KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
30th July 2019
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 International News
Products The Shower Lab announces internal and external corporate rebrand in line with a new vision
Verona launches its most extensive ceramic tile collection yet with Definitive
Kudos introduces Original6: UK designed & hand built shower enclosures
The Bora principle: the innovation behind the idea
Bertazzoni strengthens refrigeration range with new BI models
VitrA extends Scandi-style Sento bathroom furniture
The wide range of options within the Sento range has now been extended with the addition of new washbasin units, designed to work with countertop bowls. BC Designs brings colour to its bath collection
'Go Eco' with new coffee-inspired wood colours by Rotpunkt
Spread Mudd right through the house
Twice as nice with Caple's new double ovens in the Classic collection
Kitchen tap design goes back to black
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.
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I wish Whirlpool luck in trying to trace all the owners of its tumble dryers that may potentially be unsafe. Anyone would think that the offer of a free replacement dryer; a free in-home modification; a refund based on the age of the appliance, or the chance to upgrade the dryer to a superior model for a fraction of the retail price, would be enough to have the owners beating a path to Whirlpool's doors, but I don't think it's going to be that easy - particularly with the thriving second hand market we have these days and people's general reluctance to register their new appliances. In case you hadn't heard, the manufacturer has issued a recall of its tumble dryers that have not yet been modified under its long-running safety campaign, to encourage any remaining owners of affected dryers to make contact immediately. The campaign began in 2015 and has already resolved the issue for 1.7 million people - an impressive success rate of up to five times the UK average for a product recall, but not every owner has come forward. The fresh appeal and recall is part of a renewed drive to raise awareness, which includes a £1 million advertising campaign. The safety notice relates to certain models of Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline dryers built between 2004 and 2015. Affected dryers pose a potential safety risk if not modified or replaced and anyone with an affected dryer should unplug it immediately and stop using it. People can instantly check if their dryer is one of those affected by calling 0800 151 0905, (the call centre is open seven days a week) or by visiting www.whirlpool.co.uk I believe all of us in this industry have a responsibility to get the word out so that as many of those as possible, who may have an appliance that needs modifying, are aware of the action they should take. I often say to people that while we're all 'in the trade' we're also consumers in as much as we have kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and all that they contain. Indeed, some of us may even own one of the appliances that has been recalled and may not be aware of it... Keep your eyes peeled, won't you? And if you see anyone with one of these brands, please get them to check that it's not on the recall list. Whirlpool's doing the right thing by recalling the appliances that require modification. Let's help the company get the message across. It may just save a life. Yours,
 This Week's News
Rising impatience leaves retailers forsaken: half of Gen Zs and Millennials avoid High Street Paymentsense, Europe's largest merchant services provider, has just released new findings on the waning level of consumer patience in Britain. Top tips for an organised kitchen
Eggersmann's UK Director, Daniel Bowler, shares his top tips for creating an organised kitchen for your customers: Lunar-inspired laminate celebrates 50th anniversary of moon landing
The bespoke laminate designed by Matthew complements the Formica Collection and showcases the possibilities opened up by Formica Group's ongoing series of designer collaborations, which has previously included Okuda San Miguel and Nina Mur. Named MDJ Kuu ('kuu' is Finnish for 'moon') the laminate texture replicates, to scale, the surface of the dark side of the moon. Keller Kitchens appoints new national sales manager for the UK
Technology & training workshop aimed at retailers takes place 1st August
The event offers KBB retailers the opportunity to experience the latest product developments from Virtual Worlds and gain valuable advice on digital media, recruitment and training from Acres Consultancy. Combined Independents (Holdings) appoints new buyer
Mix & play by combining three different designs from Schmidt, for something truly special
So why not open up your clients' options and pick a small selection of their favourite designs and blend them together to create a unique, personal space that your clients will love? BMA announces motivational speaker for 2019 Conference
Ellis will open the conference with a motivational presentation using his experiences from rebranding, overhauling, reinvigorating and expanding a number of different businesses from entertainment to transport. Copper finish added to VitrA's Eternity by Sebastian Conran
Like all the finishes across the ranges, the new copper is easy to clean and does not need any special polishing or treatment. The copper is combined with either black or white accents in the bases of the soap dispenser, bin, toothbrush and WC brush holder. Hoover reveals latest WiFi and large capacity laundry launches
WiFi-connected washing machines can be controlled and monitored through the Hoover Wizard App, which provides access to additional washing programmes, maintenance advice and the user manual. Lakes publishes new rollfold to support launch of premium stone resin shower trays
The rollfold continues the lifestyle theme of Lakes' main 'Designed for Life' brochure for consistency in look and impact. Wren Kitchens manufacturing facilities rewarded with ISO accreditation
Wren's state-of-the-art factories make over 2,000 kitchens every week and they've recently achieved an official stamp of approval by the worldwide standard-setting body - International Standards Organisation (ISO). Wilsonart invests in life-saving defibrillator
Whilst it is not compulsory for companies/employers to invest in these lifesaving machines, Wilsonart ,which employs over 150 people at its busy manufacturing, sales and marketing facility in Shildon, recognised that people are becoming familiar with the concept and use of the machines in all walks of life. 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
MemberSafe initiative announced
Secured your place at this year's KBSA Conference, AGM & Awards Dinner yet?
BMA announces judges for Ageless Bathroom Design competition
Duravit support Blueprint for the Future
BMA introduces new structure and strategy at AGM
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. Caesarstone UK opens second distribution centre
Marketing
Grohe launches cashback offer for Sensia Arena shower toilet
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