KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th December 2011
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
|
International News
Products Bohle presents exciting new glass surface protection product
Ellis Furniture celebrates new business gains
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. 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
|
Welcome to the
While I generally try not to be too political I know John won't mind me saying that we were both incredibly relieved at David Cameron's decision this week, to put the brakes on further EU integration for us. It's not that we're anti-European; we just hate the enormous sums of money those involved in running the EU seem happy to fritter away - the 'travelling circus' between Brussels and Strasbourg being just one of many examples I can give. We're all paying for that and the majority of us don't like it - but we don't seem to have a say, do we? It's simply not on. We all need to improve efficiency and we have to make sure that every £1 (or Euro!) we spend is spent wisely. Sadly our European masters seem to be of the opinion that there's one rule for them and their families and another for the rest of us! And I'm not being protectionist - well not of this country, anyway - but we need to look after our planet and I strongly believe that if we can manufacture and buy locally, we should do so. As you can imagine, I was delighted to learn about the new Foresight project, launched this week by Business Secretary Vince Cable, which will be investigating the future of manufacturing out to 2050. And although it is exstensibly a UK-focused study, it will, I believe, help guide the role of product designers, planners and manufacturers around the globe. All that remains for me to say now is Merry Christmas! We hope you enjoy whatever break you're able to take and that you stay safe and healthy - and that 2012 will bring some political stability, paid work for those seeking it and economic growth for the global community. Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
New project will give boost to manufacturing A new Foresight project investigating the future of manufacturing out to 2050 was launched this week by Business Secretary Vince Cable. The two-year project will call on industry and academic expertise from the UK and abroad to look at the long-term picture for the manufacturing sector, investigating global trends and drivers of change. It will explore how the UK can maximise these opportunities and provide an evidence base to help policy-makers navigate a challenging and uncertain future.
Buried in the midst of Christmas thought and at a time when we all face spending many hours in the kitchen, it's the perfect time to be look at the latest designs. Texture is said by some to be a key trend in 2012 and Schuller has introduced the fabulously tactile Bari natural knotty oak saw-cut to the Schuller C collection The distinctive laminate front with the saw-cut feel has a surface feel that's really close to real wood. In combination with Nova in striking Lava Black the kitchen becomes a real trendsetter. Soapbox: The demand is there but the will to invest is not Steve Macdonald, marketing director of Hoover Candy, shares his views on the pent-up consumer. He argues that the will and need for consumers to invest in new kitchens is there but unless the industry can make it comfortable to pay for their investment, they will remain 'pent -up'. "Mintel's recent report tells us that 15% of respondents advised that they would like to refurbish their kitchen but can't afford to. Equally there are more people wanting to upgrade, but they are being extremely cautious about the risk of overspending as they wait to see what happens with the economy. Designer predicts bathroom trends for 2012 As 2012 fast approaches, Ideal Standard International designer Robin Levien gives his bathroom predictions for next year: Vintage 2012 We are living through uncertain times once again and this creates insecurity. This insecurity translates into nostalgia for a supposedly better time. This time is usually the 'vintage era' of the mid-20th century and will impact the bathroom through optimistic splashes of colour or fabrics and even bold geometric patterns to brighten up bathrooms. Deca 100 single bowl sink has a matching drainer tray for flushmount-like looks
The new 101 drainer tray measures 410 x 460mm, the same size as the Deca 100 single bowl sink, and likewise fits neatly into a 450mm cabinet offering an excellent space saving option. The drainer is fitted with the smart and stylish Revolution overflow to maintain its simple and streamlined design. The Is this Britain's oldest working fridge?
Water Calculator - continued success The online Water Calculator, developed by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and Waterwise East to aid industry professionals in their whole-house water-consumption calculations, is already 12 months old. And the BMA report that use of the website has seen excellent growth since its launch! Around 80 users now access the website every day. Architects and developers are using the interactive calculator and projects are regularly being saved to the secure database. Mayor unveils strategy to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs for London
Speaking at the National Housing Federation, the Mayor set out the details of his revised housing strategy, which outlines how he will take on new housing powers secured in the Localism Act, tackle Londoners' housing needs and deliver 55,000 affordable homes over this investment round. This includes a significant proportion of family-sized housing with new homes designed to the Mayor's larger space standards. Quebec Oak worksurface from Bushboard works trend for organic harmony
Printed in high quality definition, the design reinterprets the time-honoured appeal of oak for the modern day and features a subtle washed effect that enhances the graining. The visual and aesthetic appeal is further heightened by ultramatt texture which gives the surface a low-reflective quality and is warm to the touch, akin to newly sanded wood. 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:
|
REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent News
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'! 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. 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. 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. 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. People
Alan Hughes joins the Carron Phoenix sales team
Marketing
Symphony pledges support for retailers with New Year deal
|
