The KBzine

KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th November 2019

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International News
Products

BC Designs' latest bath launch brings a feminine touch to bathroom design

Leading bath maker, BC Designs, is supporting retailers with the launch of its popular Viado bath in a smaller size of 1580mm.
more

KBSA growth continues with two new members

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has welcomed another retail and corporate member this month, continuing the upward trend in new membership that began 12 months ago.
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HIB products gain official Bluetooth qualification

HiB, has gained qualification status for all of its Bluetooth enabled products as part of its ongoing commitment to quality assurance.

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.
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MHK celebrates 40th anniversary with Eurovision Kitchen Contest 2020

MHK, an innovative and dynamically expanding full-service company for specialised trade and retail companies in the kitchen, residential and construction sector, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2020 by hosting the Eurovision Kitchen Contest.
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Welcome to the
KBzine

Retailers are worried about a number of challenges they're currently facing - and things don't look as if they're going to improve for some time, with the uncertainty created by the general election and the 'will we/won't we - and if we do, how?' regarding Brexit. Add to that the frustration caused by the many accusations of dirty dealings being flung around like the contents of a food processor without its lid, and it's not surprising that everyone's so unhappy, is it?

New research released today by Duologi, which provides bespoke finance solutions for retailers, reveals that 35% of smaller retailers in the home and DIY sectors cite the continued uncertainty over Brexit as being the biggest challenge they face, with 29% saying that they feel unprepared for Brexit - if, of course, it goes ahead!

More than 21% fear that bigger players such as Amazon will steal their customers, as such companies are able to offer lower prices and enjoy greater visibility online and are likely to fare better through Brexit financially than their smaller counterparts.

Only 8% believe that the decline of the High Street will be the hardest hurdle to overcome in the coming year, as its well documented demise continues, while 10% believe meeting customers' needs could be a challenge, as members of the EU may be able to offer more competitive prices and products.
"With political uncertainty continuing into the new year, SME home and DIY retailers are still unclear on how this will affect them and how they can prepare," says Duologi. "Despite additional resources being made available ahead of an exit from the EU, deadline extensions scupper existing plans and safeguards, putting small home and DIY businesses in a difficult position. The economic uncertainty also fuels further consumer hesitancy when it comes to spending on significant purchases, as they are unclear on what the immediate impact of an EU exit means for them."

Duologi quite rightly adds that smaller retailers will also be troubled by the fact that the bigger players are generally able to undercut them price-wise, while also taking advantage of a strong online presence; reaching a larger number of customers than smaller retailers.

Oh for a crystal ball to be able to see now, how things will stand a year from now! Let's hope that when that time comes, we can look back and realise that we didn't need to worry quite so much after all...

Yours,

Jan Hobbs

This Week's News

Caesarstone UK welcomes new sales manager for London

Caesarstone has appointed a new sales manager for London. Delara Etemadi has joined Caesarstone's UK sales force as part of the team's ongoing expansion, in line with the brand's continuing nationwide growth.
more

KBSA announces date for 2020 Conference

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has announced the date of the 2020 Conference, AGM and Awards Dinner, which will be on 30th September.
more

Get the natural stone look with Kinestone

Natural finishes in the bathroom are bang on-trend and the new Kinedo Kinestone shower tray from Saniflo ticks the aesthetics box for highly popular and desirable slate.
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Kitchenaid 'special products' extend opportunities for kitchen designers

KitchenAid boasts a wealth of 'special products' within its portfolio, to empower kitchen designers to create unique culinary spaces, specially designed around each customer. Included are a shock freezer, vacuum machine, ice maker, coffee machine, cooling and warming drawers and special columns, all designed to take inspiration in the kitchen to new heights.
more

Bushboard chosen for BBC's 'Your Home Made Perfect' again

Your Home Made Perfect is the first ever British virtual reality and visual effects property show. Presented by Angela Scanlon, the groundbreaking property and makeover series sees innovative architects, Laura Jane Clark and Robert Jamison, transform ordinary homes into extraordinary ones. The results are presented to the homeowners using virtual reality headsets, giving them a real life look at how the changes will work.
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WRAS approval secured for Abode 4 in 1 steaming hot water taps

All Abode 4 in 1 steaming hot water taps, filters and boilers now have full WRAS approval, giving developers, designers and retailers complete peace of mind across the entire range.

WRAS is the UK standard against waste, misuse, undue consumption or contamination of the water supply, with approval meaning that these Abode Pronteau and Proboil products comply with the necessary regulations for new build and refurbishment projects.
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The art of making time: the mindful bathroom scene from Crosswater

Entering the bathroom is discovering a little world of luxury and relaxation, well away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Curating a collection of products that draws on years of exceptional manufacturing and modern design, Crosswater's extensive range of high-quality signature finishes and textures can be used to create a mindful, restful bathroom environment.
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Antique brass finish is a serene look for tradition bathrooms

In an exquisite Antique Brass finish, the new Serenitie brassware collection from Abode makes a strikingly elegant impression in the bathroom.
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All concealed with Prima+ venting induction hob

Prima+, the exclusive range from distributor PJH, has added a sleek, modern 80cm venting induction hob to its range.
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Stockton mayor opens showroom and unveils first child safe kitchen

This week, the Mayor of Stockton cut the ribbon to open Wren Kitchens' 85th showroom which has created 29 new jobs locally. The inspirational hub at Lustrum Retail Park in Stockton has over 40 kitchens on display including edgy industrial, charming country and ultra-modern designs as well as the launch of an all new concept - a child safe kitchen.
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Amica reaches out to hungry families

Children arriving at school hungry because there is no food at home is a growing problem for teachers. Reach2 Academy Trust which runs schools in Essex has teamed with Amica in a new approach to combat hunger among the poorest and most disadvantaged families.
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Acres Consultancy acquires kbbrecruitment.co.uk

KBB and merchant service provider Acres Consultancy has acquired the online recruitment specialist kbbrecruitment.co.uk, expanding its business in line with increasing sales and demand for services.

KBBrecruitment is a niche recruiter for the KBB and home interiors industry that has been established since 2003. Based in Essex, the company has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service to the jobseeker and the recruiter.
more

CIH raises over £20,000 for charity

Combined Independents (Holdings), raised over £20,000 for charity at two of its recent member and supplier events.
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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:

Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307
Mobile: 07980 288 373

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888

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