KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
6th July 2019
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 International News
Products
Unidrain received a Gold REMI at the WorldFest-Houston, the Silver Award at the US International Film and Video Festival, plus a Silver World Medal at the New York Festival Awards, which took place earlier this year. Bathroom Brands Group's new MyHome collection by Britton: compact yet comprehensive
InSinkErator introduces new development on hot water tank
The upgraded NeoTank, suitable for use with the InSinkErator 4N1 Touch combination tap, benefits from a 1300W power level to efficiently heat the water in the tank up to 99°C. If a lower temperature is required, the NeoTank features a precise +/- 1°C thermostat. New handleless kitchen for Trend Interiors
The new range has a choice of eight fashionable profile finishes which include Brass, Copper, Bronze, Dust Grey, Graphite, White Gloss, Black Gloss and Aluminium, providing a wide range of possible looks when matched with one of the 33 door finishes available across Trend Kitchens. From urban Concrete to modern Gloss White, trendy textures and cool Scandi style Greens, there is tremendous flexibility and choice to design a kitchen for every customer. New washrooms have the 'wow' factor at Abacus HQ
The wall hung WC complements bespoke White Marble Elements basins, which feature the innovative Infinity Tray drain. The elegant White Gloss Marble Trex3 tiles open up the space by reflecting the natural light. Free the imagination with the new Liberty tile range from Trend
Keller Kitchens' countryside style
The flat robust veneer fronts blend the higher cabinetry and lower units; perfect for providing your kitchen with more storage without making it look too crowded.
Roseberry was introduced in 2016 with Peacock Blue as one of six heritage shades offered to complement this classic solid timber collection. Within the first year, it had become that best-selling Roseberry offering. Crosswater launces luxury Italy brassware collection
A combination of time-honoured manufacturing techniques, quality materials and tried-and-tested components are brought together to offer a complete brassware range that proudly wears the Crosswater seal of approval. 'Glitz and glamour' with new White Sparkle by Vogue UK
Glistening upon Vogue's mainstream Focus MD001 towel warmer, the new White Sparkle colour option is exclusive to Vogue UK, infusing a dazzling iridescent finish across one of its flagship multi-rail designs. |
It's not just the sad demise of Bathstore, but everywhere I look I see reports of how much the High Street is suffering against the lure of purchasing online. My local high street is rehashing the area in the hope of attracting more shoppers, but cosmetic enhancements are not going to do it, as far as I can see. Without a wide selection of the sort of shops I want to visit, what's the point of braving traffic queues, potholes and parking costs if at the end of it, I'm unlikely to enjoy my shopping experience? It's sad, as apart from the loss of jobs and a fear that one day there will be no shops for us to visit, there's the knowledge that some people visit shops regularly because they're lonely and it gives them an opportunity to interact with others, without having to commit to anything such as joining a club. Online shopping is so isolating, isn't it? Forgive me if I've mentioned it before (it's my age!) but I recall from my teenage years, my father telling me about a conversation he'd had with a colleague, whose daughter ran a shoe shop. A customer had been in the shop for ages, trying one pair of shoes after another and involving several of the staff, to the extent that they became fed up with the time he was taking up and informed the manager who then asked the customer to leave as he clearly wasn't about to make a purchase. The man burst into tears, saying that this was the only way he ever got to talk to anyone and because everyone had been so friendly and helpful, he'd stayed as long as he could. That tale had a huge impact on me. Since then, I've made a point of talking to anyone I see who's alone. I'll comment on whatever I can, so they see it's more than just good manners. It might be their outfit, a reassurance that the hill they're climbing will shortly flatten out, or that I hope they've not got too far to go with their shopping. I might tell them I've seen a traffic warden looking for cars to ticket, or ask if the market's busy. I figure that if I'm the only person they get to speak to that day, it's been cheerful and heartfelt. From the responses, I know I've brightened a lot of people's days. I only wish I could have a similar effect on our shopping centres! Yours,
 This Week's News
BMA introduces new structure and strategy at AGM
The meeting voted for a change in governance structure that will bring together the Board and management committees into one governing committee, along with a number of changes to the articles of association. Kitchen tap design goes back to black
Giving the kitchen a fresh, edgy and different appeal, matt black adds a sense of industrial cool to the contemporary kitchen, making this one finish that is far from going out of fashion. Bathstore retraining offer helps designers stay in the industry KBB design software specialist Virtual Worlds is reaching out to former Bathstore designers affected by the collapse of the retail chain, to offer them free training on its interactive 3D and 4D programmes. With the first training session providing a foundation on Virtual Worlds' software, former Bathstore employees can go on to complete further training sessions at an exclusive 50% discounted rate. Meet the OBE recipient who's dedicated his career to preventing falls from height
On average, 36 people die every year following a fall from height at work, according to figures released by the Health & Safety Executive this week, and thousands more are injured. Peter has dedicated his career to minimising these numbers and this week, his contribution to height safety was recognised when he was invested with an OBE by HM the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh. Classically beautiful and beautifully versatile - new ceramic sinks from Blanco
The everlasting appeal of ceramic sinks and bowls lies in the natural look and feel. A tactile, deep glaze finish creates a beautiful work space while modern production techniques allow for contemporary shapes with slim rims and small radius designs. Blanco appoints new sales account executive
BMA welcomes new regulations on market surveillance
"These regulations are well overdue, as up until now there has been no means for MSA's to bring companies to task over non-compliant products," says Yvonne.
Better known for its range of integrated cubicles, Kinedo has developed a reputation for delivering shower products that save on installation time, look great and offer versatility. Caesarstone UK opens second distribution centre
A permanent Caesarstone showroom will open on the same site at some stage over the coming months. Calling all designers: Grand Designs Live launches new 'Under the Stairs' competition
The competition will focus on the increase in the use of unconventional spaces and Grand Designs Live is inviting pioneering interior stylists bring their ideas to life at the show. 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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