10 minute read
INDUSTRY NEWS supplied by kbbdaily
KitchenEx INVESTS IN NEW SHEFFIELD SHOWROOM
Faber and ILVE supplier, KitchenEx, has invested in a new, larger premises in Sheffield following “impressive growth in sales of both ILVE and Faber over the last four years”; it has also appointed a new marketing executive. According to KitchenEx, its turnover has increased from the £776,000 recorded in 2014 to more than £3m this year. The company's new showroom is located at the Meadowhall Business Park development in Sheffield, and is expected to create three new jobs this year focused on customer service management and sales. “We are proud to announce the establishment of our first ever showroom for ILVE and Faber appliances,” said KitchenEx Director Vicky Harris. “It will allow trade buyers to view an extensive range of Faber and ILVE appliances and will feature events, demos and training throughout the year.” The company recently launched its new Faber UK website, featuring additional resources for consumers and installers, as well as improved usability on mobile devices. The site also has a new support section that provides expert advice on the installation of cooker hoods, as well as a showroom locator listing all Faber UK retailers.
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ROPER RHODES UNVEILS MIRROR INSTALLATION VIDEO
Bathroom company Roper Rhodes has published a new installation video for its Ultra Slim mirror collection, aimed at installers and bathroom fitters, alongside a consumer video for the product range. The “handy, step-by-step” installation video shows two installers demonstrating how to correctly and safely fit the mirror, accompanied by 15 written steps to outline each part of the process. “Our Ultra Slim mirrors are the thinnest LED illuminated mirrors available and are the result of significant investment in our design team, which has enabled us to develop the unique and innovative construction that allows the mirror to be truly ultra slim,” said Roper Rhodes Marketing Manager Helen Shaw. “As our new consumer video beautifully illustrates, our Ultra Slim mirrors look simply stunning when fitted and really do create that premium, boutique hotel look which so many people are looking to achieve.” To watch the installation video, head to Roper Rhodes' YouTube channel.
MAXTOP EXPANDS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR 2017
Maxtop Quartz has expanded its training programme “to meet demand from installers across the UK”, having already given the training to more than 300 people in Manchester, Reading and Ireland since the programme launched in 2015. From July to September, the company will be holding training days in Reading, Manchester, Glasgow, Gateshead, Northampton, Bournemouth, Birmingham and Ipswich. The half-day course is led by Ian Howarth, who has worked in construction and kitchen installation for 30 years. Training sessions will cover the benefits and structure of Maxtop Quartz, including a live demonstration of the cutting equipment and diamond-brazed blades required for installation. Attendees will receive a free sample display box containing all 10 finishes alongside a cross-sectioned block of surface. “We know how precious time is to installers and wanted to do as much as we can to make it easier for them to attend our training sessions,” said Managing Director Stephen Moss.“ Sessions showcase how quick and easy the surfaces are to install and give delegates a wealth of product knowledge, highlighting all of its unique characteristics. “As a young business, we’re really pleased with take up of our training courses. They’re very interactive and encourage people to 'have a go' so they can see with their own eyes how easy it is to work with, so we’re delighted to have made it more accessible to installers across the UK.”
SHOWERWALL MARKS 500,000TH PANEL WITH GIVEAWAY
Showerwall is celebrating the production of its 500,000th panel by holding a special giveaway, hiding a golden ticket inside the panel's packaging. The merchant or retailer, installer and property owner who find the ticket will each win a £500 Love2Shop voucher. According to Showerwall, the panel containing the ticket was placed randomly into stock in May, so it “could now be anywhere in the UK”. “In true Willy Wonka style, there is no way of knowing who will find the Golden Ticket,” said Showerwall Assistant Production Manager Mark Litherland, who came up with the special giveaway and is pictured holding the golden ticket alongside staff from the Showerwall factory in Stoke-onTrent. “Because we don’t know where our halfa-millionth panel will end up in the UK, or the size of the project it will be used for, we don’t know how soon it will be found,” he added. “We would therefore recommend everyone checks their Showerwall packaging very carefully over the coming weeks in case they have won!”
