BiKBBI news

BiKBBI members will soon have access to branded workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) via a new online shop that opens in October. The online store www. image-on.co.uk/bikbbi available through ‘Image ON’ will offer a wide range of professional workwear, which will be BiKBBI Member branded with options for further customisation, carrying your own logo/branding. Image ON are producers of Branded workwear; printed and embroidered with a, ‘no minimum order’ policy, enabling members to promote their own brand on a budget to suit their pocket without compromising on quality. Image ON Partner ‘Dan Smith’ said ‘working with BiKBBI, was a very easy decision for us as it was clear that their focus on quality and service fitted perfectly with our own policy to be the best provider to market when it comes to the workwear needs of members’. The shop will offer: • Polo shirts, T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Fleeces, Softshell Jackets and more.

More info here www.image-on.co.uk

CAMS IN TEST MODE

October saw testing commence on the muchanticipated new IT system at the institute. Referred to as CAMS, Compliance & Administrative Management System, the new IT solution is set to change the way the organisation manages both its membership and its compliance. As part of CAMS launch, the way in which memberships are both priced and structured will change too. All current members will be set up on the new system as a ‘business’ and will subsequently be allocated a new ‘membership number’. This number will replace their existing membership number and will be in a new simplified alphanumeric format. Once the business is registered and issued a new membership number, each installer registered with the business will be allocated a new format ‘Licence Number’. Again, this Licence Number will be in a new alphanumeric format. In November, members will receive digital confirmation of their membership credentials, which will include their unique login details for CAMS. This login will provide direct, view only, access to CAMS which will help them to manage their relationship with the institute. One of the key features of CAMS is its fully-automated compliance reminder service, which will send regular prompts, where appropriate, in the run up to our members document expiries. The already paperless operation will allow members to view their qualifications, certificates and documents online. The system will become a central place to both record, store and retrieve business information relevant to their respective ventures – very much a tool that members can use. The system, which has government grade security, has the capacity to develop further, as fast changing technology provides options for continual improvement. As part of its launch, the institute also took the opportunity to simplify its fees: From the 1st of October, membership for businesses, including the licence for one installer starts at just £99 (for engineers) to £199 (for domestic installers). Memberships can be paid for in advance, or by spreading the cost via interest-free monthly instalments. The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Instillation is also approved by HMRC, as a professional organisation and therefore members can claim a tax rebate against fees paid for membership.

More info here

MEMBER WEBSITE RELAUNCH

BiKBBI has launched, in BETA (test) format, the latest upgrade to its member website. The new website is the central portal for members access a number of membership features, including commercial cost savers, online shops, training and development, news, jobs and technical updates. The new site is also home to a brand new clothing store, where members are able to purchase a wide range of work clothing and PPE, branded with the BiKBBI member logo. It is also home to BiKBBI’s CPD learning zone, which is sponsored my industry giant Blum. The BiKBBI launched the website earlier this month (October) with a view to gather member feedback on its function and usability. Communications Manager Nicole Mercer (pictured) said, “The new site has been built with our members very much in mind; not only does it deliver new features, including online shops, it can also be viewed across all devices including mobile phones and tablets.” She continued, “It is important that our members have access to their benefits package, which is now under one roof and accessible 24 hours a day. In addition to the cost saving benefits and shop features, members will have access to a training portfolio including the CPD portal which is sponsored by Blum”. Members are invited to submit their feedback on the new website before its official launch in November.

www.bikbbi.org.uk

In October, BiKBBI Installations Standards Partner, Bathstore, appointed a new Installation Services Director, as it continues to develop its growing installation service. Former B&Q National Installation Manager Justin Adgar (Pictured), now heads the department, which is responsible for the delivery of Bathstore’s installation service proposition. Justin brings an enormous amount of experience to the bathroom specialist retailer, with a proven track record of growth and solid service levels, beginning his career at MFI, Homebase and most recently B&Q. After leaving MFI over a decade ago, Justin was an integral member of the senior management team that relaunched the installation service at Homebase and then part of the structural change at B&Q, led by Billy Quinn. The bathroom specialist retailer also recently appointed a new Chief Executive Ian Herett, also formally of B&Q. Justin Adgar, spoke to The Installer Magazine, saying: “This is a great opportunity for me to further develop what is already a great installation proposition here at Bathstore. Our challenge, like most national retailers, is to increase our installer numbers to meet growing sales demand across our network of showrooms.” Justin added: “We have been big supporters of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom Installation, and we will work closely with them as they help to connect us with installers throughout the UK”. BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said: “I know Justin well having worked with him in a previous role earlier in my career, as well as collaborating with him when he was at B&Q. Justin is a highly experienced and capable installation leader and I am confident that Bathstore will benefit tremendously from his expertise”. The remit of this new position is to ultimately deliver a great customer experience from the point of installation, to eventual project completion. This will include an attractive package for installers and the mapping of a robust customer journey and everything in between.

BATHSTORE APPOINTS NEW INSTALLATIONS DIRECTOR

ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL BIKBBI MEMBERS

The institute has published its Standards & Guidelines (12th Edition) and for any BiKBBI member it is a must-have, must-read document as it packed with everything you need to know about BiKBBI principles and procedures and is a great point of reference when reassurance or advice is required throughout the year. It is a bible for the fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry as it includes its members code of conduct. The publication covers a wide range of topics from data protection, health and safety, furniture installation and legislative requirement and is an integral document for its members use, as well as general guidance for the wider industry. The document is available for hard copy purchase or if you prefer, in a completely free of charge digital download format which you can receive by visiting:

www.bikbbi.org.uk/ standards/

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