The KBzine

KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
30th June 2020

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International News
Products

Design considerations for a post Covid-19 world

If you’re looking beyond lockdown and pondering how the interiors and design of our homes are going to change as a result of the Coronavirus crisis, then you’ve already probably considered the impact hygiene is going to have on how we interact with everyday items in our home.
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Shower in style: the new 8mm shower enclosure range from Crosswater

Crosswater is introducing a collection of 8mm shower enclosures into its premium bathroom range.

The striking collection encompasses shower screen solutions, fittings and accessories, all designed to give customers the ultimate showering experience.
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Undermount sinks - Blanco explains all you need to know

Here, John Robinson of Blanco UK explains all that the retailer or installer needs to know about undermount sinks…
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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.
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Choice and flexibility is key for Keller

One of the many benefits of specifying and designing a kitchen from Keller is the vast choice and flexibility within the portfolios.
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VitrA identifies seven bathroom trends for 2020

Now entering our second month of lockdown, we're having plenty of time to mull over ourhome improvements ideas, ready for when we can finally put our plans into action. With the bathroom being on the hit list for many, VitrA has identified seven emerging trends.
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A splash of colour in the bathroom from Not Only White and Hi-Macs

Designed with hotel bathrooms in mind, the new bathroom accessory collection, Stages, which can be made in a wide range of Hi-Macs colours, is the ideal display for small soap and shampoo bottles and other accoutrements provided by hotel chains.
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Karonia introduces The Unique Collection

Marking 10 years since the launch of the innovative Mistral range of 25mm solid surface worktops, solid surface specialist Karonia’s KBB2020 preview of The Unique Collection - a series of marble-inspired worksurfaces – has attracted a lot of interest and some excellent feedback.
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Ripples teams up with Sam Lander to offer a collection like no other!

Ripples has teamed up with Sam Lander on a collection of hand-crafted basins and each one is unique.
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NEW Smart shower products catapault Aqualisa out to the front of the smart shower market

The recent launch of the new Aqualisa Smart Quartz Collection of showers shows that Aqualisa is firmly in the driving seat for innovative shower technology in the UK.
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BC Designs relaunches the Magnus bath

The latest statement bath from BC Designs, the Magnus bath, embodies an original design based on timeless and traditional fireclay models.
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Welcome to the
KBzine

It all started with an article a reader of KBzine's sister publication, Cleanzine, sent me... A scientist appeared to suggest that we should leave the toilet lid up when flushing, to avoid the need for others to touch it. I couldn't believe what I was reading! With traces of Covid-19 having been found in the faeces of deceased people, I would have expected a scientist to be sharing that the force created by flushing will cause potentially virus-carrying droplets to settle all over the bathroom. You should always shut the lid!

It led me to muse over when our public toilets might open again and how we're going to keep them safe for everyone to use. Chatting to the British Toilet Association's Ray Martin, I learnt that he's campaigning for important changes to be made to public toilet provision to promote confidence and prevent the spread of Coronavirus. These will be costly but I agree something needs to be done urgently, since safe, hygienic public toilets are a basic human right.

A response to my Leader arrived from renowned toilet expert Susan Cunningham, who served with me on the inaugural Council of the BTA more than 20 years ago. Susan had been emailed by a senior Minister, who revealed that Government advice for us to 'stay local' wasn't just down to the potential for us to encounter Coronavirus, but also because our public toilets largely remain closed thanks to the current required level of cleaning and the difficulty of ensuring social distancing!

Further support comes today from the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, which has welcomed a letter from Ministers to local councils, calling for more public toilets to be opened. Its chief executive Tom Reynolds, said: "It's time for Local and National Government to consider investing in provision. Councils should consider the harm to public health and the local environment caused by people relieving themselves in public. Authorities should also consider the equality implications of those with particular health needs who need to use the toilet more often. In both cases, this is not to condone or tolerate irresponsible and illegal behaviour, but councils have a key role in helping prevent such problems. It's beneficial to public health to ensure proper access to toilets. Any other course of action could prevent people from going back to town centres or leisure venues, creating a brake on the national recovery."

And of course, fewer people in our town centres, has a detrimental impact on our industry and the economy in general, don't you think?

Yours,

Jan Hobbs

This Week's News

BMA Elects John Robinson as president

Members of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association have elected John Robinson as President for the next two years. John, who is business director of Ideal Standard, takes over from Roca's Alan Dodds.

