Highlights
Brexit: business is worse and prices are up, says our industry poll
kbbreview launched several polls and chats on Instagram and Twitter throughout the week of May 20 to find out what the KBB industry thinks about the effects of Brexit.
[24-05-19]
‘Our potential is so big, Brexit is irrelevant’, says Grohe CEO
Grohe chief executive Michael Rauterkus said he sees huge opportunities in the UK market and has brushed off concerns over the uncertainty of Brexit.
[24-05-19]
Two Northern Ireland KBB companies honoured in Top 100 listings
Two KBB companies in Northern Ireland have been ranked among the Province’s Top 100 companies in two separate business listings.
[23-05-19]
Brexit ‘no man’s land’ is stifling investment, says JJO
KBB furniture manufacturer JJO has called for an end to the Brexit ‘no man’s land’ which it said is damaging business.
[23-05-19]
Team Hettich aims high for much-missed colleague
Eleven staff from Hettich UK are to climb the highest peaks in England and Wales in memory of their colleague Helena Grant who died last year.
[22-05-19]
‘Use UK training providers or lose them,’ warns Fiesta chairman
The UK risks losing its training providers if it doesn’t make more use of them, warned the Furniture and Interiors Education Skills and Training Alliance (Fiesta).
[22-05-19]
£5,000 cash up for grabs in Wolseley installers competition
All branches of plumbing, heating and bathroom merchant Wolseley are offering installers a chance to win a £5,000 cash prize when they spend more than £100 on selected sanitaryware packs.
[22-05-19]
Price rises in the UK ‘widely expected’ after Brexit
There is a broad expectation from suppliers, retailers and merchants operating in the home-improvement and construction industry that prices will rise following the UK’s departure from the EU
[22-05-19]
Uncertainty heightens trading risks for B&Q owner Kingfisher
Kingfisher has said that risks to its business, particularly its retail operations, had increased as a result of the continuing lack of insight over how Brexit will pan out.
[21-05-19]
EXCLUSIVE: Uncertainty is ‘hurting consumer confidence’
Blanco’s UK managing director Simon Hart said the trading environment has been “tough” since the UK vote to leave the EU almost three years ago, but “particularly” difficult since last October.
[21-05-19]
LDL steps up its environmental strategy
LDL has stepped up its commitment to the environment with the introduction of recyclable drink cans and a new cycle shelter.
[15-05-19]
Wras shines a light on UK ignorance over water use
One-in-four people surveyed by Wras admiited they had no idea how much water they use at home, while 6% would consult a plumber for water-saving advice.
[01-05-19]
‘Eco-chic’ from Granite and Trend Transformations
Granite and Trend Transformations is offering worktops made from up to 72% of recycled glass from used beer, wine and mineral water bottles.
[29-04-19]
Retailers urged to embrace water label during Water Saving Week
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has urged retailers to embrace the Unified Water Label and help their customers save water as #WaterSavingWeek 2019 begins.
[29-04-19]
Sustainable kitchens: 'Design well to live well'
Designer Johnny Grey looks at some of the ways sustainable design has evolved over the years, enabling designers to work for the common good
[25-04-19]
Sustainability: 'I’ve become a bit of an eco-fascist'
Designer Sandy Armitage of Sandy Armitage Designs was turned on to the subject of sustainability 10 years ago and has been a fierce advocate ever since
[11-04-19]
Sustainability: We have got to be responsible’
Keith Wardrope, MD of HPP, which is a 2019 kbbreview Retail & Design Awards sustainability sponsor, explains why his company is doing all it can to reduce its environmental impact.
[03-04-19]
Sustainability: I'm not a green warrior but...
Grant Hughes, the graduate designer from Herbert William kitchens, tells us how he believes we can all make our businesses more environmentally-friendly.
[28-03-19]
LDL reports record year and pledges to go plastic-free by 2020
LDL Components has reported a record-breaking year after investing in its production line, website, packaging materials, and new staff.
[13-03-19]
Franke wages war on single-use plastic waste
Almost 70% of the kitchen and bathroom industry do not offer recycling facilities in workplace according to a survey by Franke.
[20-08-18]
‘The middle market disappeared long before Brexit’
Gary Walmsley, MD of Designer Walls and More, believes Brexit has had an effect on business but that there were troubles brewing anyway that were nothing to do with it
[24-05-19]
October 31: the end of Brexit uncertainty or just the beginning?
