UKE scoops National Barclays Entrepreneur Award

Ex-display and pre-owned KBB retailer Used Kitchen Exchange (UKE) has won the National Barclays Entrepreneur Award For Sustainability.

This accolade follows its regional win in September 2022, with the judges describing the company as a “game-changing business, addressing a need that has often been overlooked”.

Commenting on the award win, founder of UKE Helen Lord said “We are extremely proud to be chosen as the winner of this prestigious award.

“This achievement bears testament to the commitment of our wonderful teams here at UKE and of course the support of the amazing KBB industry.

“We are extremely excited for the future and the groundbreaking developments we have in the pipeline.”

The Barclays Entrepreneur Awards comprise eight categories, ranging from start-up to sustainable

Comedian, presenter and actor hosts awards

Kbsa announces Russell Kane as Designer Awards host

success and aim to showcase entrepreneurs for their contribution to industry, the UK economy and society.

Formed in 2015, UKE was the first kitchen company to be awarded B Corp status.

Identified as a pioneer in sustainability, it was awarded a UK Government grant, to scale up its business model to cover the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry.

This vision supports the Government’s commitment at

Cop26 to decarbonise all sectors in the UK economy, meeting a target for net zero by 2050.

First trend report for sintered stone manufacturer Neolith identifies 2024 trends

Urbanisation focusing on people, well-being and a return to nature will be the major design influences in 2024, according to sintered stone manufacturer Neolith in its first trend report.

At a global launch held at Palacio Neptuno in Madrid, Neolith presented Inspiring Living For Tomorrow. Lifestyle Trends 2024 to 200 professionals from architecture, interiors and design in person and online.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (kbsa) has announced multi-award winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane as host of its 2023 Designer Awards.

The 2023 Designer Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in kitchen and bathroom design, and boast six categories.

They include Kitchen Designer of the Year (up to £25k), Kitchen Designer of the Year (£25k-£50k), Kitchen Designer of the Year (over £50k), Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year, Bathroom Designer of the Year and Young Designer of the Year.

Open to all Kbsa retail members, the Kbsa Designer Awards 2023 have an entry deadline of April 28, 2023.

Winners will be announced at the awards dinner, which will be held after the Kitchen & Bathroom Industry conference, at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

Tables can be booked by retailers and manufacturers from the industry, with details to be released shortly.

Following year-long research in collaboration with trend forecaster Gudy Herder and design journalist Enric Pastor, the report analyses how society is changing and with it users’ needs.

Studying interior design, architecture, art and lifestyle, it has been created to inspire and showcase trends through colour, shapes and materials.

Chief marketing officer of the Neolith Group Oliver de la Rica explained why the company chose to invest in the report, commenting : “This work makes it really clear just how important it is for Neolith to make unique emotional connections with our end users and all the professionals who trust in us, offering a bit of guiding light for all sectors participating and invigorating these social changes as well as a holistic vision surrounded by design, trends, fashion, beauty and creativity.”

CEO of Neolith Group José Luis Ramón added: “This book confirms our commitment to society, and its needs and demands, all while, in line with our DNA, highlighting our desire to always be on the cutting edge, identifying the major trends of a new lifestyle which prioritises personal well-being and respect for the environment and sustainability as they apply to fields such as architecture, interior design, fashion and industry in general where Neolith surfaces can play a key role.”