KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th December 2010
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International News
Products KitchenAid's Hero gas on glass hob packs a punch
CRL Shower Door Hardware and Accessories
The Hydroslide system accommodates the option of floor to near ceiling glass panels with a sliding door. Bottom fixed glass attachments and handles can be ordered separately. Chamber Furniture - ingenious, sleek hidden cooking areas
Night Black laminate slate from Faus
Croydex taps into the beauty of wood
Why relaxing in a VitrA bath is also peace of mind
Fabulous fusion worktops and eyecatching ceramics from Mereway Bathrooms
New Fusion composite worktops boast a high quality construction and are more consistent in colour and texture than granite. Made from a special blend of polyester and acrylic non-porous surface resins, these surfaces are highly durable, heat resistant and extremely hygienic. Stuart Turner updates Pump Solutions brochure
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Welcome to the
It's that time of year again when many of us are thinking about winding down, ready for the Christmas holidays - and if you're anything like me, you're looking forward to having a much needed break. I daresay that all the KBB retailers generally feel differently at this time of year though, what with the pre-Christmas and January sales to get through. And of course with VAT going up at the start of 2011, the frantic invasion by customers keen to bag a bargain is likely to be a little more tense than normal. So if you're going to be spending a chunk of the festive season being harassed by agitated shoppers, good luck! My good wishes also go out to those who have spent the last few weeks struggling to get to work to fulfil orders promised by Christmas, as well as those tasked with making deliveries. Pretty as it might be when it first arrives, the snow and ice don't help matters, do they? Of course in some parts of Europe, there has been heavy flooding too, which will only have added to the problems for those having to drive enormous delivery lorries across several regions. And while people are happy to complain when things go wrong, they rarely seem to notice the efforts that have been made when they go right, do they? Maintaining delivery schedules when conditions are as bad as they are in some parts of Europe right now must be nigh on impossible! One US tradesman has found a way of bringing a smile to people's faces - and no doubt by attracting attention will have won extra business as a result. I think it's a clever idea but John wonders whether it bothers him, having to wear a blue shirt every day...
Merry Christmas and let's all hope for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011. Yours,  Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
David Cameron takes tea with InSinkErator's Joe Ferrara
InSinkErator's Managing Director for Europe, Joe Ferrara, chatted to the PM about the company's activities, including the promotion of food waste disposers as a means of reducing landfill. Affordable luxury and minimalism lead the way for 2011 kitchen trends
2011 will see a surge in minimalist and luxury kitchen styles, according to solid surface distributor Staron UK. The company, which is the sole distributor for Samsung-branded solid surfaces, predicts that the two contrasting trends are set to soar in popularity throughout next year. Amica's glossy new catalogue introduces OptiGas
Details of all Amica products, alongside images, dimensions and explanations of feature and functions, are provided within the 56 glossy pages, arranged into easy-to-find sections - cooking, first freestanding then built-in with ovens, hobs and hoods, refrigeration, dishwashers, laundry - and finally, Amica's first built-in microwaves in the UK. Keep the heat in and the snoopers out this Christmas!
Window blinds are a useful winter product for the home - to seal in warmth and reduce the likelihood homes being targeted by thieves. At this time of year, UK homes are not only under attack from the harsh winter weather pushing up winter fuel bills, but from thieves after festive booty, often proudly displayed under Christmas trees in the front window for all to see! The Cotswold Chef Partners Everhot
Based in Gloucestershire, Rob has chosen an Everhot 120 for his home in The Cotswolds and also hosts Everhot's cooking demonstration days at Everhot's watermill showroom in Dursley, Glos. Whirlpool's gas hobs add further steel to stainless
In an era where hobs are aplenty but often indistinguishable in terms of design and performance, the importance of staying one step ahead is paramount as budgets are being continually squeezed. Whirlpool is pushing the barriers by adding a new and significant coat of armour to a trusted old favourite. The sheer style and enduring properties of stainless steel are well documented and hugely popular with consumers, but Whirlpool has advanced the concept on its new range of new built-in 600mm and 750mm gas hobs. KBSA launches 'Boost your business' recruitment campaign
The KBSA has launched a major recruitment campaign for 2011 based around the theme of how KBSA membership can boost business. A new recruitment flyer forms the basis of the recruitment programme which will be widely distributed via a number of different channels.This will be supported with an electronic mailing and a new recruitment presentation for when new prospects are followed up. Wall-hung artworks for your bathroom - toilets with invisible fixings from Duravit
Already well-known for its no-nonsense design with distinct lack of superfluous detailing, the revised version offers even cleaner, uninterrupted lines as the wall fixings are completely obscured from view. Sustainabilliy tops new year resolution for Pregis
Sustainability will be a major driving force in the new product development programme for Pregis Protective Packaging Europe during 2011. Outlining plans for the forthcoming year, Kevin Baudhuin, Pregis Corp's recently appointed president, global protective packaging, says the company was working on the creation of a broad, innovative environmentally-friendly product portfolio, building on its existing successes such as its Superlite Poly Mailer and EP-Flex Renew biodegradable film, suitable for a wide variety of end markets, including household products. Carron Phoenix launches upgraded retail brochure
"We normally only upgrade our retail brochure once a year, however with all the new products which have been introduced throughout 2010, we thought it necessary to introduce an upgraded version for our retail customers to ensure they continue to be able to offer their customers the very latest Carron Phoenix products," explains Neil Clark, sales & marketing director at Carron Phoenix. Brits are back doing it for themselves
The British public is falling back in love with DIY, a new study has revealed. More than one in two people said that they are now having a go at home improvement jobs that they would have got someone in to do five years ago. A whopping 61% of Brits said that they are more likely to tackle simple DIY tasks versus five years ago, the study by Spaceslide has revealed. 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. News in Brief Moods Bathrooms' new 500x1800mm reflection radiator, which connects to a central heating system, doubles up as full length mirror. The stylish Jule basin mixer from Hudson Reed is now available with the clever 'eco-click' water saving system at no extra cost. Tel: 01282 418000 Look out for Gorenje's Raspberry Pink RB6288 Retro refrigerator, in the new advertisement for Giovanni Rana fresh pasta starring Tim Lovejoy. T: 0208 247 3980 Simpsons' new always Edge Corner Entry shower comes with a low profile coordinating shower tray in a square or rectangular design. T 0845 873 8840 The Guinness Trust is using 82 Leisure Sinks' Lexin inset stainless steel sinks in a North London estate refurbishment project. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Damixa brassware showroom unveiled at Croydex HQ
Employers need to be flexible during adverse weather conditions, says CIPD
With up to 20cm of additional snow forecast in parts of the UK today and the immediate weather outlook offering little respite, employers across the country are increasingly having to cope with a reduced workforce as staff struggle to get to work. The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development's (CIPD) employee relations adviser, Mike Emmott, advises employers to be flexible with employees during bouts of adverse weather: Carron Phoenix and Westag agree exclusive deal
LDL launches new 2011 catalogue
UK's first conference on Retrofit sees unveiling of University of Salford's Energy House
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