KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
18th September 2019
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 International News
Products AKW launches innovative new wet room former
It combines all the benefits of AKW's existing Tuff Form former with a new octagonal fitting plate, allowing for up to 15 different waste positions and ensuring easy installation every time. City living with Caple's sophisticated Sassari bedroom
VitrA announces UK premiere of Claudio Bellini collaboration at designjunction 2019
Rangemaster introduces new granite sinks
Airuno launches powerful new wall hood
Uponor endorses IDS Malmo Rigid luxury vinyl tile for use with its underfloor heating system
Commercial stainless steel wc now in a white finish
New Tampera Hot from Blanco 3-in-1 hot tap delivers 100°C filtered water; in an instant
Featuring an insulated spout, it offers all the benefits in terms of time, energy and space of a hot tap, with no need for optional extras, delivering deliciously pure cold, warm and instant boiling water from a single mixer tap which oozes engineering quality. |
I must confess that the noise an appliance makes is not something I'd immediately consider when buying a new equipment. Yet on reflection, I'd probably be bothered more by a noisy appliance than I would knowing I'd paid a bit extra for something that didn't make me wonder if an intruder was afoot. When it comes to a fridge freezer or oven, capacity is my first consideration; then of course the item has to be affordable. Something that doesn't waste energy or water is important too, but yes - noise (or lack of it) is an important factor. I'm not alone. New research shows that 76% of UK consumers are more likely to buy an appliance labelled 'quiet' and 71% say it does matter how loud an appliance is. Some 61% and 55% respectively want their washing machine and vacuum cleaner to make less noise; 24% want a quieter kettle and food mixer. Quiet Mark has pioneered a groundbreaking alliance of some of the UK's top retailers (Argos, ASDA, Currys PC World, John Lewis & Partners, Lakeland, Screwfix, Very, Littlewoods and British Independent Retailers Association amongst others) to combat excessive noise in our society, in a powerful example of collective customer care. Quiet Mark awarded products will now be available online and directly in retail partner stores throughout the UK. They will also continue to be available in John Lewis, where a close five-year partnership has already helped drive the 'Buy Quiet' trend and offers proof that the Quiet Mark is a vital sales differentiator, as customers actively seek quiet alternatives. This is a rare instance of traditionally competitive retail brands aligning to tackle an important health and environmental issue. "It is essential for independent retail businesses to offer products that drive footfall," notes BIRA's Steve Akers. "Retail theatre is one way independent retailers can differentiate from online and keep potential customers shopping on their high street. The demo-ing of healthy products like juicers and food processors is a great trend that independent retailers are embracing. Showing their proven quiet user experience, as well as the obvious health benefits, helps inspire customers to feel confident in using these products. We all share the responsibility for the health of our next generation. If we buy-quiet, design-quiet, understand quiet, and make more quiet-time for ourselves to recharge properly we will take a big burden off society." Considering that noise-related sleep deprivation costs the British economy c.£40 billion a year, it makes sense that we as an industry throw our full weight behind the quiet revolution, doesn't it? Yours,
 This Week's News
Amica to sell Fagor appliances Amica has signed a license agreement with Fagor S.Coop to sell major home appliances under the Fagor brand. "This will enable the brand, which is well known in Spain, to return to the market with modern, top quality products," comments Jacek Rutkowski of Amica. The license agreement will also give Amica the opportunity to establish a presence in the Spanish market." Lakes adds new Single Door Quadrant & Slider to Bay series
KBSA 'Staying Ahead' conference is fully booked
During his career, Rob led the sales and marketing teams at board level for many established large companies, including Symphony Group and Spring Ram, and was involved in the significant growth of a number of new brands. Over the last 20 years Rob established his own successful business, providing consultancy and sales agent services. Create a dream kitchen with Keller's Terracotta Dreaming
Grohe establishes new EMENA division for Watersystems, Filter and Kitchen Channels
Formica Group Procurement Team of the Year in the CIPS Supply Management Awards 2019
Bushboard Evolve chosen for solar powered narrowboat
Andy Birkbeck joins Karonia as head of sales for Projects Division
With almost 30 years' experience within the KBB industry, Andy began his career working as a senior kitchen designer for over a decade. After this, he held a variety of key sales roles at leading industry companies including North East Sheets and Panels (NESP), where he was an area sales manager. By a quirk of fate this was at the time NESP became a distributor for Karonia's Mistral worktops upon the brand's launch in 2010, so Andy worked alongside some of his new colleagues when the Mistral journey began. 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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Steady growth in the domestic furniture market
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Increase your sales by at least 30% with 4D Theatre, or your money back
Literature
New Brochure Suite from VitrA packed with inspirational ideas and information
BC Designs launches new brochure with a host of new products
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