Smeg HQ
The event held at Smeg's Abingdon HQ enabled Masterclass retailers who are also Smeg dealers to take a tour of the showroom and gain an insight into the range of products in a very practical way. Danny steps up to new customer service management role
In his new role, Danny will put his extensive technical knowledge of Abode products to good use, managing the company's expanding customer service department. The team has recently welcomed three new additions, with Ros Ormston, James Dickson and Mike Beavon joining the business. New southern business development manager for Wirquin
Richard had previously worked for 13 years selling a technical pipework system into a variety of commercial industry sectors and this role included looking after a number of merchant customers too. His key focus at Wirquin is to develop business in his region both with merchants and to the specification market. Rangemaster unveils new 'inspired' sinks and taps price guide for the trade
Also featured in the brochure is a significant discount that retailers are able to offer consumers, who stand to benefit from a 10% saving when purchasing both a sink and a tap at the same time. Retailers may purchase a sink and tap at the normal invoice price. Bushboard wears-it-pink for breast cancer awareness
"It's such a great cause, it touches so many people's lives," says Hannah Abbott from Bushboard. "Everyone got into the pink-spirit as you can see." Dan Doherty cooks up bonfire night feast with Leisure Range Cookers
Dan created a series of Bonfire Night recipes, videos and social content, to engage foodies with the versatility of cooking on a Leisure range cooker, particularly on Bonfire Night which is fast becoming a feasting occasion for people to get together, have fun and enjoy quality food. 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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