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KBBG LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE MAKES IT EASY TO GET IN TOUCH

The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG) has launched a new website to help retailers find the information they need abut the organisation.

The new website from the buying group, which is part of European kitchen and bathroom buying group Der Kreis, explains the benefits of KBBG membership and makes it easy for independent retailers to get in touch with the group a time when face-to-face meeting are difficult.

The site includes an introductory video, giving further insight into the aims of the group, along with a selection of FAQs. It also contains all the latest news and events from the group. The new site details all of the buying group’s suppliers in a special section that is split into kitchens, appliances, bathrooms and support services.

KBBG Managing Director Bill Miller said: “The launch of our new website couldn’t have come at a better time. Much of our business is based on face-to-face meetings with the KBBG sales team visiting KBB showrooms up and down the country. But while this has been difficult for much of the last year, we wanted to ensure that our online presence is strong, so that independent retailers can realise the benefits and easily find the information they need about our buying group.

“We worked hard on the design and development of the new website to ensure that it is on-brand, easy on the eye and informative. We hope it will be a useful tool for both prospective and current members of the KBBG.”

www.derkreis.co.uk

CAVALIER BATHROOMS ENTERS KITCHENS MARKET WITH ACQUISITION OF TRE MERCATI

Bathroom manufacturer Cavalier Bathrooms has acquired Oldham-based bathroom and kitchen brassware company Tre Mercati for an undisclosed sum.

West Yorkshire-based Cavalier Bathrooms, whose brands include Aquadart, Elation, April Products and Niagara, has a portfolio that includes everything from shower enclosures and wet rooms to furniture and cabinets. It said the move will allow it to bring a stronger offering to retailers across the country.

Tre Mercati is a third-generation family-owned business whose products are said to offer Italian style that suits traditional or contemporary home designs.

Commenting on the acquisition, Cavalier Bathrooms Managing Director Robert Harrison (pictured) said: “We’re really excited to welcome the Tre Mercati name under the Cavalier Bathrooms portfolio. As two long-standing familyowned brands in the home improvement industry, it’s great to bring together our skills, products and experience to more retailers and distribution networks for their customers. “The acquisition comes after a busy year for us, despite the pandemic. It’s provided us with time to invest in our business processes and technology to strengthen our offering and networks; it’s a fantastic time to bring Tre Mercati on board with us.”

Speaking on behalf of Tre Mercati, Managing Director Helena Parkinson said: “Joining the Cavalier Bathrooms portfolio felt right to us. We share the same values and are driven by bringing great design and functional products to market. It’s important for us that everything remains seamless for our customers, which is why we’re delighted to be joining the Cavalier family as people with great credentials and experience in the industry.”

1810 COMPANY LAUNCHES ONLINE ORDERING APP

Sinks, taps and accessories suppler The 1810 Company has launched a new online ordering system.

Called the 1810 Hub, the system can be accessed by downloading the free app to a laptop, PC, table or Apple or Android smartphone.

The new Hub is said to be compatible with industry management software, such as EQ and Compusoft.

As well as offering a simple ordering system, the 1810 Hub will also automatically notify registered users of any special offers or the latest multi-buy promotions. Users will also be able to check order history, stock levels and make payments.

The company says that the first step is to register on its website. Retailers will then be sent their user name and password and can then start to use the Hub immediately.