KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
9th December 2011
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International News
Products Nolte joins EQ as supplier partner
Better information about lorry parking provision It was good news this week for the many drivers from overseas, whose job it is to deliver KBB products and equipment into the UK, with a comprehensive report on the availability and use of lorry parking facilities in England published by Roads Minister Mike Penning. Hansgrohe AG recognised as being amongst world's top in design
Apollo Blinds debuts its new made-to-measure Roman blind collection for Spring 2012.
Euroline becomes multi-award winning
Franke shows off the marvellous Minerva 3-in-1 Kettle tap
The five videos can be found by following a link directly from the company's home page. Videos include making tea and coffee,and how the tap's safety handle works. The final video shows how easy it is to fit the tank behind a standard 150mm plinth; an attribute which has proved a real selling point. T: 0161 436 6280 Whirlpool celebrates Centenary
Whirlpool, the world's number one manufacturer of major home appliances, has held a series of events around the world to commemorate the company's 100 years. Whirlpool UK celebrated with several events throughout the year including an Employee Day, a Family Day and a classic tea party on the date of the company's 100th anniversary, 11th November 2011.
German manufacturer goes the extra mile
Aquadi launch to retail customers hailed 'huge success'
KitchenAid's new built-in Lab oven is packed with technology
Atag's 17-place setting dishwasher a perfect choice for festive season
HGTVRemodels.com features planning guides as US consumers resume spending With the US National Kitchen & Bath Association reporting a 42% increase in showroom visits and double-digit increases in remodel sales volume for kitchens (36%) and baths (85%) over one year ago, more homeowners will need the Kitchens and Baths planning guides on HGTVRemodels.com. In its quarterly Market Index Report released last week, the NKBA also found a 69% increase in revenue among kitchen and bath dealers since the third quarter 2010. |
Welcome to the
The Government White Paper, 'Water for Life', released this week, recognises that water is one of our most valuable resources and calls on everyone to treat it as such. It advocates such steps as installing water butts in gardens to collect rainwater, converting toilets to dual flush and addressing domestic leaks. Sadly I didn't see any mention of the promotion of grey water flushing systems etc. but I suppose it's still early days for these yet. The document also explains how Government will incentivise water efficiency measures and sets out how voluntary water efficiency labelling will be encouraged, so customers are able to choose more efficient products. I feel that because this valuable resource has always been 'on tap', the average consumer tends not to worry about wasting it, so there is much ground to be gained here. Having seen though, how, with rising utility prices, we are insulating our houses, having the heating on less, lowering the temperature on our thermostats, turning off lights when they would normally have been left on - and look how deserted our roads are compared with a couple of years ago! - cost seems to be the biggest influencer when it comes to usage. This industry offers some fantastic products designed to save water and of course educating consumers about why they should choose these over more wasteful products should be a priority. The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Yvonne Orgill warns below, in Soapbox, that we must convince Government that everyone within the industry is serious about water efficiency if we are to avoid expensive and cumbersome regulation and I couldn't agree more. She makes some good points so make sure you read what she has to say. The Government confesses that it wants to improve its understanding of what motivates individuals to make the best use of water and what might be preventing them from doing so. I think it will save a great deal of time and money spent on research by pushing harder for the rollout of water meters throughout the UK. The products are there; we just have to be forced to use them by knowing that we'll have to pay for every drop of water we use! Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Symphony pledges support for retailers with New Year deal
Offering over 50% off its Gallery premium range of kitchens from January to March 2012, this fully funded sale will give retailers a much needed kick start when it comes to boosting their sales and margins during the first quarter of the New Year. Premium cabinets will also be sold at standard assembled prices, while assembled cabinets will be offered at ready-for-assembly prices, and 33% will be wiped off worktops - marking a clear advantage for customers. UK mums dream of a white goods Christmas! UK mums are dreaming of a white goods Christmas, according to money-saving site ILoveCashback.com Top 10 Christmas searches at Britain's popular shopping site that combines price comparison, voucher codes and cashback, include the ever-helpful 'dishwasher', 'microwave' and even the good old 'refrigerator'! The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Chief Executive Yvonne Orgill, responds to Thursday's Government White Paper, 'Water for Life' The Government has made it clear in today's paper that the bathroom industry must now take immediate steps to help educate consumers and explain the necessity in choosing the most water efficient bathroom fittings. New Desire Duo with twin levers complements the top selling Desire tap style.
Says Neil Clark, sales and marketing director at Carron Phoenix: Design takes centre stage in Government's drive for innovation and growth Design is to play a central role in the Government's new Innovation & Research Strategy for Growth - unveiled recently by the Department of Business Innovation & Skills. Bohle presents exciting new glass surface protection product
Developed and produced in-house at the company's Haan manufacturing facility, the innovative BriteGuard surface protection system for both smooth and textured glass surfaces is extraordinarily wear resistant and durable. Hoover cooks up Britain's Best Dish Hoover's ovens are proving to be a hit with a chef on Britain's Best Dish as he claimed the oven is as good as a professional oven when producing a winning meal on the programme. Ellis Furniture celebrates new business gains
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has announced that three new quality retailers have joined as members. Bank Interiors with a showroom in Kenilworth, Osborne Interiors of Chiswick and S&T Kitchens in Berkshire. IDS expands UK coverage with brand new showroom and warehouse at Norwich
IDS has had a showroom presence in the Norwich area for six years, servicing a varied customer base in the Norfolk area. Strong business growth, coupled with an expanding customer base and product portfolio, resulted in IDS looking for a larger site for the next stage in its development . The new site boasts a superb geographical location facilitating easy access for trade customers to visit, as well as fast road access for prompt deliveries in line with IDS's policy of 24-48 hours from stock. 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 Congratulations to County Antrim's Uform, for scooping 'Best Supplier Showroom 2011' accolate at the annual Ireland Kitchen Trade Guide Awards. E: [email protected]
Blanco's latest figures indicate that UK homeowners are choosing black sinks and taps over neutrals. T: 0844 912 0100 Tuff Form is a new, easy to instal, full level access showering solution from AKW. T:01905 823298 Register now for free entry to Ecobuild (London, 20th - 22nd March, 2012). www.ecobuild.co.uk How to contact us at The KBzine:
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Electrolux Design Lab announces 2012 theme: Design Experience
Aquavision sets up new manufacturing and distribution facility A pioneer in the design of waterproof and in-wall televisions (perfect for that pampered bathing experience!) Aquavision has made some major changes to its business. TTA rescues industry standards The Tile Association has come to the rescue of standards within the tiling industry by hosting the plenary meeting of the International Standards Organisation (ISO). In the world of Ceramic Tiles and Adhesives, it is this governing body that creates the standards to protect consumers and trade users. Apprenticeships: Vince Cable guarantees quality, slashes red tape and delivers cash boost for firms Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced new measures to ensure more young people benefit from an apprenticeship, and to help employers gain the skilled workers they need to grow. Karonia specified for sustainable development
People
Alan Hughes joins the Carron Phoenix sales team
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