KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
11th February 2020
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International News
Products VitrA launches Smart Panel flush plate
Steel Cucine: The appliance of design - with knobs on
Verona introduces its revamped product catalogue
New year, new colour scheme: Vasco to launch six new on-trend colours for 2020
Enhancing an already impressive palette, the new 'Noble' colours introduce three metallic shades in bronze, gold & silver, the warm tone of curry provides interest & depth, whilst pearl beige and pink add light, providing the finishing touches for a modern interior be it in the home or office. HiB launches design-led Accessories range
Including a comprehensive selection of bathroom essentials, the Accessories range typifies the innovative approach for which HiB is known.
Bold as brass with Caple's new Frampton tap
Introducing Jet: a collection of the deepest black ceramic for dramatic intensity
Lighten up the kitchen with Königstone's Concrete Sand
The light tones of the worktop will contrast with dark cabinetry to lighten a kitchen scheme or will blend seamlessly with muted coloured doors and drawers. 'Go Figure' with Fog by Aestus
"Confirming once again that 'expressive shapes and creative forms' will become a key ingredient for next-generation heating solutions in 2020, Fog is a textbook choice for the modern homeowner wanting to create a statement piece in the modern bathroom," says Steve Birch, sales director, Aestus. The 2020 interior design trend is Timber-tastic, says German brand Schuller
'We can expect raw appeal with refined surface,' it says. 'Think natural wild oak and black flamed effect, all with high quality and low maintenance. |
Good news then, for KBB industry manufacturers launching products that incorporate Smart technology, if the results of a survey released today are anything to go by… Most of us in this industry are aware of how home products can transform the way in which we live, by providing us with increased control and convenience when dealing with various aspects of our homes. In recent years, we’ve become used to the idea of using Wi-Fi and our smartphones, tablets and computers to control such things as temperature and lighting, to view security CCTV footage and to connect with our appliances – perhaps switching on the washing machine so it’s ready to unload when we’re available, or the oven so that as we arrive home we’re greeted by the aroma of a cooked meal that we prepared before we left. But just like everything, these ideas can take a while to be widely accepted.
www.sellhousefast.uk surveyed 1,462 UK households to discover the Smart home products they intend to own in 2020. A thermostat (71%) came top with a doorbell following closely at 66%. Perhaps unsurprisingly with the lack of ‘bobbies’ on patrol, the increasing crime rates have fueled some aspirations on the home security front, with 60% expressing a strong desire to install cameras and 57% aiming to have locks.
Interestingly, 44% anticipate purchasing a smart coffee maker this Spring. This reminded me of the popularity of the Goblin Teasmade. I never saw one but I’m assuming that these could also now be operated using Smart technology. News that the oven/hob is the least likely Smart appliance people intend to buy, with only 17% wanting the appliance in their kitchen this year, is not so good though. The advice/recommendations results are worth taking into account too, with 48% saying they use an online search engine such as Google and 43% opting to contact a Smart home technology manufacturer direct. Worth then, working on getting great Google reviews and ensuring your customer services people are well trained, knowledgeable and highly personable! Yours,
 This Week's News
KBB: Bushboard returns for 2020 (Stand G95)
BMA cautiously optimistic for Boris Bounce
“We have seen a boost for business with the arrival of a government with a clear majority and the ending of years of uncertainty over Brexit, however what lies ahead will not be without risk,” he says. New managing director for Abode as Darren Holliday resumes his studies
Matthew Pitt, currently operations director, will take up the managing director role from 1st March. Matthew has been with the company for over 10 years, and has been instrumental in the growth of the business and its systems development. The existing management team will remain in place, ensuring a seamless takeover, at what is a busy time for the manufacturer as it launches a raft of new and exciting innovations at KBB Birmingham. Königstone makes debut at KBB 2020 (Stand N123)
How to make your bathroom an eco-friendly zone
"As consumers and homeowners we very aware of environmental concerns, particularly in relation to plastics and energy usage. However, we need to address environmental concerns on many fronts. There is overuse of everything, from water to fossil fuels, from packaging to fashion items and action is needed to tackle all of this. Fortunately, all this attention is changing buying habits. According to a recent survey from Accenture, over 80% of people felt it was "important or extremely important" for companies to design environmentally-conscious products.
Says Steph Harris (pictured, left), product manager for Showerwall: "As a brand we're committed to quality and professionalism and this is reflected across the depth and breadth of our product range and at every step of the customer journey. Pland debuts on Radio 4'S Today Programme
The Radio 4 team was visiting Leeds on the final day that Britain was part of the European Union. Leeds was chosen as it was a marginal northern seat in the 2016 referendum. The programme-makers wanted to visit Pland Stainless - as a UK manufacturer, largely supplying UK customers - to ask the views of managing director Steve Duree on the future for his business following independence. BLANCO set to shine at KBB 2020
Pictured clockwise; BLANCO's smart tap portfolio, the TAMPERA Hot tap, the EVOL-S Volume Measurement tap and the ETAGON sink in SILGRANIT PJH signs distribution deal with Elica Appliances
Design-driven and renowned for its innovative and high-performance products, the new Elica range now available from PJH, includes a choice of 'good, better and best' lines available at highly competitive prices. Industry bodies call on IFATE to provide comprehensive logistics apprenticeships
They are now urging the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) to provide the apprenticeship standards that businesses need to start training the next generation of drivers, if we are to keep the UK's commerce and industry flowing. Wilsonart smashes 2019's 10K Alzheimer's Society fundraising target
New regional sales manager gets on board to support growth
Covering North London and the Home Counties, Charles will soon become a familiar face among independent kitchen and bathroom companies throughout this region, as he offers sales and support for the company's growing customer base. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?
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Literature
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