KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
29th February 2020
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International News
Products PJH signs distribution deal with Elica Appliances
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?
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
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I'm sure the nerves set in for most of us in the KBB industry at this time every other year in the lead up to KBB Birmingham... I always feel sorry for those whose job it is to load and unload all the products - many of which are cumbersome and heavy, as well as anyone involved in building or breaking down a stand. I've never had to get involved in that side of things myself, although I have organised shows and conferences (albeit smaller than this one) and found the whole operation to be very stressful indeed - even when things run perfectly smoothly! This year we have severe flooding, snow, ice and high winds to contend with - not to mention the Coronavirus which has some of us in meltdown while others don't seem that troubled by it. Will these issues put people off attending KBB, or perhaps make it impossible to do so? I certainly hope not... and I say this not because of the hard effort everyone puts into having everything ready in time for the opening, but because it's always such a brilliant event with so much to see and learn about. It would be a real shame for anyone to miss it as the next one's two years away. The event organisers are continuing to closely monitor the developments regarding Coronavirus, through the advice of public health authorities. They assure us that the health & safety of all visitors, customers and colleagues is always their top priority. KBB Birmingham enjoys the support of many international brands of which the vast majority come from across Europe. "For those few companies based in China, we are working with them to close their physical stand and instead create an exclusively online digital pavilion," say the organisers. "This is due to the travel restrictions currently in place, brought about by COVID-19. "Our attendees and exhibitors can all be reassured the rest of KBB Birmingham is going ahead as planned. Registrations for the show are tracking significantly ahead year on year with the highest recorded registrations received this week, and it's entirely business as usual for this amazing event." KBB Birmingham connects the world's leading brands with 15,000 retail, design and development buyers, creating an unrivalled environment for sourcing and networking. I, too, hope to see you there! Yours,
 This Week's News
We Have Mail: From the organisers of KBB Birmingham Regarding Coronavirus issue Dear Jan,
Our thoughts, wishes and support go to all colleagues and partners in China and beyond for responding to this challenging time with strength and good faith. In order to remain consistent with the customer experience we strive to provide at KBB Birmingham, we are working with our small percentage of Chinese based exhibitors to close their physical space and transition to an exclusively digital pavilion. FTA asks businesses to cease commercial driver toilet ban
BiKBBI confirms new Apprenticeship Partnership
BiKBBI CEO expresses concern over immigration policy to the PM
Damien believes the policy has the potential for "catastrophic consequences" for the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom industry and urges the Government to work with Trade Associations to better understand the ‘grass-root challenges’ faced. A S Helsingö launches Bagel Mini and Novel Mini handles
VitrA launches the Voyage collection by award-winning designer Arik Levy
Inspired by his time living and working in Japan, Arik Levy worked closely with VitrA's in-house design team to create a bathroom collection that allows both mind and body to relax. Bank of England to present at BMA Finance Directors Forum 2020 The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has confirmed that Graeme Chaplin, West Midlands agent at the Bank of England, will make a presentation on 'current economic headwinds' and lead a debate on the current state of the sector, at its Finance Directors Forum on 31st March. Graeme will be joined by an impressive line-up of other speakers that will cover; what every bathroom manufacturer should know about cryptocurrency, trends in FX strategy, the legislative horizon and what are the next generation risks? Match made in heaven with Caple's new WMI4000 washing machine
This appliance is incredibly energy efficient with an A+++ energy rating with an A for wash class and spin efficiency, too.
Available in two colour options - industrial chic with a black version; and, grey profiles and chrome shower giving the traditional a modern twist - Brooklyn features transparent glass on the grey version and black silk screen printed lines on the black version. Michel Roux Jr. officially opens first Roux Kitchen show home in Scotland
Judging panel announced for KBSA Awards
Nuance Designer and Nuance Acrylic: fresh new designs for a stand-out bathroom
With wall panels becoming a go-to favourite over tiles in recent years, Nuance brings fresh new designs in Designer and Acrylic collections including weathered timbers and luxury stones, all designed to create a high-end look with less mess and less cost than tiling. Double the brochures to support product expansion from RAK Ceramics
'Designed around you' - New 2020 Brochure by Vogue (UK)
Moores holds celebratory lunch for employees with over 30 years of service
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