KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th January 2019
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 International News
Products First in Danby's UK range arrived - and it's a Red Dot Award winner!
CRL Stone launches six new colours of Ceralsio ceramic
Splash up colour schemes with Lustrolite panels
Spring cleaning in store with The Signature Collection
Bespoke concrete solutions from The Poured Project
Swiss Krono's CamuStyleTX wins prestigious German Design Award
Minimalist vanity basin, WC & electronic-flush urinal for Istanbul
Keller's chic Chelsea kitchen: vintage style with a modern twist
Fashionable tap for modern kitchens
Quartz in a quarter of the time (and cost)
KBBG introduces a supplier of kitchen bar stools
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If you read my leaders regularly you're probably aware that I'm a bit of a hippie at heart and that one of my passions is Planet Earth and our need to look after our environment. Nature is all about balance though and sometimes I wonder at the decisions made by those in power, which leave me confused at the thinking behind them. Take clean air zones... yes, they're a great idea but if in establishing them you're preventing people from working or you're adding to pollution by preventing them from getting from A to B by the shortest route, then you could end up doing more damage than good. Just where do you draw the line? While I hate traffic pollution, I was pleased to learn today that the Taxpayers Alliance has won its campaign in Southampton, to prevent commercial vehicles from being charged £100 a day for the privilege of driving through the city. The TPA argued that in reality, it was just another unjustified attack on businesses and taxpayers. I have to agree. Just look at our industry... people travelling to and from their place of work in their vans, those carrying out repairs and/or servicing of appliances, delivery drivers, fitters, etc. Just think of the impact! Do those in charge ever think things through properly and look at the real consequences of their decisions? And with several councils now considering introducing Workplace Parking Levies once more (a tax on businesses that have the temerity to offer parking places for their staff!) and public transport in such a mess, I sometimes wonder whether someone, somewhere, wants us all to down tools... Finally, while I try to stay away from politics when writing, I felt swayed to congratulate Leeds-based Pland Stainless today. Why? Well with all the negative press Great Britain's been receiving as a result of the Brexit battle, which has led many of us to question whether we're capable of getting anything right, seeing a British manufacturer celebrating its Centenary has warmed the cockles of my heart. The celebrations included a tour by the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the presentation of some long service awards during a special luncheon, with a home-baked (but very professional) celebratory cake taking centre stage on the dining table. British manufacture and tradition at its best then! You can read more below and click through to the pictures via the link. Yours,
 This Week's News
KBSA launches new business funding benefit for members
"This is a great benefit for our members," says KBSA national chair Richard Hibbert says". Funding Circle has a fantastic track record of lending to small businesses. I have used the company for my own business and found it to be so much easier than dealing with the banks. You can pay off the loan when you like without penalty, it is very easy to apply and I had the money within 2 days." The RIBA + VitrA Talks series continues into 2019
This flagship programme is aimed at showcasing the best in contemporary established and emerging voices in architecture, both in the UK and internationally, with talks taking place in London, Istanbul and regional cities in the UK. Taps and showers one step closer to voluntary agreement says European Bathroom Forum
The European Bathroom Forum has circulated details of a Commitment that is required from the industry in order to develop an acceptable Voluntary Agreement for taps and showers. Lord Mayor visit marks start of Centenary celebrations for Pland
As well as touring the premises, the Lord Mayor presented some long service awards and met all the staff during a luncheon to celebrate the event. Compliance and water efficiency best practice will improve safety in social housing, says BMA
Yvonne made the comments in response to a report from housing charity Shelter that said 1.2 million homes are needed for families who cannot afford to buy. She warned that failure to take on board the lessons learned from Grenfell could lead to another disaster unless attitudes change. BAL invests in sales, support and specification teams
The Stoke-on-Trent-based manufacturer has doubled its sales team while additionally creating a new training and technical support team of five and adding to its specification support team. NSF International commends Altecnic's TMV2-certified products
The global water testing, certification and auditing organisation has recognised Altecnic's adjustable T-type thermostatic mixing valves. These products are the first to be TMV2-accredited against the recently revised 2017 version of the European Standards BS EN 1111 and BS EN 1287 which ensure thermostatic products maintain safe temperature water delivery for bath, shower and washbasin use. Smallbone & Mark Wilkinson appoint sales & marketing director
Graham joins a team led by executive chairman Ian Gray, who was appointed in September 2018 to drive forward the future success of the company. Busy March for Saniflo at FutureBuild in London and ISH in Frankfurt
Silestone launches the new minimalist kitchen sink, Integrity Q
New colours, finishes and revamped brochure for Cucina Colore
The latest additions reinforce Cucina Colore's position as one of the best solutions for modern kitchens, providing colour and texture, alongside contemporary furniture designed for open plan living. 'New Traditional' with Dark Gold Art Moderne II Towel Warmer by Vogue (UK)
Bridging the gap between modernist and traditionalist at heart, Art Moderne II's heritage design with classic crosshead capstan-style valves work in perfect harmony with its contemporary finish and multi-rail design: hexagonal uprights and round horizontal bars. HiB'S new brochure for 2019 helps customers find their wow
At the start of a new year when many people are inspired to renovate their homes, the brochure provides a comprehensive resource for retailers and end users alike. 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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