Paul Wheeler, UK sales director of buying group MHK, suggests retailers can either blindly carry on or find new ways to take their businesses forward.
[24-05-19]
Brexit: ‘The delays in decision-making have been disastrous’
KBBG MD Bill Miller gives his views on how Brexit uncertainty is affecting the mood among suppliers and retailers in the KBB indust
[23-05-19]
Changing consumer habits worry me more than Brexit
The effect of Brexit has been minimal for Belfast-based Soaks Bathrooms, despite 40% of sales coming from across the border from Ireland, says director Wayne Lyons
[22-05-19]
Brexit has frightened people
Fari Zanjani, owner of Hampstead Kitchens on London’s Finchley Road, reflects on Neil Lerner going into administration
[21-05-19]
Neil Lerner won’t be the last to fail because of Brexit
Robert Charles, proprietor of Robert Charles, in Taunton, Somerset gives his insights about Brexit and the end of Neil Lerner's business
[20-05-19]
Don’t waste an opportunity
To help retailers maximise opportunities and increase sales Insinkerator, has put together this useful guide highlighting the key features and consumer benefits of its extensive portfolio of food waste disposers
[01-05-19]
Become a Samsung Ambassador
Jonathan Hartley, channel manager for kitchen retail and B2B Samsung UK, reveals details of Samsung’s new Ambassador Training Programme (SATP) – part of the brand’s Kitchen Circle Partner initiative
[01-05-19]
How to use digital marketing to find new local customers
SPONSORED: Ellen Mikals, Commercial Manager at eBay explains how any business can become expert in using online advertising to find new customers in their local…
[30-04-19]
Support, educate and reward
Jonathan Hartley, channel manager for kitchen retail, DA, Samsung Electronics UK, explains how the brand is supporting, educating and rewarding its retail network through its new Kitchen Circle Partner programme
[01-04-19]
Brexit: ‘People are worried about spending’
Ramsey Dawson, MD of retailer Ramsey's of Nottingham, says the uncertainty of Brexit has made customers cautious and unpredictable
[23-05-19]
Brexit stockpiling: worth it or a waste of money?
Was stockpiling products just in case of Brexit related difficulties worth it? Two UK KBB suppliers give their verdict below…
[23-05-19]
Blanco UK: Prepared for whatever Brexit brings
Blanco UK has a methodical approach to its business strategy and Vicki Evans spoke with UK MD Simon Hart to see how the business has grown in difficult economic times
[22-05-19]
Retailer profile: Celtic Interiors
A finalist in the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2019 Showroom of the Year category, Celtic Interiors in Cork not only has an impressive display offering, it also manufactures its own bespoke furniture in-house. Chris Frankland talks to director Aiden O’Leary
[15-05-19]
‘UK dealers want Alno back’
The Alno brand is back as Neue Alno with a new team. Alison Benson goes to Halcyon Interiors in Wigmore Street and talks to chairman Jason Carley and global head of sales Michael Spadinger.
[08-05-19]
Retailer profile: Gardiner Haskins
Department store Gardiner Haskins moved out of its six-floor home to smaller premises nearby and decided to major on kitchens and bathrooms. Chris Frankland went to find out why
[02-05-19]
Sustainable kitchens: 'Design well to live well'
Designer Johnny Grey looks at some of the ways sustainable design has evolved over the years, enabling designers to work for the common good
[25-04-19]
'The world’s first fully sustainable, eco-friendly kitchen'
To shake up the market with a product that’s genuinely new, The Real Kitchen Company has launched a sustainable kitchen range made from bamboo.
[17-04-19]
Sustainability: 'I’ve become a bit of an eco-fascist'
Designer Sandy Armitage of Sandy Armitage Designs was turned on to the subject of sustainability 10 years ago and has been a fierce advocate ever since
[11-04-19]
Sustainability: We have got to be responsible’
Keith Wardrope, MD of HPP, which is a 2019 kbbreview Retail & Design Awards sustainability sponsor, explains why his company is doing all it can to reduce its environmental impact.
[03-04-19]
SURFACE TRENDS: CTD
The Diesel Living collection is said to combine the brand’s iconic urban aesthetic with trend-led designs.
[23-05-19]
KITCHEN TRENDS: Mereway
Mereway has updated its whole Cucina Colore collection with the addition of new finishes and colours.
[22-05-19]
BATHROOM TRENDS: Bette
The circular, concave washbasin has the aesthetics of Chinese porcelain but is created from glazed titanium steel.
