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kbb Birmingham announces Innovation Awards shortlist

Roca inWash smart tank

kbb Birmingham, the biennial kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms event, has announced this year’s shortlist for the 2022 Innovation Awards. The awards honour the best ideas in the KBB industry, recognising the most creative, sustainable and ground-breaking solutions.  

The shortlisted entries are:

•            Bora, X BO Steam Oven

The BORA X BO can be used for roasting, baking, steaming and more, it even cleans itself spotlessly after use.

•            Keuco, Shower Light

Pictured below, the Shower Light integrates a light and shower head to combine light and water, enhancing the showering experience.

•            Novy, Easy Pro Hob

The Easy Pro Hob is an induction hob featuring an extractor that automatically regulates extraction once cooking begins.    

•            Roca, In-Wash® In-Tank® smart WC

Pictured top – the In-Wash® In-Tank® combines maximum intimate hygiene and freedom of installation. It is the only shower toilet on the market that has an integrated cistern offering streamlined installation and easy maintenance.

•            Ca’ Pietra, Mermaid’s Garden Tiles

Submerge into the great underwater world with Ca’ Pietra’s stunning collection of Mermaid’s Garden tiles.

•            Røroshetta, Sense Cooker Hood

The Sense Cooker Hood range has integrated, silent, smart technology features that focus on indoor air quality and fire safety.

•            Liebherr, Peak BioFresh Refrigerator

Liebherr’s Peak BioFresh Refrigerator helps to keep fruit and vegetables crisp and fresh, whilst being energy efficient.

•            Perrin & Rowe, Armstrong Mini Tap

The Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Mini Tap offers instant steaming hot water and filtered water for drinking.

•            LoftRobe Storage Solutions        

LoftRobe’s Storage Solutions are raised and lowered by remote control to make the most of your small and unused space.

•            Furnipart, Ocean IX handles

Furnipart’s Ocean IX Handles are made of recycled materials from the maritime industry such as fishing nets, ropes and trawls.

Andy Bishop, Creative Director, kbb Birmingham commented:

“The standard of entries this year was incredibly high. The judges were so impressed by the quality and design of the products, which all demonstrate the truly exciting innovators in the KBB industry who are bringing something new, unique and forward-thinking to the market.”

The Innovation Awards 2022 is in partnership with manufacturer Blum. Amanda Hughes, architect & interior design liaison at Blum who is one of the judges commented:

“We are thrilled to be continuing our support of the kbb Innovation Awards programme. Blum is known as a pioneer of great design, so it feels like a natural fit to be partnering with these exciting awards. We are looking forward to celebrating these brilliant innovations, which cover several key issues that are important to the whole industry.”

The shortlisted entries will be displayed in a specially designed space (K74) on the show floor at the NEC, for the duration of kbb Birmingham and winners will be announced on the 8th of March 2022. As well as the judges’ winner, there will also be a special prize for sustainability. In addition, returning this year will be the popular People’s Choice winner, which is chosen by visitors to the show.

kbb Birmingham will feature over 200 exhibitors across 26 different product categories. The event expects an audience of over 12,000 visitors over the four days.

For more information on kbb Birmingham, to exhibit or to register to attend, please visit www.kbb.co.uk

kbb innovation awards
Keuco Shower Light
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Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum launches first kitchen range

Vicotria PLum Kitchen range

Online retailer Victoria Plum has created its first, exclusive kitchen collection to include seven ranges.

The new collection includes the New England, Chicago and Boston ranges which come in a selection of on-trend white, grey and mid grey tones. Cabinets come with matte and gloss finishes, and feature handled or handle-less designs.

Victoria Plum is also offering a variety of kitchen product solutions for that dream kitchen providing everything including the kitchen sink.

Solutions comprise a range of worktops, tiles, flooring, heating, lighting, Rangemaster sinks, and Bristan and Schön taps.

The collection has been designed to give peace of mind when renovating or revitalising the kitchen space. According to Victoria Plum, all seven cabinet ranges have been created to make the kitchen functional yet stylish and include all those little extra touches that buyers are looking for.

To find out more about the exclusive new Kitchen Collection at Victoria Plum visit www.victoriaplum.com/kitchens

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Five News visits Roman

Fve News Visits Roman

Shower designer and manufacturer Roman has welcomed 5 News producers to its headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham on Friday 11th February.

Roman aired on 5 News with the company’s Chief Operations Officer, John Wright, discussing the challenges that the North East based manufacturer has faced due to COVID-19. As the challenges unravel, Roman’s objective is to get supply chains back to normal as global uncertainty highlights many strong reasons to buy products that are manufactured in Britain.

