KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
22nd February 2019
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 International News
Products Bushboard invests in award-winning Nuance
New Valarte makes classic current
Schmidt makes the impossible possible
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. New Hotpoint freestanding microwave provides extra cooking space
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
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The report published this week by the Committee on Climate Change on UK housing (you can read it below), which suggests that no new homes be connected to the gas grid after 2025, makes interesting reading and has some excellent and valid points. As was probably only to be expected though, much of the mainstream press jumped on the idea that gas cookers and boilers would become obsolete and our energy bills would rocket if the recommendations were to be adopted, thus making those who haven't read the full report, believe that the ideas are all bad, when in reality they're not. One piece of advice I find most surprising however, is that appliances be relocated upstairs to improve flood resilience - it particularly mentions washing machines! I can only surmise that the report's writers have never tried to move one of these machines themselves... The incredible weight and the idea that we'd be expected to manoeuvre them up the stairs, around corners and through the doorways of ordinary houses makes me wonder whether there are enough osteopaths and chiropractors in the country to be able to deal with all the injuries. And where upstairs would there be space for a machine that could be adapted to dampen the noise and vibration, when upstairs is where most of us sleep? And that's without the potential for flooding which comes with many of these machines as they age. OK the appliances won't be steeped in floodwater and thus won't need replacing following a flood, but the potential for damage created by an upstairs washing machine that's perhaps not been plumbed in correctly or whose pipes have rotted or come adrift, doesn't bear thinking about, does it? And are we expected to relocate our kitchens upstairs too, since it's impractical to have fridges, freezers and cookers upstairs if the rest of the kitchen is still on the ground floor? On a positive note, the report advocates the use of super energy-efficient appliances (it talks about A** and A***) and highly water-efficient devices with low-flow showers and taps, insulated tanks and hot water thermostats - something this industry cleverly already has at hand, along with ever-improving designs of induction cookers. While 2025 isn't too far away, I think that with clever marketing and great products, we can go a long way to saving energy and reducing our emissions long before that, don't you? Yours,
 This Week's News
UK homes unfit for the challenges of climate change, CCC says
In a new report 'UK housing: Fit for the future?' the CCC warns that the UK's legally-binding climate change targets will not be met without the near-complete elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from UK buildings. New Infinity: a design to suit bathrooms of any size or shape
As with all of Crosswater's products, quality and long-lasting durability come as standard across the range of Infinity shower enclosures. Surrounded by a contemporary polished stainless steel frame, 8mm toughened glass offers a superior power shower-proof surface that will withstand the daily wear-and-tear of multi-person use. Introducing Köngistone: Feel at home
The brand was started by two business partners, who currently hold over 90 years of experience between them in all aspects of the stone and worktop industry. Their sons have since learnt the family trade and now assist in running the business. The original team is joined by two daughters and a daughter-in-law, as well as talented individuals from outside of the families. New space saving cooling from Amica
The fridge is 1235mm high so there's an impressive 204 litres of cooled storage space - perfect for fresh foods. It has four shelves, a roomy salad crisper, four spacious door balconies and has an A+ energy rating. Der Kreis supports the ideas of students designing the kitchen of tomorrow
Together with kitchen specialists and partners from the kitchen industry, the Foundation initiates and encourages study projects at universities and colleges that focus on the kitchen, and all of its facets. The most recent projects, exhibited at LivingKitchen in Cologne, saw students from three universities in Germany develop ideas for the kitchen of tomorrow. Practical, adaptable Evolve - top choice for Nest Kitchens' community project
"Every year at Nest Kitchens we like to get involved in a community project, giving a chance for a local charity or community project to get something done that they would not necessarily have the time or budget to complete themselves," says Nest founder Holly Simpson. "An opportunity arose earlier this year to support our local primary school whose staff are striving to bring back hands on cooking lessons for their children. David Goode Joins Bushboard as national account manager distribution
Dave is a well-known and respected face in the KBB industry, joining Bushboard having worked formerly for JacuzziUK and Astracast. Dave (back middle of picture, behind Dale Miller) says: "Distribution is a compelling part of the kitchen market, and one that I enjoy immensely. Bushboard has been at the forefront of worksurface innovation and I am looking forward to being part of the team to develop the company's success in this channel." Unidrain: an exact fit for Copenhagen's Luxury Hotel Herman K
This exciting boutique hotel's luxury bathrooms are housed in white marble and Unidrain's exclusive fittings such as the custom-made HighLine floor drain, Reframe Collection soap shelf with shower wiper, toilet brush and paper holder perfectly complement the interior design. 45-litre cooling perfect second-tier option for retailers
The brand which launched with Exertis late last year is now unveiling a retro-inspired compact countertop refrigerator as it's second product for the UK and European markets. Hotpoint supports 'The Fridge Hiker'
Commencing his mission in 2016, Matthew has so far covered over 75 miles with an under counter fridge that weighs 29kg, which was donated by Hotpoint, strapped to his back using a specially designed frame. 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
Farnborough's first Homebuilding & Renovating Show smashes expectations
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
Wilsonart launches #wilsonartquestionhour
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
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. Out now: Maurice Lay Distributors' new trade price guide
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