KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
20th December 2019
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International News
Products 'A new angle to heating design' with Anglia by Aestus
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen launches lush bed design with handcrafted furniture brand Aspire
Go clever in the kitchen with Blanco's Smart Tap Collection
Focus on greener distribution to continue for kitchen & bathroom distributors
An induction of range cookers creates a climate change for retailers
Modern neutrals with Caple's new Lyde kitchen
Get the natural stone look with Kinestone
Kitchenaid 'special products' extend opportunities for kitchen designers
WRAS approval secured for Abode 4 in 1 steaming hot water taps
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. The art of making time: the mindful bathroom scene from Crosswater
Antique brass finish is a serene look for tradition bathrooms
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Have you heard about the toilet seat that tiIts you forward and downward several degrees? Mainstream media has majored on the fact that it was designed to save employers money and reduce queues for toilets by preventing 'social media breaks', since it becomes uncomfortable very quickly - just like the seating in fast food restaurants. Reading something about shorter toilet breaks impacting on the growing use of flexible zero hours contracts made me a bit cross and less inclined to believe that the design had been approved by the British Toilet Association, as the manufacturer claimed. As one of the original Council members of the BTA when it was formed 20 years ago, I'm well aware that it's a highly professional body that knows all about the technicalities and legalities involved in designing washrooms and what goes into them, as well as the extra problems faced by disabled and elderly users. That it would endorse something that might cause hardship to those with bowel issues didn't quite sit right so I gave the director a call. What I learnt about the accessibility benefits of the design, along with hygiene advantages that hadn't occurred to me, is not to be sniffed at. Nor is what I discovered about the way the human body works. I'd thought the 'squatting' method that's healthiest warranted a seat angled backwards, rather than forwards - but there's more to it than I'd realised. While we're all enjoying the Christmas break, I'm going to be speaking at greater length to my ex-colleague to find out more about this new toilet, and you can read my article early in the New Year - but probably not in our first issue which will be with you week ending 10th January. In the meantime, I'd love to know what you think about the tilting seat and whether your design team - if you're involved in bathroom manufacture, has ever considered the concept! Until then, let me wish you a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Yours,
This Week's News
Brexit planning: consider your commercial contracts
In the wake of the recent election result which saw the Conservatives gain a large majority in the House of Commons, prime minister Boris Johnson has again promised to deliver Brexit and in his words, "get Brexit done". Remaining in the EU is not foreseeable currently and so businesses should start making Brexit plans to ensure they are prepared. KBSA responds to unprofessional kitchen fitters claim The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has responded to recent survey results which found that kitchen fitters are ranked as the most unprofessional tradespeople, with figures that show KBSA retailers are ranked highly for their overall level of service. The KBSA results are gathered from customers of retail members, when they are asked to rank their satisfaction with the overall service received. Results for the 12 months 2018 to 2019 showed that 81% of respondents, gave their KBSA retailer a score of more than 4.5 out of 5, with 57% giving their KBSA retailer a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Dine in style with afternoon tea on a Königstone worktop
That's why Königstone, the champion of engineered quartz and natural stone worktops, has pulled together a recipe to enable homeowners to invite friends over and enjoy afternoon tea at home. KBBG announces expansion with new sales team appointment
Neil joins the KBBG with substantial experience and expertise in the industry. He has held positions of national and regional sales manager in various roles across companies including Blanco, Faith Furniture Company, Astracast and 1810. Surveyed: 74% of us would use POS finance when buying from SME DIY retailers
BMA launches events programme for 2020
Grohe announces management changes
Tilted toilet seat aims to improve business efficiency
KBSA announces new venue and two platinum sponsors for 2020 Conference
Daval appoints new business development manager, Nigel Palin
Formerly the sales manager at the now dissolved Prentice Furniture for over two decades, Nigel is able to exploit his extensive industry experience as a skilled negotiator, strategic planner and expert sales and customer provider. Franke releases Maris 2.0 Hood
Extend your tile offering with supersized surfaces from Verona
Influenced by the popularity of open plan living, the trend for oversized interiors still continues to be embraced in UK homes, across floors and walls, both indoors and outdoors. TKC further enhances CRM system TKC, one of the UK's leading specialist suppliers of doors, accessories and components to the kitchen industry, has further improved its exceptional customer service offering by upgrading its customer relationship management system, as part of the company's ongoing strategy to ensure its working processes are in line with the latest technical advances. VitrA dedicates new brochure to brassware, accessories and showers
Moores swaps Secret Santa for donations to local foodbank
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