BiKBBI news

THE BIKBBI APPOINTS HIGHLY QUALIFIED ALAN GRANT AS A REGIONAL BRAND AMBASSADOR.

Alan will represent organisation in the South West Region, which is the second of three planned appointments. He is already familiar with the institute and its ethos as he has been working with the BiKBBI for a number of years as an Independent Inspector. An experienced installation expert, Alan owns his own business in Plymouth, and is a current Installation Partner with IKEA. Importantly, Alan has both electrical & gas qualifications and has recently earned a Business Management Degree. BiKBBI Communication Manager, Nicole Mercer comments, “We are delighted and proud of our latest appointment as Alan brings over 22 years of KBB experience to the team; furthermore, he is passionate about sharing and supporting the core pillars of the institute, in particular, professional standards and education.” Commenting on his appointment, Alan said: “As an existing inspector for the organisation, I have witnessed unprecedented growth and the subsequent positive effect that the BiKBBI is having within the industry. I’m honoured to be playing an important role at the institute.” He added, “The industry has been good to me over the last 20 years and this is a great opportunity for me to give something back and support the only organisation dedicated specifically to KBB installation here in the United Kingdom. It’s a unique opportunity to do something special, which is exactly what I plan to do.” BiKBBI is in search for the third of three Regional Brand Ambassador appointments, with an opening in The North. For more information about this exciting vacancy, please visit the jobs page at: www.bikbbi.org.uk/jobs/

COULD YOU BE THE INSTALLER OF THE YEAR?

Just think, what winning this award could do for your business! Interested? If so, then why not enter your company, or yourself, to be considered for this much sought-after accolade. The award will be presented at the prestigious ek&bbusiness Awards & Review 2018 on the 29th November 2018 at the superb central London venue, The Brewery, Barbican, where hundreds of professionals and celebrities from throughout the KBB industry will gather to celebrate another fantastic year. These awards always have a festive party feel to them and it is a fun occasion. Awards will be presented to the best of the best, as selected by a distinguished judging panel including BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters who says, “Someone has to win this award so why not you? Advertising that you are ‘Installer of the Year’ can increase business immeasurably so grab this unique opportunity to cement yourself and your business in kbb history.”

To enter or find out more, go to:

www.bikbbi.org.uk/events/ekbbusinessawards-review-2018/

HAMILTON MOURNS THE PASSING OF FOUNDER, ROD HAMILTON

Hamilton Litestat, which this year is celebrating 50 years since the company’s incorporation, sadly announces the death of its founder, Rod Hamilton at the age of 90, following a stroke. Rod started as a commission agent selling electric shavers, smoothing irons and electric fires. A request to try selling a new piece of technology called a dimmer, when the first question was “what’s a dimmer”, led him into the field of switches, sockets and lighting controls with an ever-expanding choice of plate designs and finishes. For many years these came from the Italian firm, Frascio; a close relationship that built the fortunes of both companies. From an initial base in the west of London he took the big step of moving the company to Mere in Wiltshire in 1984. This allowed expansion to serve not only the national market but also international demand and to build a brand known and respected for quality and choice. Gradually the need for a wider skill base led to a factory being established in Bristol where the bulk of the operation is now based.

Rod Hamilton and son, Ian Hamilton

Rod was still going into the firm at the age of 86, although much of the day to day running had moved into the hands of his son, Ian. Right to the end he would ask Ian, how’s business going? Known as a tough businessman with native acumen, he, nevertheless, was also gregarious and generous, hospitable and humorous. One hell of a character, whose passing leaves a big gap!

THE LUCKY WINNER OF THE INSTALLER MAGAZINE’S SPRING ISSUE COMPETITION IS NEWCASTLE BASED, KEVIN SMITH OF SMITH TILE & STONE.

Kevin wins £500 worth of Bushboard ‘Nuance’ wall bathroom wallpanelling. ‘Nuance’ is the cost efficient alternative to tiling. It’s six times faster to fit than ceramic wall tiles, Nuance panels are manufactured using a core that is 100 percent impervious to water. The panels can be used for walls, around the bath or basin, inside a shower enclosure or to create a true wet room. Because there is no need for trims, ‘Nuance’ panels present a sleek, seamless design that can pull the whole scheme together as they flow inconspicuously around internal and external corners