[21-05-19]
APPLIANCE TRENDS: Faber
The Belle Plus stylish island hood boasts a ‘revolutionary’ extraction system.
[20-05-19]
SURFACE TRENDS: Alusplash
The new Elegance Collection of aluminium splashbacks contains metallic flakes that can create a statement in the kitchen.
[16-05-19]
KTICHEN TRENDS: Caple
The new Finton kitchen from Caple reflects traditional styles to offer a timeless look.
[15-05-19]
BATHROOM TRENDS: Jaquar
Designed by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, the Laguna Collection by Jaquar has slim shapes with a variety of colours to choose from.
[14-05-19]
APPLIANCE TRENDS: Kitchen Aid
Sleek design and advanced sensor technology are said to come together in this ‘gourmet’ induction hob to help users cook like a pro.
[13-05-19]
SURFACE TRENDS: Staron
Solid surface specialist Staron has introduced four new colour finishes to its worktop collection.
[09-05-19]
KITCHEN TRENDS: Grohe
The Atrio bathroom range by Grohe has been expanded to include designs for the kitchen.
[08-05-19]
Kitchen and Bedroom Surveyor
R G Cole has been trading in the Essex area for 60 years, through four branches in Essex. Our business has been built by offering a wide range of products combined with a high level of service.
[16-05-19]
Business Development Manager required – Yorkshire and North East
Due to the promotion of the current business development manager to national sales manager, we are seeking a new business development manager to cover the Yorkshire and North East areas.
[13-05-19]
Area sales manager - Scotland
Novellini is a market-leading family-run Italian bathroom manufacturer.
[07-05-19]
Area sales manager opportunity – West Midlands and surrounding counties
Kitchen Trade Suppliers is a leading distributor of built-in appliances, sinks, taps and work surfaces.
[02-05-19]
Talented Sales Designers OTE £50,000 – £70,000 London
We are looking for bright achievers with a willingness to learn.
[01-05-19]
Kitchen Design Technician. Full or Part-time Opportunity
We have an opening for someone with an interest in design,who is a great communicator, at ease with CAD systems and able to learn quickly.
[29-04-19]
Experienced kitchen sales designer
Four Seasons Kitchens is one of the longest established and most reputable, award-winning kitchen design studios in Leeds and the surrounding area.
[29-04-19]
Showroom manager - Central London
The 1810 Company are opening a new dedicated trade showroom at the Business Design Centre, London.
[24-04-19]
Area Sales Manager
We are specifically looking for two candidates based in the Cambridgeshire and Manchester areas with good KBB industry experience, ideally in the bathroom sector
[16-04-19]
Area sales agents – North West, Midlands and South East
Self employed sales agents for all areas of the UK and Ireland who currently call on bathroom showrooms and plumbers merchants or operate in the shower tray and bath market.
[16-04-19]
Kitchens International | Francis Waite, Scott McLean and Gary Gourlay
Kitchens International has made several new appointments, including a new operations manager and two new sales designers.
[22-05-19]
Vitra bathrooms | Delia Lakwera
Delia Lakwera has been appointed as specifications manager for Vitra bathrooms in the UK. Based in London, she will be responsible for managing relationships with architects and designers.
[21-05-19]
Kudos | Katie Hodgson
Katie Hodgson has been appointed as marketing manager for Kudos Shower Products.
[20-05-19]
Swift Electrical | Gary Davey
Gary Davey has been appointed as area sales manager for the south of England at Swift Electrical.
[17-05-19]
Abode | Terry Stevenson
Abode has appointed Terry Stevenson as stock controller at its Barnsley head office.
[17-05-19]
BLANCO | Gary Nolan
Blanco UK has promoted Gary Nolan from sales executive to regional sales manager.
[08-05-19]
GRANT WESTFIELD | John Mortimer
Grant Westfield, the company behind Multipanel, has appointed John Mortimer as sales director.
[07-05-19]
VOGUE UK | Suraj Rullay and Rebecca Mills
Vogue has appointed two new members of staff – Suraj Rullay as technical designer and Rebecca Mills as marketing assistant.
[06-05-19]
SALICE UK | Chris Steel
Salice UK has expanded its sales team with addition of Chris Steel as southern sales manager.
[03-05-19]
MASTERCLASS | Fran Liston
Masterclass Kitchens has expanded its sales team with the appointment of Fran Liston. She is taking over from Brian Peck, who retired from the company in March.
[02-05-19]