KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
15th February 2019
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 International News
Products
The industrial element is reflected through the smart cube-shaped units, reflective of warehouse storage shelving, and dark coloured tin handles (no 672 from Keller's range) which can be matched with aluminium framed display cases (as pictured). The Bolton model is also available in Concrete, Rust and Marble White. Rotpunkt urges KBB industry to support further education apprenticeships
Helping to 'provide a clear path into the kitchen industry', this announcement marks an important step for a qualification that sits just under the Level 4 & 5 FDA Foundation Degree in Kitchen Design, currently offered. Clever evolution of tap technology with Blanco's Evol-S
This revolutionary smart tap has an integrated measuring function with a precise rotary control to give users the exact amount of water they need. The specific volume is set with the scaling wheel while the measured amount is delivered via the intuitive touch sensor system. The standard mixer tap functions of temperature and flow are controlled by the lever on the opposite side - the Evol-S is available handed left or right. New POS for Vista statement splashbacks
Vista includes a compelling showroom lure like Summer Palms along with Moorish patterns, geometrics, weathered London brick, metro tiling and vintage prints (just some of the inspiring options in the new collection which includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic). Kai by Crosswater: part of the New Essentials collection
HiB hits the right note with groundbreaking launch
The RIBA + VitrA Talks series continues into 2019
Taps and showers one step closer to voluntary agreement says European Bathroom Forum
Silestone launches the new minimalist kitchen sink, Integrity Q
New colours, finishes and revamped brochure for Cucina Colore
'New Traditional' with Dark Gold Art Moderne II Towel Warmer by Vogue (UK)
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New research has revealed that 61% of us are worried our local high streets are going to be lost completely within 10 years & that until then their variety will continue to contract; with food and beverage, value and fashion brands likely to be the next victims. Respondents felt that if local high streets had free parking & easy accessibility, we'd more likely shop in-store. When asked what would tempt us back to our high street, the top answers were: more staff to facilitate a quicker experience (41%); clearer stock check in store (34%); 24-hour service so you can shop at any time (27%); Self-checkout service to avoid queues (26%) When asked what we think the high street will look like over the next 10 years, we're worried independent stores won't exist. Listed in order of the most likely inhabitants, to the least likely, are: restaurants, coffee shops, second-hand shops, bars, fast food restaurants, retail chains e.g. department stores, clubs, cinemas, banks, travel agents and independent retailers. Doesn't bode well for our sector, (or the shopping experience) does it? "It's obvious that people still like going into store to shop, but it just isn't as accessible as online shopping is," says KIS Finance, which carried out the survey. "To save the high street, retailers need to ensure they are thinking innovatively about how to draw customers in with clearer in-store stock checks, more staff and extended hours during busy periods. The reason so many retailers are struggling is because consumer shopping habits are changing and the high street needs to change with it, creating a more community-led atmosphere with more accessibility & variety for everyone."
In contrast is the report from the Farnborough Homebuilding & Renovating Show, staged late last month, which proves that a comprehensive gathering of companies able to provide the trade and consumers with all they need to either build a new property or renovate an old one, can be a real success... A kind of Field of Dreams 'build it and they will come' gathering. Is this something we might perhaps see in the future... fixed gatherings of related stores for a particular sector, much like a permanent exhibition? Image courtesy of Sam Edwards Yours,
 This Week's News
Bushboard invests in award-winning Nuance
In anticipation of continued growth, the company has completed a £1million investment increasing its state-of-the-art manufacturing capacity at its factory in Wellingborough, Northants.
The UK based group - best known for its key brands, Crosswater, Burlington, Britton and Clearwater - is based in a new office, warehouse and large showroom complex (pictured) in Dartford, Kent and has offices in several other countries around the World. New Valarte makes classic current
Valarte is a modern take on a proven classic style that can be used in a traditional or a modern interior. The design, produced by VitrA's in-house team, takes its inspiration from Shaker and is available in three soft, nostalgic and on-trend shades with circular metal ring handles.
He is currently commercial & public affairs director at the British Ceramic Confederation, where he leads on trade and employment policy as well as political engagement. Farnborough's first Homebuilding & Renovating Show smashes expectations
The event, which took place for the first time towards the end of January at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, welcomed over 9,700 visitors across the two days, with an average project spend of £154,834 per person. Wilsonart launches #wilsonartquestionhour
Masterclass Kitchens bids farewell to longstanding area sales manager Steve Hansford
Steve has been an integral part in the growth of the Masterclass business with his contribution and service to the brand, resulting in his area having the largest turnover at the point of his retirement. Schmidt makes the impossible possible
To show its commitment to customers, no matter how far-fetched their dream, Schmidt set itself an extraordinary challenge: to design a kitchen and wardrobe for an exceptionally demanding customer - the world-renowned mountaineer Kenton Cool. The twist was, Schmidt did not install these at his home in England but on the side of a mountain at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres. And the company succeeded with no compromises! Franke launches retailer incentive scheme for hoods
Franke has launched its first ever retailer reward and incentives scheme for its hood category and it is in operation now. Retailers can open a direct account with Franke to purchase hoods from its extensive portfolio, while also earning attractive margins. Upon signing up to the Rewards scheme they then earn £20 for each hood sold - with the first sale doubling up to £40, following registration on Franke's easy-to-use Reward Portal www.frankerewards.co.uk, the dedicated website for the scheme. New Hotpoint freestanding microwave provides extra cooking space
The compact microwave has a 20-litre capacity, with the same usable space of a Hotpoint 25-litre capacity microwave. New 2019 bathroom brochure by MGS is exclusively available from Grange Design
Featuring a host of solid stainless steel eco-friendly taps and shower solutions for the contemporary homeowner. 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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clicking the link above. Recent News
Most KBSA retail members have confidence in supply chains - whatever Brexit brings
Bertazzoni teams up with EQ Software Italian kitchen appliance manufacturer, Bertazzoni, has partnered with EQ Software to provide retailers with simple and easy access to its product portfolio. Since launching in the UK in May 2017, Bertazzoni has built a robust network of trusted stockists and distributors to ensure consumers have access to a high calibre of retail partners across the UK. Bora demonstrates the future of kitchen technology at architect@work
Membership continues to grow for KBSA
Uform reduces paint-to-order lead times Kitchen manufacturer and distributor Uform is pleased to announce a reduction in lead times for its Paint-to-Order timber items. This latest development means that Paint-to-Order timber items are now back to a 10- day lead time, which comes as a result of the company's recent £4million investment programme which was completed at the end of 2018. Marketing
Winter promotions for Bushboard Evolve: Love to Shop on Every Evolve Surface + Free Evolve Displays
Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery website now open for business
Literature
Out now: Maurice Lay Distributors' new trade price guide
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