KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th November 2018
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 International News
Products Stoves launches retro-style fridge freezer
'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. 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. |
As if the closures of many of our civic amenity tips, plus shorter opening hours and closed gates two-days a week at others wasn't enough, the cost of hiring a skip to facilitate safe and easy disposal of waste following home improvements, has increased. This doesn't bode well for consumers, suppliers, the home improvement industry or our environment, does it? The Federation of Master Builders says the average cost of an eight-yard skip has gone up from £246 to £270 over the past year, increasing the cost of the average extension by £360. With two-thirds of builders admitting they've passed skip price increases on to clients, I daresay clients on a tight budget will have been forced to cut their cloth accordingly - perhaps going without that new appliance or opting for a cheaper worktop or taps. On the other hand, builders who can't afford to reduce their margins or pass skip costs on, may resort to fly tipping or filling householders' bins with rubbish that could be recycled if the whole process weren't being made so darned difficult! Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, says it's not just disposal costs but diesel price increases too that are causing problems. He says these have come at a bad time for builders who are already struggling to cover higher wages because of worsening skills shortages. Further, he warns that almost 90% believe that material prices will rise in the next six months. "We're advising builders to price jobs with this plethora of price rises in mind to avoid a further squeeze on already razor thin margins," he admits. I'm always disappointed to see skips piled with items that could have been given to others who need them, via schemes such as Gumtree or Freecycle, and I love seeing appliances or furniture left at the property's edge with signs saying: "Good working order/very comfy - please take". I've disposed of some of my own unwanted items in this way; it saves hassle, keeps costs down, reduces landfill requirements and makes me happy that I'm helping others. And having had a second-hand tumble dryer stolen from my driveway in the time it had taken me to get help carrying it indoors, I know just how quickly things can go! The need to dispose of waste is a problem that affects us all. What can we as an industry do to encourage people to pass on, rather than throw out, I wonder? Are you involved in a recycling scheme that's enjoying success? If you are, I'd love to hear about it. Yours,
 This Week's News
BiKBBI's HMRC approval is great news for membership
"Our HMRC approval is great for us, because its recognition from the Government of our industry placement - but more importantly to me, is that it is absolutely fabulous news for our members, because they will pay less for BiKBBI membership, at a time when we're strengthening member benefits too," notes CEO Damian Walters. Sirius Annual Awards & Gala Dinner 2018
Sleek stainless steel tap for kitchen elegance
The L-shaped spout is practical as well as fashionable; it allows for plenty of space to fill and wash larger saucepans or vases and can be turned by 190 degrees for easy use while the cleverly-designed, retractable hose is seamlessly concealed within the spout which enhances the sleek style. Say hey, good lookin' - what ya got cookin'?
With an A-rating for energy efficiency, this new model features stylish touch controls on a white LED display and 13 functions for easy programming. KitchenAid launches new freestanding combination microwave oven
With a 33 litre capacity, more than 50 pre-programmed recipes and five professional functions, the appliance is a triumph in the kitchen. 'Power of possibilities' with 2019 kitchen trends from Rotpunkt UK
"I strongly believe as we move into 2019 that furniture will be 'defined by difference' and by this I mean a brave mix of stand-out finishes and materials being used to identify different pieces of furniture and create zonal kitchen schemes that are not restricted by four walls or customary layouts.
To celebrate the success of Evolve, Bushboard is offering retailers a £20 Love to Shop voucher for every single 650mm worksurface sold. This is for every top, not every order - so if a retailer sells three tops to one customer £60 worth of vouchers will be awarded. Nando's Sydenham, is no chicken when it comes to making a design statement
Jemma Convery joins VitrA as marketing executive - specification
Jemma's new role will focus on building the brand and customer relationships within the architect and interior design sector. Jemma will be working closely with the specifications manager and commercial sales team at VitrA. Hands-on training to create the perfect kitchen surface
Symphony is the UK's largest privately-owned manufacturer of fitted kitchen, fitted bedroom and fitted bathrooms. Installer teams from the company attended Wilsonart UK head office in County Durham for specialist installation training for Wilsonart Earthstone, Wilsonart's solid surface worksurface material. New Apprenticeship Ambassador joins BiKBBI
Michael Burke, a highly-experienced retail installation manager and education champion, joined BiKBBI this week and will be responsible for the development and national roll out of the Apprenticeship scheme. British icons team up to launch bold new collection of bathroom accessories
They are the brainwave of Croydex Project Manager, Margaret Carruthers who is a fan of the brightly coloured designs and spotted a gap in the accessory market. 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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