The election took place during the Association's annual general meeting, which was held online for the first time due to COVID19. Jason Parker, managing director of Thomas Dudley becomes BMA's first vice-president and Jason Smith, chief commercial officer of Bristan becomes second vice-president.
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Coaching support opportunities for redundant staff from Simon Acres Group

KBB and merchant services provider Simon Acres Group (SAGL) has urged people who have recently lost their jobs to contact the company for immediate recruitment support.

Simon Acres, director at SAGL (pictured here with colleague Ray Isted) says:
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Increased hygiene in the kitchen with Blanco's Solenta-S tap

Blanco UK has redefined sensor technology to make life in the kitchen cleaner and easier. In these days of heightened awareness of the need for super clean environments in kitchens, demand for touchless products has soared.
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BA is the latest company to join the BiKBBI

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is delighted to welcome BA, a major manufacturer of kitchens, bedrooms, doors and accessories, as its newest Corporate Sponsor.
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Good headset hygiene helps make kitchen and bathroom showrooms COVID safe

Providing peace of mind and reassurance to customers that the showroom experience is Covid-safe will be a huge part of helping restore consumer confidence in the weeks and months ahead.

With virtual reality headsets being simple to wipe clean after every use, Virtual Worlds retailers are able to put their customers' minds at rest, enabling them to enjoy an immersive design experience in a safe environment as possible.
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Add pizazz to walls and floors with new Patterned Tiles from Verona

Verona has extended its popular Patterned Tiles collection introducing two new ceramic tile designs, which are guaranteed to deliver character and charm to any home.
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Design that moves: the next125 trolley

The new next125 trolley offers timelessly elegant design, in combination with multifunctionality and mobility.
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LochAnna Kitchens celebrates 100,000th sale as it gets back to business

The Coronavirus has adversely affected every part of the KBB industry, leaving every brand, manufacturer, dealer and installer, worried and wondering. Like most businesses, LochAnna Kitchens closed its doors at the end of March, not knowing when the business would reopen.
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Make a house a home with Königstone’s Monaco

Königstone, renowned for durable, high-quality worktops, has added a new colour to the popular Königquartz portfolio: Monaco. The pale grey shade incorporates a marble-like effect with a natural-looking grain to create a unique and stylish surface. As quartz is one of the toughest natural substances in the world, it is a great material for a kitchen or bathroom worktop.
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BC Designs and Bayswater Bathrooms to support retailers with a price freeze

Bath maker, BC Designs, and traditional brand Bayswater Bathrooms has taken the decision to support bathroom retailers during Covid-19 with a price freeze across the whole product portfolio. Lasting until at least Autumn 2020, the price freeze will ensure retailers are able to maximise profit margins at a time of uncertainty across the UK economy.

Darren Allison, managing director at BC Designs and Bayswater Bathrooms says:
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Triton introduces essential handwash units

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for more rigorous hygiene processes and frequent handwashing in the workplace, as well as in the home.
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New distribution deal adds Abode sinks & taps to PJH product

PJH has agreed a distribution deal with Abode, one of the UK's leading designers and manufacturers of kitchen sinks and taps, and a brand renowned for its award-winning innovative product designs and outstanding product quality.

Launching week commencing 6th July 2020, the deal will see Abode's entire collection (425 sku's) of sinks and taps added to PJH's comprehensive range of big-name branded appliances, sinks, tap and bathroom products.
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Iris Bed features new Brera linen fabric from Button & Sprung

Be inspired to bring relaxed, beach house style into the bedroom this season with Button & Sprung's beautiful new upholstery option: the Brera Lino fabric from the Designer's Guild.
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PJH expands sales development team

Following a successful 2019 with strong sales growth and as part of its continuous growth strategy and efforts to be its customers' first choice, PJH is pleased to announce that it has strengthened its sales division by welcoming three new sales development managers to its nationwide team.

Paula Wilson joins PJH as sales development manager for the Northern & Scotland region, from one of PJH's trade customers, Express Plumbing Supplies, where she was showroom manager.
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Jason: Key to Daval’s future success in the South East?

Daval continues to expand its team with the new appointment of Jason Key, as business development manager. This role has been created to target new growth-areas in South East England, and Jason will be responsible for developing and growing Daval Furniture's supply network in this region.

Offering significant experience from the publishing industry that spans media sales, events, tailored marketing and managerial roles, Jason will draw on nearly five years' sales experience working in the KBB and interior design sectors.
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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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