9 minute read
BiKBBI NEWS
A WARM WELCOME TO JODI
BiKBBI were pleased to welcome new member of staff Jodi Reed (pictured) to the head office team in July. Jodi, from Hornchurch Essex, joins BiKBBI to focus on member compliance whilst working closely with our retail Installation Standards Partners and members. Aside from the general dayto-day operational delivery of member compliance, Jodi will work closely with the management team to further develop this incredibly important discipline, in particular the introduction of CPD (Continuous Product Development) to member criteria over the next 18 months. Jodi said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the BiKBBI as they are such a progressive organisation, better still, the team are really nice and have welcomed me into the fold.” Damian Walters, CEO added, “This is an entirely new role for Jodi, necessitated through the institute’s incredible growth over the last few years. We really do have the strongest of teams now and I hope she enjoys many successful years with us.”
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issued. The Protocol emphasises the need for parties to make every effort to resolve cases without the need for proceedings. This is reflected in the Protocol's aims, the timescales for responses and the provision of information and documents. However, the effect of the Protocol is that timescales before issuing proceedings will no doubt increase. There is a risk that debtors will use these extended timescales to delay meaning creditors could need to wait more than 30 days from the date of the Letter of Claim before proceedings are issued. In situations where time is of the essence (for example the creditor is seeking to secure the debt before an insolvency situation arises) the creditor will need to consider the impact of the Protocol and weigh up the risks of not complying with it. These details are intended for general guidance and represents our understanding of the relevant law and practice as at March 2017. Specific advice should be sought for specific cases.
NEW RULING FOR DEBT CLAIMS
On 1 October 2017 a new Pre-Action Protocol, specifically for debt claims, must be used (the Protocol). The Protocol applies to 'any business (including sole traders and public bodies) claiming payment of a debt from an individual (including a sole trader)'. It doesn’t apply to business-to-business debts, so will not apply where a creditor is seeking to recover liabilities from a company or LLP. However, it will apply where a creditor seeks to recover a debt due under a guarantee from an individual. A creditor must also allow a reasonable period of time for a debtor to seek legal advice. If, following discussions, no agreement is reached, the creditor may give the debtor at least 14 days' notice of their intention to start proceedings, unless there are exceptional circumstances (like the expiry of a limitation period) which means the creditor cannot wait. When the Protocol comes into force, parties will need to ensure that they are compliant. Failure to comply may well have cost consequences if proceedings are later
BiKBBI UNVEILS AMBITIOUS EXPANSION PLANS
The institute has announced that it is expanding its operations by opening two regional offices in the Midlands and North of England this summer. This exciting development not only reflects the organisations incredible growth but demonstrates its ambition for the years ahead. The first office will be opened first in Cannock (West Midlands) and then soon after in Leeds. The initiative will create a number of jobs as the organisation steps up its member recruitment activity by employing a number of regional BiKBBI Ambassadors. Each appointed Ambassador will be responsible for promoting the organisation to communities across the UK. BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters, "At times its been frustrating as the BiKBBI, was for many years, regarded as the industry's best kept secret; however, we have painstakingly built a much stronger infrastructure and are now better equipped to control our growth. The appointment of several Regional Ambassadors is a really positive move allowing for the organisation to meaningfully increase its reach to communities across the UK." “With many of our members, sponsors and supporters based in the Midlands and North of England, it is a logical step to open new operating platforms to engage them better and so the strategic location of the two new offices will not only facilitate this necessity but also represent a statement of our long term commitment to all members, wherever they are located,” Damian concluded. The BiKBBI represents the largest independent network of KBB installation specialists and is supported by an impressive portfolio of national and international brands.
BIKBBI CONFIRMS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE IDEAL HOME SHOW 2018
A calendar date in many households for over a century, The Ideal Home Show has agreed to partner with the BiKBBI in 2018, underlining the institute’s market acceptance and value to even the most established of events, businesses and organisations. This high profile consumer exhibition, will take place 17th March – 2nd April (Olympia, London) and 14th – 17th June (Eventcity, Manchester) 2018. The annual event(s) attracts thousands of consumers every year with some 55,000 attending across the two shows in 2016 with a collective spend of some 45 million euros!. Each visitor is seeking inspiration for their home improvement projects and in 2017 the show features a dedicated kitchen and bathroom zone. BiKBBI members and associates will receive exclusive offers to attend the exhibitions whilst the organisation will be engaging consumers at the shows, promoting its installer members and retail partners.
