KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
26th October 2019
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International News
Products HIB products gain official Bluetooth qualification
HiB's Bluetooth products, including multiple mirrors and cabinets, underwent the Bluetooth Qualification Process managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), to ensure complete compliance with Bluetooth standards. MHK celebrates 40th anniversary with Eurovision Kitchen Contest 2020
Cabuchon launches easy access soaking tub - the Takara
Like the other baths in its deep soaking range, it is inspired by the traditional Japanese ofuro but it includes a host of refinements designed to enhance comfort and to better suit Western bathing habits. It will also accommodate modern technologies such as spa hydrotherapy. More affordable kitchens than ever: Faith updates Evo Kitchen Collection for AW 2019/20
Evo offers retailers a simple and affordable range of kitchens for customers that doesn't compromise on quality and looks. VitrA launches two statement collections at Cersaie 2019
Introducing new materials and textures, the tile ranges demonstrate VitrA's expertise in ceramic design and technology. The tiles can be used in residential and commercial environments, from kitchen and living spaces to swimming pools and terraces. Aqualisa kicks off Installer Club relaunch with National Roadshow
In partnership with Fix Radio, Aqualisa will be touring trade showrooms and merchants during October and November of this year. Delicate wash cycles in machines found to release more plastic microfibres than other cycles
Hoover achieves potential 'world first' with H-KeepHeat oven launch
Global kitchens study by Silestone Institute reveals that UK households are leading the way
Collaborating with 23 eminent experts on all things kitchens - chefs, architects, interior designers, nutritionists, sociologists, food historians and influencers - the study focuses on the role of the kitchen in today's 21st century society. Tin is trending with BC Designs
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Love or loathe the EU, I think those of us who are reasonable can see both positives and negatives from membership, wherever we might be placed across the bloc. One of the things that concerns me about leaving - and it’s not just because of my involvement in this industry but also because of my desire that we live more sustainably – is the potential change in the standards of goods. What a nightmare! Yes, I know the Government’s promising that the UK will continue to match and may well even exceed EU product regulations, but with the shambolic performances we’re seeing in the Commons, can we trust the assurances we’re being given? I’ve grumbled on here about the awful light emitted by EU regulation lightbulbs, but when it comes to the ability to have something repaired or replaced, the EU gets my vote every time. If you’re a regular reader of my Leaders you may recall that last year my fridge-freezer was – after a long battle – replaced free of charge because it was found to have a technical fault; more recently my MacBook Pro was repaired free of charge because of a common technical fault that had been discovered in the batch from which it came. Had I been living in the US the computer repair would have cost around $600 and I’m assuming that I’d have had to buy a new fridge freezer too. That’s a lot of money! As you can imagine, I love the new EU rules which decree that from 2021, appliance and lighting product manufacturers will not only have to ensure that appliances are built to last longer, but spare parts will have to be available to professional repairers for up to 10 years. The parts that may need repairing will have to be accessible with commonly-available tools and without damaging the product, too. A headache for manufacturers no doubt, but we are of course, all consumers too so it will benefit us all in the long run. And although campaigners are arguing that we should also be allowed to buy spares and mend our own machines, I really don’t think this is a good idea safety-wise, unless we’re suitably qualified, however much money it might save us, do you? Now, how do we go about ensuring that the cost of repairs will not continue to mean that it will be less expensive to replace, than it will be to repair? Yours,
 This Week's News
KBSA enhances Croner benefits with extra discounts for members
The new packages are available to members at a 19% discount on commercial rates. There is also an additional offer for members which is supported by the KBSA with a further discount for the first 10 retailers that sign up. This offer is open until 31st December 2019 and applies for the first year only. Sensio Lighting recognised in Parliamentary Review
Saniflo launches mid-market Kinesurf Pietra shower tray
The panel of expert judges including Kevin McCloud; Jenny Gibbs, principle of the KLC School of Design; Kunle Barker, property expert, journalist and TV presenter; and Harriet Forde, president of the British Institute of Interior Design. Push button perfection from Old London
Made in Britain, the new Push Button Thermostatic Showers beautifully blend nostalgic Period design with modern technology. Triton's new approvals & training manager brings 35-years-worth of expertise
In this highly technical role, Paul will continue the vitally important aspect of product approvals, ensuring the safety of all items entering the marketplace. The issue of compliance will also form a vital part of Paul's training remit for both existing and the next generation of installers, with the ultimate aim of improving installation techniques and the safety of installers on the job. Luxury brassware from Asquiths – the power to ‘Restore’
Wilsonart appoints new product manager for Advanced Surface Technology
Andrea joins during an exciting period of growth for the group. Wilsonart UK is part of the largest laminate surfaces company in the world, Wilsonart USA, and Andrea is tasked with driving innovative product development and launch to market of AST products, which include digitally printed decorative surfaces for a variety of commercial uses. Embrace the dark side trend with Königstone
City Plumbing/PTS achieves DVSA Earned Recognition for vehicle operators
Wren Kitchens lands in Stockton
Graham Hayden merges training programmes with Acres Consultancy
Graham, who will also feature in the Acres Consultancy ‘Industry Legends’ series later this year, has trained more than 2,500 people over the last 13 years, and will continue to champion training within the KBB industry via an ongoing association with Acres Consultancy. Bushboard Evolve used for BBC's DIY SOS: The Big Build
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