xxxx Q &A
Q& A with Alan Grant
Subject of this issue’s Q& A is new BiKBBI Ambassador Alan Grant. Alan has recently joined the team and where better for him to start than letting us all know about himself …
"The new training platform created in partnership with the BiKBBI and Procat is going to revolutionise the industry and set new installation standards for the future generation." 94
Tell us a little more about yourself Alan? I am married to Caroline and have two sons Kieran and Rian. We have a cat called Bell and a dog called Scottie. I love reading books and studying to improve myself to give my family a better future. I have studied and trained with both my boys and we are all 1st Dan taekwondo practitioners. Both my boys are keen football players and have played with local teams winning numerous awards.
And you’re happy with your appointment? I was very emotional when offered the role of regional ambassador. I believe we are in an exciting period in the KBB industry, where we have an obligation to train and support the next group of new installers to the industry. I believe the industry is changing for the better and this is down to the tireless effort Damian and all the team from the BiKBBI have channelled into the industry so far.
So how has your career evolved to the point of becoming a BiKBBI brand ambassador? I completed my apprenticeship with a large construction firm covering the South West where I trained as a Carpenter/joiner, before leaving the industry and moving into computers where I eventually set up my own company supplying computer systems and training to various international organisations, travelling all over the UK..
As an existing BiKBBI inspector I have witnessed the positive effect this change is having within the industry and look forward to working closer with installers, retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to bring value to the services we offer all our customers and clients.
I resettled back into the KBB industry when I met my wife to start a family, where I have been for the last 21 years. I started my early career working for Sharps bedrooms then MFI & Magnet installing kitchens all over the South of the UK from Penzance to London. During this period I studied at college to become an electrician and gas installer. Today as a company we are an Installation service provider for a major flat pack company and employ 11 people and work with 5 other companies in the south west supplying installation services to our customers. I recently studied and completed a Master’s degree in facilities management.
Have you had any industry frustrations? In order to support the retail market we need more installers who are passionate about service standards, and by supporting these installers we can give them the best opportunity to grow their businesses and providing new opportunities by promoting the value of taking on and help to train new apprentices to the industry. How can you effect change? Working with the stakeholders I believe we can look at value creation, and create more awareness to better understand the customer journey, to be in a position to provide greater service delivery and customer satisfaction. Causes for optimism? The new training platform created in partnership with the BiKBBI and Procat is going to revolutionise the industry and