John Pearce, CEO at Made in Britain commented: “The perfect storm created by recent economic events has made conditions challenging for almost all British business, and manufacturers have it even harder than most. But I have the privilege of hearing on a daily basis about the work that being done by Made in Britain members such as Roman Ltd. Great companies like this epitomise the commitment, innovation, adaptability and resilience that are embedded in the DNA of British manufacturing – and ensure the sustainable growth of our sector.”

“It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Channel 5 news today regarding our current trading conditions in light of the GDP annual growth rate of 7.5% announcement today and the issues relating to Covid. I expressed the view that our strong sales growth more than reflected the GDP figure and explained the current challenges we are facing due to the worldwide increases in commodity prices and very high freight costs. All things considered we are extremely positive about Roman’s future” added John Wright, Chief Operations Officer at Roman Ltd.

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Acquabella set to unveil new products at kbb next month

Acquabella Opal Quiz

The new Acquabella stand at KBB 2022 will be along the lines of previous shows– an airy, surprising design – but the specific theme will not be revealed until the start of the prestigious event.

According to Acquabella the space will be much more than just a showcase for the company’s products. The stand has been designed to offer a multi-sensory experience to bathroom professionals visiting the show.

Innovation and design, the leading features of Acquabella’s new products

As in previous years, Acquabella has chosen kbb to reveal its new range of bathroom products. The collections include designs recognised with prestigious design accreditations in Europe including the Red Dot, iF and SBID awards.

Whilst Acquabella will be displaying the infinite possibilities of Acquabella’s product portfolio and the performance characteristics of its materials, Akron® and Dolotek®, the Opal Quiz Bathtub will be the centre of attention. The Opal Quiz and the firm’s other new products will feature together at a stand that will immerse the visitor in a state of complete well-being.

UK Country Manager Roberto Heredia says, “after some difficult times, we are very excited to be able to meet again with customers and professionals who have been worked so hard to maintain the UK KBB industry. KBB Birmingham will be the ultimate reunion and certainly the celebration we all deserve”.

Visit Acquabella in Hall 20 Stand D41 www.acquabella.com/en

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New first-of-a-generation products in Lakes’ 2022 brochure

Lakes New Brochure

Lakes, a leading manufacturer of showering spaces and a carbon neutral plus company, kickstarts 2022 with a new #DesignedForLife brochure.

The 2022 brochure includes the all-new Ambient Walk-In – Lakes’ latest state-of-the-art showering space. These appear alongside the new Onyx and Wave Collections.

Lakes’ Ambient Walk-In is the first of its kind. This unique showering space features a PIR motion-sensor that triggers a built in LED lighting system concealed in the wall mount, that emits a soft glow of light along the low-iron glass edge of the walk-in panel. The ambience of the bathroom is subtly transformed by the use of soft lighting which gently illuminates the room, eliminating the need to turn on bright ceiling lighting, so night-time visits to the bathroom are safer and less disturbing for others.

The 2022 brochure also features Lakes’ new Onyx and Wave Collections. Onyx is stylish and modern, with a matt black finish to create a high-impact design for a statement showering space, whilst Wave is precision engineered to strike a perfect balance between function and stylish design.

Lakes’ #DesignedForLife brochure is a powerful sales tool for merchants, retail specialists and installers. Innovatively making the case for the whole showering space – the glass, tray, stylish hardware options to support multigenerational use, framing and optional extras – Lakes’ customers are able to make the most of new and growing markets.

Bev Brown, Lakes’ Managing Director, comments: “We think our customers will be delighted with our stunning new brochure for 2022. While it includes all our popular collections, we have added the spectacular Ambient Walk-In as well as the stylish Onyx and Wave Collections. We’ve also refreshed the layout to help customers easily compare different product options they may be considering, leading to an overall more enjoyable experience.

“We’re also delighted to continue leading the market with innovative products and stylish statement ranges for today’s lifestyle needs. With these sophisticated products and effective sales aids customers can meet the demand from a growing market and sell more. We’re particularly excited to see the response to these exciting new products and our latest consumer brochure.”

Lakes’ new brochure will be distributed directly to stockist customers and can also be viewed and downloaded online at: https://lakesshoweringspaces.com/brochure-request/

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Utopia invests in apprentice scheme

Utopia

Utopia Furniture Ltd is continuing to invest in its local community by introducing an apprenticeship scheme. As a major employer in the Wolverhampton area, the company has many long-standing local employees and is keen to support and encourage new talent into the business.

The first two apprentices have already joined the company as part of the scheme which allows them to attend Dudley College of Technology for one or more days each week. Chloe Powell has joined as an IT Junior Apprentice for an initial two years leading to an Infrastructure Technician qualification. Adam Briscoe is a new Maintenance Apprentice and will work towards a Mechatronic Maintenance Technician qualification over the next three and a half years.

