KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th May 2020
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International News
Products VitrA identifies seven bathroom trends for 2020
A splash of colour in the bathroom from Not Only White and Hi-Macs
Karonia introduces The Unique Collection
Ripples teams up with Sam Lander to offer a collection like no other!
NEW Smart shower products catapault Aqualisa out to the front of the smart shower market
BC Designs relaunches the Magnus bath
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. 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. |
To return to the workplace or not? That is the question… but as one of the lucky ones who’s worked mainly from home for almost two decades, it’s not a dilemma I face. If it was, would I be happy about coming out of furlough or lockdown for work, when I can’t yet get together with my daughter – also self-isolating as vulnerable - or camp overnight at a distant beautyspot? No I wouldn’t. But if I worked for a company whose existence relied upon my presence… one that was struggling because of lockdown limitations, which I might just be able to save, with a little courage and a resigned commitment to the daily commute…? What then? Save my job and potentially endanger my family, or stay put & let down my company…? It’s a toughie, isn’t it? According to a new survey by online training provider The Skills Network, the majority of people are concerned about returning to work. The survey quotes 56%. I'm surprised it's not higher. One respondent - a furloughed retail worker for a non-essential business with stores across the country, (KBB-related I wonder?) said: "I'm worried that the business I work for is rushing to reopen. We haven't heard much from management on whether PPE will be provided or if social distancing will be adhered to. On top of this, I'm reliant on public transport to get to and from work. I don't want to go back to a daily routine just yet and even more so when I'm not comfortable mixing with co-workers and customers if there isn't going to be the necessary PPE." Apparently, people's biggest concerns were: mixing with co-workers (49%), communicating face-to-face (32%), going back to a set routine (30%), commuting (30%), dealing with office politics (13%) and having to look presentable (9%). Do employees have to return to the workplace? Kathleen Heycock, employment law solicitor at Farrer & Co, says employees are not obliged to work in an unsafe environment and that if an employer hasn't complied with the obligation to protect employees' health & safety, there will come a point when telling people to attend work is unlawful and unreasonable. The Employment Rights Act 1996 provides employees with protection from being dismissed or treated to their detriment as a result of their refusal to return to the workplace. Interesting times ahead, eh? Yours,
 This Week's News
Winning employee 'hearts & minds' essential for safe return to work, advises Bureau Veritas
On 11th May, the Government published guidance for employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely following almost two months of strict Coronavirus restrictions. The new guidance covers eight workplace settings that are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites through to factories and takeaways. HSE reminder on water systems safety during lockdown
Water stagnation, poor temperature control and increased levels of contamination may create a hazard in water systems that have been less frequently used than normal (such as dental or outpatient facilities) or where operation has been suspended (such as leisure, sports, swimming and spa pool facilities). Utopia opens refurbished showroom and resumes manufacturing and deliveries
Design considerations for a post Covid-19 world
Since the beginning of this year, Grohe has already seen unprecedented demand for its infrared touchless taps and ongoing enquiries and sales show this is a trend that is set to stay. Shower in style: the new 8mm shower enclosure range from Crosswater
The striking collection encompasses shower screen solutions, fittings and accessories, all designed to give customers the ultimate showering experience. Undermount sinks - Blanco explains all you need to know
“When deciding what sink type is best for a design scheme, it's best to start by considering the kitchen style, the worktop material, the profile of the homeowner/s and any constraints which may demand a certain installation method. Brandt Design launches online 'Design Tool' for its customers Brandt Design, specialist retailer in the design and installation of residential and commercial lifestyle interiors, bring its showrooms to you with the launch of a new commercial Design Tool. Specially designed to help the fight against Coronavirus, this new online resource is available to retail and commercial clients, giving its customers the opportunity to 'stay inspired' when face-to-face consultation is absent. Brandt Design welcomes new project designer
Working across both residential and contract interiors, Dionne offers a diverse skillset with design experience beginning in the education industry, before making a considered move in to kitchens and bathrooms. Adding to her multiform approach to interior design, Dionne has gained many years' experience spanning design and management from her time at KBB specialists Cameo Kitchens, CC Kitchens and Majestic Showers, where she was able to hone her skills and discover her true passion fo Over the moon with new shower tray
The show, despite what was around the corner, proved to be a great showcase for the kitchens and bathroom sectors including Kinedo, the shower brand of Saniflo. Choice and flexibility is key for Keller
KBBG launches NHS support initiative
Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG explains: "We have asked our suppliers to support our initiative by giving our members an additional discount for any order placed, up until 31st December 2020, for an NHS worker. This will allow our members to offer the NHS worker a significant discount on their order." Indesit’s new compact fridge freezer boasts 245 litre capacity
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clicking the link above. Recent News
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