BiKBBI News
HELPING INSTALLERS AT A TIME OF NEED It’s been ‘all hands to the pump’ for the BiKBBI team following the recent dreadful news that Bathstore had entered administration, the BiKBBI has been liaising with both Bathstore and the Insolvency Practitioner working on behalf of the retailer with an objective of supporting all those involved in a number of ways.
Damian Walters, Chief Executive, BiKBBI
Once again it’s the little guy that’s hit the most. Honest, hardworking people who are the backbone of our economy are once again victim of a scenario which is clearly way beyond their control. I give my personal assurances to each and every one of them and their families that we’ll do everything in our power to ensure their voice is heard.” 12
First and foremost is the institute’s installer members, where the strategy has been twofold. Firstly, it’s established itself as a conduit for information, helping installers to navigate the complicated process of recompense for monies owed. In the first two or three weeks alone the BiKBBI communicated important messages to members on six occasions. Sadly in those first 3 weeks alone the BiKBBI received over 100 calls from members directly affected by Bathstore’s demise. This represents approximately a quarter of those potentially affected, who, we understand, are owed collectively in excess of one million pounds by Bathstore for completed installation work! By the time this issue is published, this figure will have risen considerably and for some the size of debt could be negatively life changing. Many observers will understand the impact on the retail staff involved in these situations, but the impact it has on micro SME suppliers is sometimes overlooked. But BiKBBI members can be assured that the institute is committed to ensuring that they and their family’s voices are heard at the very highest level. The threat of losing money is one thing,
but this situation will affect their future order-book, with installers often being booked for 8-12 weeks in advance.
Great installers are always in demand and the BiKBBI will ensure that its members are connected with those businesses and individuals seeking a professional installation service. On a more positive note, the BiKBBI pledged to support its members by connecting them with new work opportunities and is already doing so. The team is working with some great retailers and strategic partners and thankfully the general UK skills shortage will prove to be an asset in this scenario. Great installers are always in demand and the BiKBBI will ensure that its members are connected with those businesses and individuals seeking a professional installation service.