Dave Conn, Joint MD of Utopia, says “Young people are the lifeblood and future of our industry so it’s vitally important that we attract the next generation by offering a proper, structured career opportunity resulting in both formal qualifications and meaningful work experience. We look forward to nurturing this new talent and hope our apprentices will go on to have long and rewarding careers with us.”

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Walk-in solutions from Duka

Duka Liberio

Walk-in shower enclosures represent a trend that combines functionality and aesthetics in an open space. Defined solely by a glass wall that separates the shower area from the rest of the bathroom, these products allow particularly easy access.

Walk-in solutions usually require more space than traditional enclosures. duka with its libero range offers ‘open space’ solutions designed to suit all environments. From large bathrooms to less spacious and more complex areas, these solutions never compromise the aesthetics and functionality of the shower.

The pure, practical design of the libero series underlines the relevance of a whole area dedicated to the shower and to the daily ritual of well-being. In addition to ensuring maximum comfort, quality and safety, duka Walk-In shower enclosures give greater depth and balance to the bathroom. In particular, they amplify the feeling of openness and transform the entire room into an even more livable and welcoming place.

liberio 5,000
Liberio 5000

The libero series offer different configurations, glass finishes, silk-screen printing and a variety of profiles, making the most varied customisation of the bathroom or wellness space possible, whether in the residential or hospitality sector. liberio 3,000 (pictured top), libero 4000 and libero 5000 (and libero 5000 Inlab) complete this series.

libero 5000 Inlab is the latest Walk-in innovation by duka. It is characterised by a special opening system whereby the door slides smoothly and lightly and disappears completely behind the fixed element. libero 5000 Inlab is a ‘dynamic’ and optimal solution for the design of bathrooms of any size. Moreover, thanks to the different installation possibilities – with wall profile, as frameless solution, with flush-mounted profile – it satisfies any aesthetic and design requirement.

ibero 5000 inlab
libero 5000 Inlab

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Acquabella joins Kbsa as a corporate member

Acquabella joins Kbsa

Acquabella, a Spanish based supplier of bathroom products has joined the Kbsa as a corporate member. The brand includes in its portfolio a wide range of products such as made-to-measure shower trays in different textures and colours, panels, countertops, sinks, bathtubs, furniture and bathroom accessories.

Rob Heredia, Sales Manager at Acquabella said, “We are proud to have joined the Kbsa, and hope that we can bring value to the organisation. We look forward to engaging with other members and making a positive contribution to the support of KBB retailers.”

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “I am delighted to welcome Acquabella as a corporate partner. We have over 100 of the most well respected brands in the KBB industry supporting our retail members, sharing the Kbsa’ s commitment to high standards and excellence to customer care.”

“Our members benefit from strong relationships with Kbsa corporate partners, working together to ensure that they are knowledgeable, and able to offer consumers the best advice when considering the products which will best suit their needs.”

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RAK Ceramics launches Versilia Marble

Versilia Marble RAK Ceramics

RAK Ceramics has launched a beautiful new marble range of tiles and surfacing called Versilia Marble.

Durable, straightforward to install and easy to care for, this revised marble surface is manufactured from versatile porcelain but brings the effortless beauty of marble making it ideal for worktops, wall surfaces and floor coverings. The high gloss finish gives the material the edge, even when used over compact spaces where reflecting light equals the illusion of spaciousness.

Featuring an on-trend slim profile, Versilia Marble is 9mm thick measuring from 60x120cm per tile. The Mega Slab format allows for greater consistency when used over large areas, with less need for grout lines and a seamless finish.

For instant attention., Versilia Marble displays striking grey veining when set against a neutral white backdrop.

Versilia Marble
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VitrA V-Box takes to the airwaves

VitrA Box

VitrA has chosen Fix Radio, a station dedicated to building, plumbing and electrical trades, to promote its innovative V-Box thermostatic shower valve installation system.

The on-air advertising campaign, which has been running since late autumn, highlights the easy installation benefits of the V-Box system.

“We knew that Fix Radio was a great way to reach our target customers”, commented Margaret Talbot, VitrA marketing manager for the UK and Europe.  

“Consumers like the sleek, uncluttered look of a concealed shower, especially now that minimalist walk-in shower enclosures are so popular. V-Box makes installing a concealed shower fast and simple. Using a radio station dedicated to trades allowed us to get our message across quickly and effectively,”

Box offers complete flexibility to fit any bathroom design. It enables three water outlets (bath, hand shower and showerhead) and can be used with a range of square or built-in round mixers. For 3-way showers (bath spout, hand shower and showerhead), select a 1-way thermostatic shower mixer and 3-way diverter. V-Box can be trimmed to fit a 77mm wall depth standard in the UK and is compatible with VitrA’s thermostatic shower mixers.  

www.VitrA.co.uk

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