KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
5th March 2010
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International News
Products Polypipe acquires ventilation business rival Silavent It was announced on Wednesday that Polypipe has acquired the goodwill and assets of the Silavent group. This move will strengthen Polypipe's position in the UK ventilation systems market in which it already has a significant presence in the form of Polypipe Ventilation and its leading Domus product range. The Silavent brand is a good match for Polypipe's portfolio as it has a well- deserved reputation for providing excellent quality products and high levels of technical support in the developing UK ventilation market. "This acquisition significantly widens Polypipe's offering in the ventilation market alongside our Domus brand and develops new business channels," ," commented David Hall, CEO of Polypipe. "Silavent is a well established and well regarded brand and we feel that under Polypipe's ownership we can grow the business over the coming years. "This acquisition provides us with an opportunity to build upon the brand and ensures that the well established customer base will continue to have access to Silavent products and expertise. Raukantex Magic 3D offers depth-effect patterns
Rehau's Raukantex Magic 3D edgeband uses a new design process which gives the impression of three dimensions by combining a transparent surface with a depth-effect pattern. It is ideal for worktops, carcasses, book cases, side panels, shelves and tables and opens up a host of possibilities for designers and manufacturers looking to maximise the contrasting design features of edgeband. Manufactured using a PMMA polymer, it is available in a series of Raukantex coloured and metallic patterns with a gloss, embossed or solid colour effects surface finish. It is available in edgeband thicknesses from 1.3mm to 2mm and in a range of widths to suit most applications. The PMMA material can be applied around tight radii and does not require reworking. A 23mm x 2mm version of Raukantex Magic 3D in wide range of attractive decors has been added to Rehau's Express Collection which is available direct from stock. A sample can also be obtained on request from Roshni Patel via: And in flows another award for Deva's Satinjet...
Deva's Satinjet Awatea Hi-Rise Adjustable Arm by Methven has scooped another award after achieving 'Highly Commended' in the bathrooms category of the Self Build Awards 2010. Judged by leading industry professionals from the Federation of Master Builders and the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Satinjet Awatea Hi-Rise Adjustable Arm was chosen for its impressive water and energy saving capabilities and innovative design. "We are delighted that such a highly regarded judging panel has bestowed this accolade on the Satinjet Awatea Hi-Rise Adjustable Arm," comments Deva Sales & Marketing manager Claire Stokes. "The achievement is testament to the Satinjet promise of quality design and performance coupled with long-term savings on energy and water." Designed and engineered in New Zealand, the Satinjet range saves up to 40% on water and energy with each shower taken, subject to individual water and heating systems and without compromising on performance or design. 'Don't take risks with jobs recovery', CIPD and British Chambers of Commerce tell Mandelson The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called on the government to avoid any further statutory increases in the cost of employing staff during what looks like being a 'jobs-light' economic recovery. In a joint letter to Peter Mandelson, the Secretary of State for Business, the CIPD and BCC warned of the consequences of the 1% increase in employers' National Insurance Contributions scheduled for April 2011, and recommended a freeze in the youth and development rates of the National Minimum Wage to avoid counteracting the impact of the government's own welcome measures to combat rising youth unemployment. The letter was written in the context of recent research from the CIPD which shows that more than one in 10 employers (12%) intend to recruit fewer staff as a result of the planned hike in employers' NICs, while 8% would make job cuts. US NKBA President Mark Karas announces goals for 2010
New complete shower cubicle installs in just three hours
Media is a brand new range of 'plug and play' complete cubicles that, provided water is in place, can be fully installed and ready for use in just three hours. Utopia expands product portfolio
Utopia is reporting an enthusiastic response to its new range of marble and granite worksurfaces. Introduced last Autumn specifically to complement the new Timber Collection, these luxurious stone worktops are the perfect accompaniment to natural timber. |
Welcome to the There was good news for the KBB industry yesterday with the announcement by Housing Minister John Healey that is hailed as the start of a new deal in housebuilding... the first Government-owned land is being made available under the Public Land Initiative for much-needed new homes. The Initiative could create up to 1,700 jobs and apprenticeships – with workers expected on the first of these sites within the next few months. Mr Healey described this scheme as a drive to make better use of Government-owned land to build more homes, to lower costs and to increase competition in housebuilding, before naming the first three sites which, subject to planning permission, will deliver nearly 500 new homes – many of which will be made available for affordable rent or sale. The Initiative is expected to deliver up to 1,250 homes overall. Under the new deal, Government provides the public land but takes out the upfront costs and risks involved in site purchase and preparation as contractors pay for the land only once the completed homes are sold. A panel of approved partners have been selected, reducing the contract bidding and procurement costs for public agencies that want to build homes this way. But in exchange for this reduced risk, developers take a smaller profit. Some of the biggest names in the construction industry have not been house-builders before – but Mr Healey sees this new initiative as a way to inject more innovation and competition into housebuilding by encouraging them to enter the industry. Two of the first three sites are owned by the Homes and Communities Agency – with more sites being considered. The third is owned jointly by the Regional Development Agency One North East, Newcastle City Council and with the delivery being led by City Development Company 1NG. The Minister made clear he expects other public bodies to follow suit, and identify land they have available for housebuilding. Latest estimates suggest there is enough public sector land in England to build nearly 300,000 much-needed homes, including 100,000 on council land and others on old NHS, transport, military and school sites. The first three sites to be made available under the Public Land Initiative will be:
The Initiative forms part of the Prime Minister’s June £1.5billion Housing Pledge, which saw Government funds switched into the building of new homes. Since then, John Healey has released over £2.8billion for more than 51,000 new homes across the country. The Minister has also put in place special contractual conditions so developers, councils and housing associations benefiting from this multi-billion pound investment in housing must provide apprenticeship and local job opportunities – including those contractors working on Public Land Initiative sites. The week started pretty badly for the industry with the latest Glenigan Index reporting that the value of construction projects starting on site in January was 8% lower than in January 2009 - something that was probably to have been expected, with the arctic conditions we've been experiencing! So it's good to end the week on a high note, isn't it? Have a good weekend! Yours,
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