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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
23rd November 2018

 

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International News
Products

Sleek stainless steel tap for kitchen elegance

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Blanco UK continues to offer kitchen elegance with the beautiful Lanora-S stainless steel tap.

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.
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Say hey, good lookin' - what ya got cookin'?

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Joining Caple's collection of metallic gunmetal ovens, a fridge-freezer, wine, sink and tap for those who require a cohesive look in their hub of the home, the 67-litre Sense C2401GM pyrolytic oven benefits from Caple's signature MotionHeat+, which browns food evenly, while preventing flavour or aroma transfer.
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KitchenAid launches new freestanding combination microwave oven

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KitchenAid has launched a new freestanding combination microwave oven that has been inspired by the professional culinary sphere. The KMQFX 33910 (UK) has an impressive range of chef-inspired functions, to enthuse and embolden those who are serious about food.

With a 33 litre capacity, more than 50 pre-programmed recipes and five professional functions, the appliance is a triumph in the kitchen.
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British icons team up to launch bold new collection of bathroom accessories

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Croydex has teamed up with one of the UK's best-loved artists, Steven Brown, for a new range of McZoo shower curtains and toilet seats. The collaboration between the 100-year-old bathroom accessories specialist and the Ayrshire artist sees the launch of shower curtains and Flexi-Fix toilet seats featuring the iconic Angus McCoo, and giraffe double-act, Francie and Josie McZoo.
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Stoves launches retro-style fridge freezer

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UK appliance brand, Stoves, has launched a new retro-style combi fridge freezer. The new A+ rated 70:30 combi is available in three gloss colours - black, red and cream - with stylish chrome handles and bold chrome branding.
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'Strength in Detail' with MGS Ergon from Grange Design

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The newest interior fashions set to hit the bathroom in 2019 feature 'usability design' with ergonomic product solutions.

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.
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Stay trendy with Keller's industrial style

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The new kitchen from Keller comprises a choice of artistic melamine cabinetry in various shades and finishes to offer an industrial look. The Elba model is available in nine colours from the Master Collection and 14 colours from the Comfort Collection, including Graphite Fleetwood (pictured) which gives a wood-effect appearance, whilst remaining less vulnerable to scratches and scrapes than real wood.
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Rangemaster unveils broader strategy as it launches four new built-in products

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Rangemaster has launched four new Built-in products with a view to creating an enhanced offering, which will enable retailers to cross-sell to customers across the portfolio.
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Welcome to the

KBzine 

 

Mostly when I receive press releases for KBzine, I smile - particularly when I look at the fabulous images of all the things I can't afford. There probably aren't many jobs that create the 'I wants' as much as mine does, but at the moment, I'm enjoying dreaming...

This week though, my inbox has been filled with releases that caused me to screw up my face. You may have guessed the subject matter of most of them: Black Friday - a tradition which, I feel, brings out many of the worst aspects of human behaviour. I don't think it does the retail sector any good in the long run, while the hype causes a panic amongst many of the general population that no doubt persuades the weaker-willed to buy things they wouldn't have bought in the first place, probably don't need and may not actually be able to afford. And as for the potential for being preserved for posterity by a film crew recording the disgraceful scrum - well, it doesn't bear thinking about, does it?

Plus, it creates waste, with people replacing perfectly serviceable items just for the sake of having nabbed a bargain, and since far too many of us don't recycle in the way we should, this waste adds to our landfill problems.

Then of course, it damages trust. If an item can be sold so cheaply on Black Friday, why is it so expensive throughout the rest of the year? Is it sub-standard? Has it been sold for less than the Black Friday price earlier in the year?

Who on earth started this tradition and do they still have any friends, I wonder?

The other releases I've not enjoyed reading are those regarding Smart Meters - a feeling not helped by the almost daily 'phone calls I'm receiving from my electricity provider, pretending that the free meter on offer is something of a prize. The view that these meters can cause ill-health has been around for a long time, as has the idea that they can be used to spy on us and that we'll end up being manipulated into paying more for our power if we're recorded using it in peak times. Then there's the possibility of them being hacked. The news this week that they may actually increase our bills hasn't gone down well and bearing in mind I already use as little electricity as possible anyway, the longer I can avoid having one, the better. How about you?

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Yours,

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Jan Hobbs

 

 


This Week's News

Freestanding Appliances Trends 2019

* Amica-control-panel.jpg"Apart from cooking, where built-in is ahead, freestanding rules in the appliance world - especially in cooling, dishwashers and washing machines," says Steve Corbett, marketing manager at Amica. In this article, Steve discusses trends we can expect to see throughout 2019 and beyond...

