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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
2nd September 2011

 

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Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.


International News
Products

Rocking Roller hood from Franke is hugely efficient

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Ever a leader in kitchen technology, Franke has introduced the Roller hood which is compact at 90cm wide, unobtrusive, with its steeply-angled design - and hugely efficient. This sophisticated unit will complement all kitchen schemes whatever the layout and size.

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.
more


Welcome to the
KBzine

John and I were saying yesterday that it seems like a lifetime since we broadcast our last issue.  Of course 12th August wasn't actually that far back but I think that what makes it seem so long ago is that in the space of a couple of weeks we've moved from 'proper' Summer weather in the UK of warm sunshine, into what has sometimes looked like the depths of Winter - and it isn't warm either!

During the heat wave in the early Spring we were told to conserve water and warned that hosepipe bans might come into force before long. Now we read that we've experienced the coldest Summer since 1993.

However, cold as it may have been at times, it was still fairly dry and our water stocks have not been replenished, which means we do still have to be careful about our consumption.

I installed a water butt this year and I'm horrified at how much water I'd wasted by not getting one earlier. Now I'm planning to get one for my shed and the front of the house too. There's no excuse for not doing my bit!

I'm pleased to say that the KBB industry is doing its bit too and that this is making a big impact.  A report which features in this week's issue of KBZine reveals that the UK's water saving plumbing products market, which had shown excellent levels of growth until the economic downturn caused it to stall, is now starting to stabilise and is forecast to return to growth in 2011-12.

With the overall market value forecast to be £219 million at manufacturer's selling price by 2015 - an increase of around 33% compared to the estimated market size in 2011 -this is one bandwagon well worth climbing aboard!

Yours,

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Jan Hobbs

 


This Week's News

Water Saving Plumbing Products Market Report UK 2011-2015, now available

* pie chart to illustratevWater Saving Plumbing Products Market Report.jpgThe UK water saving plumbing products market had shown excellent levels of growth until the economic downturn. Like other products in the building and construction industry, this market has been impacted by the global financial crisis.
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KBSA releases details of post-AGM networking dinner

The Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association has announced that its AGM and presentations, which will take place on Tuesday 4 October 2011 at 16.00, will be followed by a networking dinner with entertainment provided by Matthew Osbourn, English Comedian of the year 2009.

"Please ensure you book your place to avoid disappointment - just complete the downloadable pdf and send with payment to the KBSA office in Mansfield," says Graham Ball, KBSA CEO.
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Water saving made simple with Triton's new Leah Eco showerhead

Triton-Leah-Eco-Showerhead_142.jpegFor customers wanting to save water without completely changing their existing mixer shower or losing showering performance, Triton's new Leah Eco showerhead provides a quick, easy and affordable solution.

Ideal for updating properties with mixer showers to comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes, it aerates the water flow to maintain a powerful output whilst cutting water consumption to nine litres per minute, compared with a standard shower using 12 litres or more.
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New kitchen market report published

* fitted-kitchens-report.jpgA new edition of JKMR's 'Overview Report on the UK Kitchen Furniture Market 'has now been published, providing an in-depth review of recent market achievement, along with wide ranging analysis of market performance and development in the short to medium term.
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Maytag launches new range of super smart tumble dryers

Maytag-tumble-dryer-dreamwaver_142.jpegMaytag has launched a new range of premium tumble dryers offering a superb level of drying performance.

Driven by the company's patented IntelliSense technology, the stylish and versatile new dryers offer the customer tremendous flexibility and a great range of programme options. The new models include two super intelligent condenser models with capacious drums in the MTD09WH (9kg) and the MTD08WH (8kg).
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Electrolux CEO Keith McLoughlin makes keynote speech at IFA 2011

The 51st IFA (International Funkausstellung) kicks off in Berlin this morning. Last year, more than 235,000 visitors - including 125,000 from the trade - showed up at what some consider is the most important fair for consumer electronics and home appliances.

For the first time, Keith McLoughlin introduces himself to the European retailer audience within the International Keynotes: in his speech which starts from 15.00 to 15.45 pm (CEST), he discusses how "consumers are in the driver's seat for growth" and how social media revolutionises the home appliance industry.
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Amica refrigeration selected for Cookery School

* Amica-Cookery-School.jpgAn upright freezer and two larder fridges by popular Polish appliances brand, Amica , were used by the contestants in the first series of Cookery School - the highly successful Channel 4 cooking competition currently being aired on Channel 4 and also available on 4oD.
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Renewables Roadshow 2011

Ideal Standard will be showcasing is latest water saving designs for the bathroom at the Renewables Roadshow 2011. The Roadshow, on tour throughout September, will bring a zero-jargon approach to the very latest technologies and training for trade professionals across the UK.

