
4 minute read
INSTALLER PROFILE Alan Travers
SPECIFIC KITCHEN INSTALLATION TRAINING IS THE WAY FORWARD
Without installers, there’d be no ikbbi and so each month we head out to meet up with members from across the country to find out about their daily lives. This month, our team caught up with Alan Travers who works in East London.
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Having been in the industry for over 13 years, Alan Travers been able to see the vast changes that have affected the installation industry first-hand. He’s built up a successful business and now has an employee that works alongside him installing kitchens with jobs sub-contracted from Wickes.
His story is similar to many, having got into the business through a friend in the building trade. Whilst he may have started off years ago, he’s aware of the challenges faced by up and coming installers today: “It’s harder to get into the industry now than it was years ago. There are many official standards of workmanship that you have to pass. There are also lots of new and different products coming on to the market that you need to understand how to install”. He went on to explain how the industry has “drastically changed” and that whereas there used to be more general safety guidelines, the laws and regulations now in place are much “stiffer”, but added that this was “for a good reason, but challenging.” Looking to the future, Alan thinks that providing training courses is the way forward for helping budding installers. He makes an interesting point, too, about his sector of the market: “If you do gas or electrics there are courses readily available, but with kitchens, there isn’t anything out there, but everyone needs a kitchen.”
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A common grievance that Alan shared with us and we’re sure will score pretty high with most installers is late, incorrect or missing deliveries. This, Alan revealed was one of the most frustrating things he encounters and something that companies could change to really improve their relationships with installers. He also thinks that raising customer awareness of the ikbbi would also help. Alan’s enthusiasm for the job is clear to see and he points to “the different people you meet, the areas you get to know and the different products you can work with,” as just some of the things he likes about being an installer. Whilst that might be what he likes about the job, he was somewhat hesitant to share with us what he likes least, but removing the “odd dirty kitchen” was finally revealed. So what does Alan do to relax when he’s hung up his tools for the day? Alan comments: “We’ve been working flat out at the moment because we’ve got a lot on, but in my spare time, I own a motorbike and like to go out and meet up with a group of friends.” Alan’s a big supporter of the ikbbi and its benefits for installers and is quick to point out how the website has helped him to aquire jobs. He also added that “any information or details you don’t have, there’s always someone at IKBBI who will try and help you out,” as one of the reasons he’s an avid supporter.
INSTALLATION SUCCESS FOR BATHSTORE
In August 2013, bathstore launched its nationwide expert installation service. Built around quality products, exceptional customer service and iKBBI accreditation, the installation service is a vital part of bathstore’s proposition.
As the UK’s leading specialist bathroom retailer, bathstore helps create beautiful bathrooms - offering customers an end-to-end solution. Unique in the marketplace, bathstore has 173 stores nationwide and an award winning website; ensuring customers are never far from expert advice. Bathroom renovations can be a daunting process so bathstore created Service by Design - five steps to bathroom heaven – design, assist, deliver, install and care. Liz Lakin, Head of Installation comments: “At bathstore, we turn customers dream bathrooms into reality, helping them select appropriate products, visualise the concept and support them through to installation and beyond. We are proud to offer a wide range of quality products at competitive prices, backed up by an expert service with 5 year craftsmanship guarantee. It’s essential our installers deliver a first class service too, that’s why our iKBBI accreditation is so important. It guarantees the credibility and professionalism of our team and gives us true differentiation. In fact, we are pleased to report that 97% of our customers would recommend our installation service.”
www.bathstore.com


Simple to install...

Simple to maintain


Enclosures designed for the end-user and the installer.
www.manhattanshowers.co.uk Tel: 01282 605000