KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
12th August 2011
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Welcome to the This will be the last broadcast issue of KBzine until the 2nd September as John and I are taking the holiday season opportunity to get some IT housekeeping and back office work done! I leave my desk with a heavy heart knowing that the world is watching us in England, no doubt as horrified as the majority of us here are, about the rioting that has spread to many parts of the country. I bought my sofas from Reeves in Croydon which featured in Monday night's news as it went up in flames. Whenever I shopped there I was beautifully looked after by helpful, friendly staff who may have now lost their livelihoods. I do hope this was the only KBB business wrecked by the thugs we have in our midst, but I doubt it. I had spent the last couple of days wondering how on earth we were going to cope with the clean-up, when I saw on the news that several of the 'nicer' citizens of London had used social networking - so damned for the part it played in gathering the rioters to do their dirty deeds - to set up groups that would summon other decent people to start the clean up it helped restore my faith in human nature a little. Do please keep your news coming in over the next couple of weeks as we will be checking our emails and we'll post any major breaking news. Wherever you are in the world, stay safe and if you're taking a break of any sort, have fun and try and make the most of the summer! Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
IMPORTANT WARNING - INTERNET SCAM INVOLVING APPLIANCE PURCHASES
We have mail from the Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association We have been advised that there are several scams in operation at the moment targeting specialist retailers for appliance purchases. Requests are received via email/internet and when a contact phone number is requested, an email response is received citing a hearing impairment so they cannot communicate verbally. One of the UK's most eclectic, award winning kitchen sink and tap designers/manufacturers' - Abode, has launched its products onto the Dutch market. The full range of both modern and contemporary kitchen taps, including the newly launched 'Quintessentially' Abode collection plus the stainless steel, ceramic and composite sinks portfolio, are now being distributed across Benelux, the Netherlands and Northern Germany. Utopia completes intensive training programme Following its major new product launch in May, Utopia Bathroom Group has now completed an intensive three week training programme for retailers dedicated entirely to the recently launched new products. The June programme of events took place at the company's Bilston headquarters where a new 7,000 sq ft showroom has been installed to showcase the four new product ranges. Rocking Roller hood from Franke is hugely efficient
The stylish black glass surround contrasts beautifully with the stainless steel strips while ambient lighting is achieved with halogen lights. There is a choice of touch or optional remote control.
The Couture collection is stylish with handle-less doors for a minimalist streamlined look. It is also versatile with nine different colours. For example, the Anthracite colour balances bold and stylish, yet warm and homely. New Reno tap works the trend for texture and colour
Bushboard's upgraded Encore solid surface range offers moulded acrylic sinks and new designs
There are two new moulded sink models in 100% pure white acrylic guaranteeing the highest levels of hygiene and performance being durable, non-porous and inherently robust enough to cope with the high speed demands of a waste disposal unit. FIRA to exhibit at Timber Expo 2011 FIRA (The Furniture Industry Research Association) International will be exhibiting at Timber Expo 2011, a dynamic new event designed to bring the timber industry under one roof for the first time. The event will be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 27th and 28th of September, 2011. With its unparalleled furniture industry knowledge, FIRA works to raise performance throughout the furniture supply chain by offering research, testing and certification schemes. FIRA also offers consultancy services in business process improvement, environmental management, ergonomics, tendering and specifications. FIRA is also well known for its FIRA Service Technicians which are the leading, independent after sales service, and The Furniture Ombudsman which operates independently to raise standards withi Methven Kiri Satinjet ultra low flow shower wins Green Good Design Award
The Kiri Satinjet ultra low flow shower became available in the UK and Europe earlier this year. Judges praised the shower for its sophisticated design, superior performance and impressive water and energy saving credentials. Tile Depot winds back tile prices for Newbury Tile Depot, the UK's largest independent tile, stone and wood retailer, has opened a brand new store in Newbury, Berks. Tile Depot's 18th branch occupies Unit 1 on Newbury Trade Park, a prominent position on the Hambridge Road near Jewson's, and is easily identified displaying the retailer's distinctive yellow and green signage. Tile Depot is a totally new type of tile store for Newbury and Thatcham featuring inspirational room-like displays throughout and a massive choice of the latest wall and floor tiles to suit all tastes, from budget ranges to designer collections. The new store has created three jobs for local people.
Followers of IDS Twitter have access to a range of benefits and services including real time product updates; product tips and tricks as well as IDS 'Twoffers' which include discounts or promotions exclusively available to Twitter devotees. Breathtaking bathrooms from Neptune Renowned for its beautifully crafted garden, kitchen and interiors furniture, Neptune, keeping its promise to become the 'whole house solution', has announced the launch of its new Chichester Bathroom Collection. Exceptional quality and fine details have been applied with the same ethos that Neptune gives to every piece it creates to ensure this luxurious collection combines style and function in perfect harmony with the same affordable price tags. The Chichester Bathroom range comprises under and over-mounted cabinets and wall pieces. Several sizes are offered allowing for a choice of basins. The freestanding cabinets provide endless combinations - combining the basin and drawer bases or adding open curved cabinets on the ends. The space in any bathroom can be maximised as these cabinets p 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. News in Brief Royal Warrant holder Stoneham, has added five Low Emission 7.5 ton vehicles to its fleet. E: [email protected]
De Dietrich's new DVY1010J 45cm slimline, 'AAA' rated dishwasher, handles 10-place settings and has with a useful half load facility. T: 01256 308 067 AKW's 'Level Best' wet-room system is perfect for those of limited ability. T: 01905 823298 Gorenje's new GIC63140 AX built-in compact dishwasher accommodates six standard place settings and is very energy- and water-efficient. T: 0208 247 3980 How to contact us at The KBzine:
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Plumber sentenced after explosion at Willenhall bungalow A Wolverhampton plumber has been given a 10-month suspended jail sentence for causing a gas explosion and fire in which a pensioner sustained 21% burns rescuing his nine-year-old granddaughter. B&Q invests in FIRA Gold Installation Certification
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