"Independent electrical retailers and big on-line groups such as AO and Appliance Direct and national suppliers Argos and Curry's are a major route to market for freestanding appliances - and the market is very competitive. This brings a need to be one step ahead with products that offer more.
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Architect@Work moves to Old Truman Brewery for 2019 Show

* Architect-at-Work-moves.jpgArchitect@Work, a carefully curated annual two-day trade event aimed at architects, interior designers and specifiers, will move to Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch for the seventh London edition 30th to 31st January 2019.
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Bushboard's statement splashbacks launch on Monday

* BUSHBOARD-Splashback-launch.jpgAvailable from Monday, Lush tropical palms, on trend Moorish patterns, 60s style geometrics, weathered London brick and soft, time faded vintage prints are just some of the inspiring options in Bushboard's new Vista splashback collection.

The new collection, which includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic, can be used to create either a focal point splashback behind a sink or a hob, to create a feature wall, or all around the kitchen if desired.
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Perfect for the festive season!

* Perfect-festive.jpgEntertaining at home continues to be one of our favourite pastimes and William Garvey Furniture Makers' freestanding bar cabinets will enable householders to do it in style.

A bespoke bar cabinet by WGFM is designed and made to suit the user's needs and lifestyle, in terms of overall size and the design of the storage space within, as well as the exterior design.
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Kitchen taps that dare to be different

* ABODE-MAIN-PIC.jpgMove over bold colours and minimal design, there is a new trend on the kitchen catwalk and it comes in the form of the unusually designed tap!

Choose a style or finish that breaks from the norm and an instant style update is made, transforming the entire kitchen and turning one of its busiest areas into a focal point.
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Jeremy Ling steps down from Bristan Group

* Jeremy-Ling_Bristan.jpgAfter nine years at the helm of Bristan Group, chief executive Jeremy Ling has announced that he is leaving the business. Darius Padler, vice president for Europe of parent company Masco Group, will take the reins as acting CEO whilst a replacement is found.

During his time as CEO, Jeremy's leadership propelled Bristan Group to become one of the UK's leading names in the taps and showers sector. This was driven by an increased focus on design and innovation, alongside the Group's renowned service proposition.
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Win for Kitchens International designer

* Win-for-Kitchens.jpgKitchens International tells us it is delighted that one of its designers, Angus Macintosh, has won the coveted Leicht Global Design Award for his kitchen design for an Edinburgh client.
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A modern twist to a classic sink

* Blanco-legara.jpgThe Silgranit Legra from Blanco UK is the ultimate classic sink design for today's kitchens.

Each model has a wide tap ledge and a basket strainer to prevent food from going down the drain. Whether rinsing food, washing dishes or filling a vase, the large, deep bowl of the sink is ideal and most models in the Legra range are available for reversible installation.
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Franke cements stainless steel worksurface partnership with F Jones Cleveland

* Franke-stainless-ptnr.jpgCEO of F Jones Cleveland, Fred Jones, recently visited Franke's UK headquarters in Manchester to further cement its partnership as the nationwide installer of the company's luxury stainless steel worksurfaces.

F Jones Cleveland is providing the specialist template and installation service for the range of products that will be manufactured in Franke factories, assuring installation within 21 days of order placement.
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The KBzine Archive Search

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How to contact us at The KBzine:
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307 
Mobile: 07980 288 373

 

 

 

 

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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Recent News

BiKBBI's HMRC approval is great news for membership

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The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation's recent approval by The Commissioners for HM Revenue & Customs is great news for both its retail and installer members, who can now claim income tax rebates against membership fees, which for most would equate to a significant reduction on their annual subscriptions.
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Sirius Annual Awards & Gala Dinner 2018

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Sirius Buying Group honoured some of its approved suppliers and members at its Annual Awards & Gala Dinner recently.
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Seven new members as KBSA continues recruitment drive

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The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has announced that seven new members have been accepted into the Association, continuing the drive towards 50 new retail members by summer 2019.
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Marketing

Top and shop with Evolve

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Bushboard's Evolve solid core worksurface promotion has been perfectly timed for festive season - particularly as the worksurfaces are proving a major success with consumers who appreciate the on-trend slim lines, easy cleaning and straightforward fitting offered by this unique material.
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Saniflo launches new website

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Saniflo UK - the country's leading designer and manufacturer of macerators, pumps and shower cubicles - has launched a new website available at saniflo.co.uk, offering access to a a raft of information for homeowners wishing to find out more and upgrade their homes using a Saniflo product.

The new website makes it easy for homeowners to search and find the products they need.
more



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