Ideal Standard says that with over 300 products on the Bathroom Manufacturer Association's water efficient labelling scheme, it has registered more water saving products than any other manufacturer in the UK. Products at its stand include the Concept back to-wall WC, seat and newest product ranges which consists of mixers and tap featuring revolutionary new water saving technology.
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Liebherr wins Which? 'Best Buy' status for G1221 Under Counter freezer

* Liebherr-award-winning-fridge.jpgLiebherr has been awarded the Which? 'Best Buy' status for the G1221 Under Counter freezer.

The G1221 freezer can keep food frozen for more than a day and a half in a power cut and is unaffected by fluctuating room temperatures. Liebherr was commended for the recommended setting as 'spot on', so once you've set it up you shouldn't need to touch the thermostat dial.
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Imperial Bathrooms unveils fine furniture collection

imperial-bathrooms-new-furniture_142.jpegHandcrafted in the UK using time-honoured techniques and combining practicality with the beauty and luxury of solid and real wood veneers is Barrington - a stunning new line-up of free-standing fine furniture from Imperial Bathrooms.
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Methven unveils Deva Signature shower kits

* Deva-Vision-Bar-Shower.jpgAs part the ongoing launch of the new Deva collection, Methven - the global designer and manufacturer of showers and tapware - is launching the Signature range of Deva, 'own stable' shower kits.
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New appointment at Apex Interior Systems

* Apex-Chris-Grattan.jpgChris Grattan has been appointed Sales & Marketing Manager at Apex Interior Systems, the Burscough, Lancashire-based manufacturer of vinyl wrapped kitchen and wardrobe doors.

Drawing on his in-depth knowledge of the industry, Chris's remit at Apex covers sales and market development, including management of external and internal sales teams and developing new routes to market for the company's growing product range.
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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.

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News in Brief
IFA 2011, the global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances opens today at Messe Berlin, Germany. It runs until Wednesday. W: www1.messe-berlin.de

Waterproof wall panel system manufacturer Mermaid Panels, whose products feature in Buckingham Palace, has launched a fab new range of glass panels. T: 01472 279940

Superplan Plus joins Kaldewei's classic portfolio of floor level shower trays. T: +49 2382 78500

New Conforto - a bath shape designed specifically to offer the most comfortable bathing position to any bodyshape and size, is available from Ripples. E: [email protected]
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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Recent News

Pronorm signs five new retailers in under two months

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Pronorm continues to strengthen its position in the kitchen sector as the company further expands its UK dealership with five new retailers signing up to sell its contemporary kitchen furniture within the last two months.
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Grant Shapps joins forces with industry to take self build to the masses

There was what may be good news for the KBB industry last week, with Grant Shapps welcoming a new action plan for the self build industry that he says could be the turning point that takes it to the masses.
more


Domestic Kitchen Furniture Market Report - UK 2011-2015 Analysis

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The UK domestic kitchen furniture market experienced steady growth in the 2002-2007 period, reaching a market size of £1,390m by the end of the period. The decline in the housebuilding sector, together with a downturn in consumer spending and tighter financial conditions resulted in a significant decline in the market in 2008 and an even steeper fall in 2009, however, the market began to show some stability in 2010.
more


Soapbox: The rental industry - how do we move forward in difficult trading times?

Steve Macdonald, marketing director of Hoover Candy shares his views on the growing rental market in the UK and how it could impact the industry:

In this recession driven economy where the consumer is King, retailers and manufacturers of high value products need to look at the key drivers in the marketplace to guarantee the success of the future.

"It goes without saying that no matter what the government says, we are still in the grips of a recession driven economy and as the consumer has learnt to live within a more frugal economy, consumers are also asking themselves with every product purchase, no matter how large or small; 'do I really need it?'
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EQ backs BMA Water Efficiency Product Labelling Scheme

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The Water Efficiency Product labelling scheme operated by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association has received a further endorsement from EQ Software. The UK-based business management software provider will incorporate water efficient products registered on WEPLS into the system, for specification and order by retailers.
more


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.
more



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