MAXTOP REVEALS KITCHEN INSTALLERS' TOP BUGBEARS
New research by Maxtop Quartz has uncovered the top five frustrations of UK kitchen installers, including “wonky walls, long lead times and heavy materials”, according to the company. The survey found that 23% of kitchen fitters say the biggest problem they face on a daily basis is fitting worktops to wonky walls or tiled surfaces, while 19% said damaged goods, through water damage or transport, is one of the job's most frustrating aspects. Installers also noted “long and unnecessary delays for kitchen surfaces are a big bugbear, as well as poor quality materials and limited availability of both styles and lengths when it comes to worktops.” Lastly, kitchen fitters said managing customer expectations was a main frustration of the job. “Any situation where the customer changes their mind or is underwhelmed by the result is concerning for any installer,” Maxtop said.
MASTER SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS AT NEW EVENT KBBDIGICON
The inaugural KBBdigicon is a day-long event that’s split into two distinct parts: the Digital Summit and the EKBB Influencer Awards. The event will include some of the biggest names in the world of ‘blogging’, ‘vlogging’ and all other aspects of social media marketing. These include James Lawrence of ‘Plumber Parts' fame, Phil Crothers the SEO Guru, Chris Davis from Gleam who looks after the biggest names in ‘vlogging’, and Abbey Mills, one of the most respected leaders in social media marketing. The event provides a unique opportunity to train visitors in how to make the best of internet and social media by applying it to their businesses. This will be followed by the award show that recognises the best influencers of the KBB sector across these media routes. If you are a manufacturer, installer or a retail outlet having to compete with bigger brands, kbbdigicon will help you compete on a more level playing field. KBBdigicon will be held on the 28th of September at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London, close to Covent Garden. Tickets are £195 + VAT per person and team discounts are available; however, a reduced rate of only £125.00 + VAT is being offered to all BiKBBI members. The special rate provides a unique opportunity for BiKBBI member installers to be part of this amazing day and network with those who can help get your businesses in front of the biggest audience of professional and consumer buyers. For tickets or further information contact: matt@kingshill.com
ACADEMY TO OPEN IN 2018
BiKBBI have announced the opening of a brand-new Installer Academy at Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT) in Essex in 2018.
The Academy, which will be based at PROCAT’s multi-million pound and stateof-the-art facility in Basildon, will offer the new style government Trailblazer Level 2 Apprenticeship for Fitted Interiors and is expected to be the first of many BiKBBI endorsed training facilities nationwide.
The Level 2 Apprenticeship, which was launched last year as a result of an industry collaboration, is being further developed by BiKBBI’s Education Committee, made up from leading KBB brands including B&Q, Bathstore, John Lewis, Homebase (Bunnings), Wickes, Wren Kitchens, Moores Furniture, Omega and Symphony.
The Committee met recently at PROCAT to collaboratively develop the apprenticeship and to explore ways in which the existing curriculum can be adapted to suit the needs of the KBB mass market.
BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters delivered a presentation on behalf of international construction giant Kier Group, a global business with a sub-contracted workforce that has successfully integrated apprenticeships into its organisation. At the Committee meeting Damian said: “Whilst the collaboration of these great industry businesses is a demonstrable step forward, we must now work together to lead, promote and support apprenticeships amongst our respective audiences. We have set up an online portal to gather expressions of interest from anyone in and around our industry, and it’s for us to now shout from the rooftops to make this happen.”
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Yet another market leading manufacturer has demonstrated its faith in the BiKBBI by becoming a Corporate Sponsor.
Premium shower manufacturer Aqualisa has committed to a three-year agreement that will link the BiKBBI and its members to training opportunities offered by the British based shower specialist. This includes new smartshower technology as well as learning and development within their existing portfolio of electric and mixer products. The agreement will also connect the BiKBBI with Aqualisa’s national network of existing specialist installers as part of the institutes drive to grow its links with installation professionals.
Aqualisa Chief Executive Officer, David Hollander (pictured right with BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters), commented on the new sponsorship: “We have a continuing commitment to installers, who have been key to our success to date. We’re looking forward to collaborating with the BiKBBI on a range of initiatives with an emphasis on training and education, helping to shape the future for the benefit of all parties.”
BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters added: “Aqualisa is a great, long-standing, British brand and I’m incredibly excited to be working with David and his team, especially on the subject of training and development. Showering technology is moving at such a fast pace, and Aqualisa is clearly leading the innovation. It is therefore vital that those installers responsible for fitting the product are trained to the highest standard, enabling them to deliver a reliable, safe and professional service to their customers. I am extremely grateful for the company’s support.”
L to R, Damian Walters, David Hollander & Aqualisa Customer Experience Director, Wendy Bennett