THE EASY ASSEMBLY APP BY BLUM
The leading fi ttings supplier to the KBB sector in the UK, Blum, has implemented a variety of services for fi tters, designers and manufacturers over the last few years, with the most recent being the EASY ASSEMBLY app by Blum. An essential digital tool for anyone working with Blum components. The Easy Assembly app provides information, for example, on how to install fi ttings safely, how to quickly locate fi xing positions and how to set Blum fi ttings precisely. Now that is practical! All relevant assembly information is immediately to hand and always up to date. To fi nd out more or to download the free app for iOS and Android please follow the below link.
www.blum.com/eaapp
BiKBBI ANNOUNCES LATEST MEMBER BENEFIT
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced yet another superb benefit for its members by forming a partnership with Diesel24, a fuel broker which will provide members with access to discounted vehicle fuel, nationally. Established in 2013 and based in Scotland, Diesel24 is a family run business and is one of the fastest growing fuel distributors in the UK. Its customers range from SME’s operating single vehicles, to larger companies operating fleets. The company offers various fuel cards, tailored to the individual business and invite members to make contact for a free, no obligation fuel assessment with an objective to reduce fuel costs. Diesel24 is offering BiKBBI members an easy-to-use online account, where all transactions and invoices can be viewed and downloaded. Members will have access to a dedicated Account Manager for ongoing support and regular review. BiKBBI Communications Manager, Nicole Mercer said: “We are delighted to have negotiated yet another partnership that will have a tangible benefit for our members by saving them both time and money. With rising fuel prices, every penny counts and we see this specially negotiated deal as a real benefit as it helps our members to control an inherent business expense.”
THE KITCHEN, BEDROOM & BATHROOM SPECIALIST PR CONSULTANCY
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE BiKBBI
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celebrating 21 years
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FOR INSPIRING BATHROOMS
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INSTITUTE TO JUDGE EK&BBUSINESS INSTALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD AGAIN
The BiKBBI commits to acting as a judge for the Installer of The Year 2017 for a second consecutive year at the forthcoming ekb&bbusiness Awards & Review 2017 on November 30th.
The prestigious event is organised by marketleading Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine and KBBDaily. com, both big supporters of the BiKBBI, at the worldfamous Brewery, near Barbican, central London. It celebrates excellence in our industry and we're pleased that installation excellence forms an integral part of the proceedings.
But you will have to be quick as entries are only open until the 25th August 2017.
Publisher of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine and organiser of the awards event, Darren Summerfield, explains just what's required of those interested in entering:
“As a key contact of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, we're inviting you to nominate a maximum of three installers for the accolade of Exceptional Installer of The Year 2017!”
Darren Summerfield, Publisher of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business Magazine
Who can you nominate?
“You can nominate any installer that represents your company, whether they're an employee or sub-contractor.”
What happens after nomination?
“Based on the information you provide, our team will shortlist the nominations to a maximum of five finalists. These five finalists will receive a site visit from a BiKBBI inspector and those shortlisted will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in London on Thursday 30th November 2017 (12pm - 5pm). The winner will be announced at the event.”
Is there any cost to nominate?
“Absolutely not! However, tickets to the event in London cost £225+VAT each, which includes entry, a four-course silver service lunch, Champagne reception, table wine and beer, and entertainment with a celebrity host. It's a first-class event!”
Is ticket purchase compulsory?
“No, but we'd love you to join us! Each finalist will be able to purchase two tickets, as will the company that makes the nomination (you). Should you wish to take up tickets, we'll provide information once the shortlist is made.”
How do you nominate?
You must nominate online by clicking here.
Final word goes to Damian Walters, CEO, BiKBBI: “We're delighted the awards producers have included installations as a category for the second year running. Please get behind this by making a nomination / nominations. Your support is appreciated!”
Remember, closing date is Friday 25th August 2017.
