KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
10th February 2012
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International News
Products Glimmers of hope for remodelling in the US in 2012
Furniture retail quality group publishes Flammability Best Practice Guide The Furniture Industry Research Association has announced the publication of a new best practice guide for flammability testing of upholstery on behalf of the Furniture Retail Quality Group, the technical committee representing all major UK furniture retailers. Gender differences using technology highlighted by survey
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Welcome to the
John and I have been producing an e-zine for the cleaning industry for 10 years now. It was part of the same stable from which KBZine was launched by Richard & Debbie Schwarz and I have to confess that I always felt I'd drawn the short straw - particularly when it came to exhibitions. Yes the cleaning industry has some lovely people but I can't quite summon up the same enthusiasm for a mopping system or pressure washer as I can for luxury bathroom furniture, fabulous kitchens, high-tech appliances and taps and worktops that are begging to have you run your fingers over them! One of the grumbles I hear from those attending cleaning shows (or reasons for non-attendance) is that: "There's never anything new in the industry." I tend to argue this point as there is innovation but it seems that it's gone almost as far as it's likely to and a lot of the 'new' products have merely had changes of livery. Not so the KBB industry where we love changes of livery! KBB Birmingham 2012's organisers tell me that more than 1000 new products are due to be showcased by various of the 200 exhibitors at the show next month (4 - 7th March). That's 1000 new products and some wonderful established ones all fighting for attention. If you're exhibiting and haven't yet let us know what you'll be unveiling, do send us your press release as soon as possible so we can include the information in our rolling show preview and help persuade our readers that your stand is one that simply cannot be missed! Our 'rolling' Preview is here We look forward to hearing from you... Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Enterprises must boost innovation as global competition becomes stronger
Whirlpool induction hob is super fast and stylish
NKBA report shows high optimism for start of 2012 The US National Kitchen & Bath Association has released the Kitchen & Bath Market Report for the fourth quarter. Although results convey a slight drop-off from third quarter in number of remodels and budgets, showroom visits held steady from a year ago and with marked increases from 2009 and 2010, optimism for the first quarter of 2012 remains high. Karonia to showcase extended Mistral range
Karonia, the provider of Mistral genuine 25mm solid surface worktops, will be unveiling its significantly extended range. On display will be a number of exciting new colourways for the versatile enhanced acrylic worksurface.
Vibrant colour will be one of the most striking features of LDL's stand. The popular nationwide distributor of quality fittings and accessories for the fitted furniture industry will be showcasing a whole range of new products, including the stunning Wesco household range of freestanding kitchen and bathrooms bins in bold fashion colours and an exciting new lighting collection. 'Get a new handle on it!' suggests Hafele
Hafele will be showcasing its new and latest product ranges; a selection of over 400 new handles will be available to view, categorised into five easily identifiable groups: Sustainable products and installation materials can earn 'green' NSF International certification NSF International, an independent global organisation that writes public health standards and certifies products for food, water and consumer goods, now offers Green Squared Certification for sustainable ceramic tiles, glass tiles and installation materials. Roman adds Ultra Care pre-coating glass protection
Lakes Bathrooms moves to new premises
Richard Willetts Joins EQ Sales Team
HiB master bathroom ventilation new for 2012
As with all HiB products, these new additions to the portfolio have been introduced to offer superior quality, performance and aesthetic value.
A new EU Regulation concerning textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products will be implemented in the UK, and across the EU, on 8th May 2012.
This Regulation (1007/2011) replaces three existing textile labelling Directives with a single Regulation which should make it easier and quicker to cope with technical innovation in the future. The process for applying for, approval of, and adoption of a new fibre name has been simplified and so will hopefully speed up the process. Drive away those chills with portable heating!
Government urged to boost credibility of apprenticeship schemes The Forum of Private Business has urged the Government to simplify the entire apprenticeship system to make it more business-friendly and appealing to industry leaders. 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:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Pseudomonas - we need more facts
The tragic baby deaths in Belfast's Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital have shocked us all and investigations into how and where this killer bug, pseudomonas, thrived, need to be carried out quickly and accurately. SBID offers honorary membership to kbbreview award finalists The Society of British Interior Designers is offering the finalists in the design categories of the kbbreview Awards the opportunity to become an honorary member for a year, usually worth more than £300. World record-breaking paralympic athlete champions independent living opportunity
160-year old kitchenwares firm goes for high-tech inventory management tool A multi award-winning kitchen, dining and housewares supplier with a 160-year history has opted for a high-tech solution to boost already impressive availability targets. KBSA announces new corporate member The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has just announced a new Corporate Member, Keller Kitchens. FIRA dramatically reduces its carbon footprint by working with Recycling Furniture
Ultima Furniture Systems takes over Matchmaker Kitchens Longstanding cabinet manufacturer Ultima Furniture Systems has today announced that it is taking over the Matchmaker Kitchen brand. Retrofit 2012 conference finds that policymakers have yet to engage with human behaviour The University of Salford Retrofit 2012 conference concluded yesterday with a detailed focus on the challenges of the large-scale behaviour change needed in the UK if the Government is to achieve its carbon reduction targets. Belling announces centenary plans for 2012
Anna Ryder Richardson and Gerd Bulthaup to speak at kbb Birmingham
People
New Abode for talented young technical designer
Franke appoints Annie for first class aftersales service
Literature
Vado announces 2012 catalogue collection In preparation for what is set to be another busy year for brassware manufacturer Vado, the company has produced a range of 2012 catalogues tailored to the specific requirements of its customers, namely: |
