BiKBBI NEWS

NEW COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER NICOLE JOINS THE TEAM

BiKBBI is delighted to welcome Nicole Mercer to its head office team, joining as their Communications Manager following Denise Mayell’s departure in November. Nicole, featured in this edition of The Installer Magazine (page 30), is now responsible for the management of all BiKBBI communication channels, including the organisations growing social media platforms, member’s website, weekly members update and monthly newsletter. The new role will also encompass the growth of the organisations Corporate Membership offering, as well as working with existing stakeholders to strengthen the proposition and generally grow awareness of BiKBBI and its objectives.

BATHSTORE RENEW SUPPORT

Fast growing retailer Bathstore renewed its support of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation this month for the third year. Bathstore Director of Customer Experience, Martin Guest – pictured (right) with BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters, said he “was delighted with the partnership” and “looking forward to exploring new and exciting opportunities with the institute”. All Bathstore installers are registered members with BiKBBI. Damian Walters said: “Support from the industry is incredibly vital and we’re thankful to Gary Favell (CEO), Dean Weston (COO) and Martin Guest for their continued support of our objectives.”

SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH LAUGHTER

Chief Executive Damian Walters continued his tireless charitable work by presenting Vincent Hayes MBE, of the famous Brick Lane Music Hall, with a cheque for £1,000 on Saturday evening. Vincent, pictured receiving his MBE from HRH Prince Charles, is curator at the music hall and the driving force behind its charitable work. Brick Lane Music Hall takes reminiscence music hall shows to care homes and hospices all over the London and the South East. The value of laughter and familiar music and song is now a recognised form of therapy for those with longterm illness or memory loss. It can provide a welcome boost for those who are able mentally but find themselves confined, as well as for staff and carers. Damian’s donation will contribute to this Damian’s year of giving started in July with a bike challenge, riding from London to Paris raising money for Alzheimer’s Society. It will conclude in June following an ascent of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest in Tibet. Damian hopes to raise over £100,000.

EXCEPTIONAL INSTALLER OF THE YEAR 2016

Congratulations to BiKBBI member Gareth Williams of The K-Team (South Wales) for winning The Exceptional Installer of the Year 2016 at the inaugural ek&bbusiness Annual Awards & Review. The award was accepted on behalf of Gareth and the team by BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters in Central London in December, which was hosted by celebrity comedian Josh Widdicombe, from Channel 4's The Last Leg. Gareth and his team fended off stiff opposition from great businesses, including Brownhirst Joinery Limited, The Property Team Limited, J.Beach Joinery, Mark McEvoy Interiors and Splendid SP Limited. British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation CEO Damian Walters was invited to be part of the awards judging panel earlier this year. Damian Walters commented on the award by saying: "It was great to see the world of installations represented at this years awards and is demonstration that the often forgotten element of the industry is now being accepted as an integral part of the sector." Damian went on to say: "Huge congratulations must go to Gareth and his team. I know this business to be a fine example of a reputable installation business and I'm delighted that the team in South Wales received the accolade they fully deserve."