iKBBI NEWS

INSTITUTE CEO QUIZZED BY POLICE

iKBBI CEO Damian Walters was subject to questioning by Essex Police recently, however, we're pleased to confirm only positive outcomes from the two hour investigation. Invited to speak to a group of Essex Police Youth Cadets at their weekly session in Southend, attended by 13-18 year olds, Damian spoke about the history of the iKBBI and particularly how the organisation has evolved over it's ten year history. Discussions on the topic of apprenticeships was had, as was, the opportunities the industry offers for those considering their current career options - "an ideal topic for this particular group of youngsters" said Damian Walters. Damian went onto say: "Essex Police are operating a great initiative with the cadets and I was incredibly impressed by their conduct and professionalism throughout the presentation. I was honoured to be invited to speak to this group of outstanding young citizens and I hope my presentation inspired them to think positively about their futures." Damian also spoke about the various fundraising challenges he's been involved in, to include the ascent of Everest in 2010 and his London-to-Paris cycling challenge in July. Essex Police Unit Leader Vicky De'ath commented by saying: "The voluntary police cadets are built on a foundation of teamwork and contribution to their local community. Damian's presentation showed them a different perspective of how he uses this ethos in both his industry and every day life. The cadets described this as an inspiring input and greatly benefited those destined to apply for job opportunities in different industries." The iKBBI are investing heavily in their educational programme, to include their newly launched iAcademy. Engaging local communities is an important element of the programme according to Damian.

SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS CONFERENCE 2016

The iKBBI was represented at last weeks Slips Trips & Falls Conference in London. Operations Manager Claire is pictured with a new and innovative anti-slip shower tray product by Senstec.

Slips, trips and falls are the biggest cause of unintentional injury in the world today. The 2-day international conference shared the latest research and ideas to help develop solutions to reduce the incidence and impact of this ongoing problem.

MEMBERS ANSWER A 'DIY SOS' CALL

iKBBI member Brendan Turner, of Topfit Interiors Limited, appeared on the BBC1 prime time show DIY SOS with Nick Knowles and the team recently. The team was in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with DIY SOS going for Paralympic gold to help build a home fit for a champion. Seventeen-year-old Scott Jones is a young disabled athlete who is already a world champion and who is eager to be self sufficient at home, but the house's previous design was proving challenging. The DIY SOS team's ambitious build was a large side and rear extension to provide Scott with his own bespoke bedroom, wet room, access to an adapted kitchen and, most importantly an amazing, state-of-the-art gym studio set in the garden to help him achieve his dream of going to Tokyo 2020. Installing a Wren kitchen, Brendan and his team worked tirelessly to help Nick and the SOS team adapt Scott’s home in time for the big reveal. The show is still available on the BBC iPlayer - keep an eye open for Brendan and the iKBBI logo! Big thanks to Brendan and to Wren for supporting the project - WELL DONE!

IN THE COMMUNITY

As well as supporting national charities, including Care after Combat and The Furniture Makers Company, The iKBBI also work with a number of local children's initiatives. Wearing their new kits, with iKBBI logo proudly displayed, the boys & girls from Thurrock Rugby Football Club (pictured) are the latest to benefit from their support. The club work with over 200 children from a wide range of backgrounds and are at the heart of the local community. The iKBBI will also work with the club as part of its wider educational initiative, attracting and providing educational pathways into the KBB industry.

BMA CONFERENCE IS A CIRCULAR SUCCESS THE INDUSTRY ASSEMBLES

The iKBBI attended The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) Annual Conference at The Belfry, West Midlands in October. With Guest Speakers including Harvard economic lecturer Chris Goodall and environmental consultant Julia Hailes MBE. The topic of the conference was "Sustainability and the Circular Economy." The guest speakers challenged the KBB industry around its environmental impact and explored ways in which we can work together to reduce our negative impact on the world we live in. Head of Sustainability at UK retail giant Wolseley, the parent group of The Plumb Centre, Tim Pollard spoke of the Circular Economy and how his business is tackling the subject through various innovative initiatives, including the groups new Sustainable Building Centre at Leamington Spa. Watch the conference video here. The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (iKBBI) today announced a historic assembly of key industry businesses to formulate a strategy on education and development within the KBB installation sector. Chaired by iKBBI Chief Executive Damian Walters, the new educational assembly will meet at Blum’s UK headquarters in October (2016) to map out plans for a broad strategy on education within the sector. The already confirmed participating members comprise senior representatives from a number of industry opinion forming businesses, including B&Q, Bathstore, John Lewis, Wickes, Wren, Homebase, Omega and Symphony in addition to key organisations including The Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Blum and the apprenticeship training provider PROCAT (Prospects College of Advance Technology). It is believed that this assembly, led by the government sanctioned institute, is an industry first collaboration on the specific subject of installation education and will focus on three key areas over the next 12 months - Apprenticeships for industry newcomers, Continual Professional Development (CPD) for time served professionals and retraining opportunities for those in other sectors wishing to join the industry.

Speaking at Parliament in the summer, iKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, warned the industry of a pending, and unavoidable skills shortage within the KBB installation sector. Damian said "We are heading towards a crisis as KBB sales increase with an already noticeable lack of skilled installers to meet retail demand." Bathstore Chief Operating Officer Dean Weston, who has committed to the assembly agreed by commenting, "We've recently ventured our own operation into the Middle East - a region that is ripe for premium products, yet it is a land without labour. Our industry challenge is to come together to work on education and we're proudly working with the iKBBI on a strategy to make this a reality." Damian added, "Generally, education within the KBB sector is extremely important, but none more so than for those actually installing the product, especially when you consider the growing complexity of installation, new regulations and the ever increasing expectations of the modern consumer." At the Parliamentary event, the iKBBI unveiled its new iAcademy, an online portal for CPD (continuous product development) in conjunction with a number of key organisations including The Bathroom Manufacturers Association and The Chartered Trading Standards Institute. It also announced a new retraining partnership with their veterans charities, Care after Combat and Prince Harry's charity, Walking with The Wounded. The iKBBI welcomes interest from anyone wishing to participate in individual or wider educational endeavours, please contact them via denise.mayell@ikbbi.org.uk