5 minute read
iKBBI NEWS
UNIQUE CONSUMER PROTECTION INSURANCE CLOSE TO LAUNCH
Consumer protection insurance isn’t new. Many trade associations offer policies, which ultimately support customers of retailers that fall into liquidation. The customers of companies that do not offer such protection are inevitably exposed to significant financial loss, with installers also feeling the pain as the business goes under.
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However, the iKBBI have been developing a new and holistic policy with a leading specialist in consumer protection, which will not only include protection for the consumer in the event of a collapse, but now also financial protection for the installer too.
Over the years, many businesses have ceased to trade, from MFI to Dolphin and more recently Tesco Kitchens & Bathrooms. Thankfully, many customers were protected, either by insurance policies or by their own bank or credit card provider. However, what is common is the significant loss felt by the installer who was contracted to complete the installations – many of whom have lost tens of thousands of pounds over more than one retail collapse.
The new insurance scheme will be available to iKBBI Installation Standards Partners, with a specific aim to raise standards and to support consumers and installers in the event of a member firms insolvency.
iKBBI members who undertake the relevant contract for the retail customer will be protected against loss for the non-payment of contract where the contract has not been started, they have not been paid, there is no right of set off by the retailer and that they haven’t breached the terms of their agreement with the retailer. For the consumer, it means that the original installer completes the project, which in addition to financial protection, also reduces the inconvenience and stress suffered when these unfortunate situations arise.
NEW COMMUNICATIONS ROLE
The iKBBI is pleased to announce that as part of its ongoing growth, it has appointed a new Communications Manager position, with an objective to develop and deliver a robust communication strategy for the institute. Denise Mayell joins the iKBBI HQ team next week, with further updates to follow.
WINNER!
The lucky winner of our competition in issue 1 (Spring) and recipient of the prize, a 1000mm Manhattan 8 straight slider enclosure with side panel by Manhattan Showers Ltd, is Mark McEvoy of Mark McEvoy Interiors, an established installation business from Teddington in Middlesex. When told the news Mark expressed how pleased he was and said, “It makes a change as I never usually win anything!” Turn to page 37 for this months competition where you can win a Perrin & Rowe instant hot tap worth £950!
RECRUITMENT SUPPORT FOR THE INDUSTRY
The iKBBI recently launched a new tool for its Installation Standards Partners, allowing free access to a database of installers who are actively seeking opportunities to work with local, regional and national retailers.
Since the launch of the initiative in June, over 600 installers have registered on the database, with around a 50-50 split between kitchen and bathroom installation specialists – not all of whom are current iKBBI members.
iKBBI compliance manager Christine Masson said: “The initiative, which is exclusively accessible by our retail Installation Standards Partners (iSP’s), provides another way for us to support our members when they expand their commercial income streams, it is also a useful tool for our iSP’s and their recruitment challenges.”
Christine added: “We’ll ramp up this initiative over coming weeks and also plan to launch additional services, to include a database of experienced Installation Managers who are actively seeking new challenges within the industry.”
Installers can upload their details to the new register by completing a two minute survey at: www.ikbbi-recruitment.org. uk - Installation Managers wanting listing should email their CV to: member@ikbbi.org.uk
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers is proud to be supporting the inaugural Scottish Home Improvement Awards 2015 in association with Tradepoint.
The awards have been created to identify and reward the very best companies that operate within the home improvement industry in Scotland, with categories including Scotland’s best kitchen and bathroom supply & installation company.
Paramount Creative, the company behind the awards is searching nationwide for Scotland’s best firms as voted by their customers. Five finalists from each category will be shortlisted and all finalists will be researched and reviewed by a team of independent judges.
The winners will then be announced at a Gala Final on Friday 21st August 2015 which will be held at The Crowne Plaza in Glasgow.
www.homeimprovementawards.co.uk
CONGRATULATIONS!
The iKBBI would like to congratulate Membership Manager Lynsey Easom and her husband Gary on the birth of a baby boy. Charlie was born on Wednesday 1st July and is pictured here with big sister Gracie and brother Max.
FEARS FOR THE FUTURE
Chief Executive Damian Walters expressed concern this week, fearing the recent economic global woes may have pushed a high volume of experienced installers away from the industry over recent years.
Speaking exclusively to ‘The Installer’ magazine, Damian explained that many time served professionals had fallen victim to the recession and had taken their expertise into other sectors, “With demand from retailers on the rise, we are already witnessing a shortfall of professional installers being available in the marketplace.”
“Quality bathroom installers are in demand at the moment, as many who operated over the last decade have either hung up their tools, or have adapted and taken their skills into other, perhaps more stable sectors, gas installation being a prime example. This has been as a direct result of failing businesses and a lack of consumer confidence in the economy,” Damian said.
As the nation continues to recover, inevitably local and national retailers will be seeking the services of professional installers, but with a lack of career entry opportunities for young talent, there will almost certainly be a lag and a subsequent shortfall whereby supply doesn’t meet demand.
When asked how we tackle this, Walters said: “There is no simple solution here, the iKBBI is working with BIS (The government’s department for Business, Innovation & Skills) on its Apprentice Trailblazer initiative, as well as guidance from City & Guilds on attracting youngsters, the next generation of professional installers, into the industry.
Additionally, as consumer confidence and demand returns, retailers are urged to review their recruitment and retention policies to ensure that they not only attract, but retain the best and most professional installers in the market, ensuring that they are not lost to the private sector.”
