The kbbreview Podcast

Welcome to another very special bonus episode of The kbbreview Podcast, you host is Andy Davies and today we've got a really interesting conversation with Rob Ginsberg from hib.Until very recently it was better known as H.I.B and was founded by Rob's father Warren Ginsberg 35 years ago. But it has undergone a major rebrand - and subtle name change - to underline its status as one of the leading accessories suppliers in the bathroom industry.So new name, new brand, new ranges, new products and new philosophy and strategy all underpinned by decades of heritage, industry knowledge and experience.And Rob is going to talk us through it all.You can find out more about them at hib.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host as always is Andrew Davies and this is Episode Two of Season 15.This week we're building up to the InstallerSHOW - the huge exhibition of all things plumbing, heating, electrical, renewables AND, of course, kitchens and bathrooms.It's at the NEC on June 24th, 25th and 26th and it is packed with loads of product, obviously, but also networking, demos, seminars and training as well as, most importantly, LIVE recordings of this very podcast.You can come along and see us at 13:30 every day at the Kitchen Of The Future stage.The InstallerSHOW may be in its 10th year but it's still growing all the time. While the dedicated kitchen and bathroom section is relatively new it is also growing and this year it is packed with loads of top brands and content 100% relevant for KBB retailers.So we really do recommend coming along but if that isn't enough - and it almost certainly isn't - then we really recommend listening to this episode with the organiser MIke Costain. You can let him tell you all about the show, what's there, what to see, what's in it for you and what's next.You can register for your free ticket now, as well as find out everything you need to know, at installershow.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies, and this is a very special bonus episode where we catch up with one of the biggest brands in the sector - InSinkErator.They've got a bold new strategy, an eye-catching rebrand and a cutting-edge product launch with their new Next Generation range. They're reinventing the food waste disposal market yet again and Andy caught up with managing director Ashley Munden on changing markets, colourful campaigns and the science behind food waste solutions. You can find out more at insinkerator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new season of The kbbreview Podcast, your host as always is Andy Davies and we're kicking it off with a very special and exclusive interview with Dr Reinhard Zinkann - one of the two co-owners of Miele. Andy met him at the global appliance giant's new Experience Centre showroom bang in the middle of Wigmore Street in London.Dr Zinkann's view of the market is about as top level as it gets so...What is his take on the current state of the market?What is the strategy behind the rollout of the Experience Centres and what it means for their independent dealers?Can dealers make a decent margin on appliances?Market was in disarray during lockdown boom - what lessons has he taken forward?The InstallerSHOW 2025 is coming up at the end of June and we'll be there every day doing a LIVE episode recording of this very podcast. The show runs on June 24, 25 and 26 at the NEC and every day at 13:30 you can come and see us at the Kitchen Of The Future stand. For more info and to get your FREE ticket to the show go to installershow.com and I'll put that link in the episode description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and the first of TWO very special episodes coming live from Blackpool and the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025.Since we launched these awards back in September we've been putting out special monthly awards episodes talking to judges, organisers and finalists and it's all thanks to our 2025 Awards Podcast Partner Sonas Bathrooms. You can find out more about them at sonasbathrooms.comYour awards podcast host Matt Baker managed to find a quiet-ish spot at the back of the legendary Tower Ballroom where he also found our very kbbreview managing editor Andrew Davies.We grabbed all our winners as they came off stage so we're hearing from them all split it over a couple of episodes. In Part One we heard from our design winners as well as the Special Achievement Award and now, in Part Two, we're catching up with all of our business category finalists, including the Kitchen Retailer Of The Year and Bathroom Retailer Of The Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and the first of TWO very special episodes coming live from Blackpool and the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025.Since we launched these awards back in September we've been putting out special monthly awards episodes talking to judges, organisers and finalists and it's all thanks to our 2025 Awards Podcast Partner Sonas Bathrooms. You can find out more about them at sonasbathrooms.comYour awards podcast host Matt Baker managed to find a quiet-ish spot at the back of the legendary Tower Ballroom where he also found our very kbbreview managing editor Andrew Davies.We grabbed all our winners as they came off stage so we're going to hear from them all split it over a couple of episodes. So, in this first one, we'll hear from our design winners as well as Andrew giving out the Special Achievement Award.In the next episode you'll hear all of our business category finalists, including the Kitchen Retailer Of The Year and Bathroom Retailer Of The Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is a very special bonus episode of the show where we'll be finding out all about our Adopted Retailer Partner Alku, the new range of kitchens from Getley.In our usual episode that came out yesterday you will have heard our latest catch-up with our Adopter Retailers themselves so today is the perfect time to learn more about Alku.Andy met up with marketing manager Dan Hughes recently and, in fact, their conversation is as much about independent retail in general as it is about Alku because it's brand designed purely with them in mind. So we really do recommend this one to anyone interested in the market as Dan really knows his stuff.Everything you need to know about them, including how to become a dealer, is at alku.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode 9 of Season 14.And we've been really looking forward to this episode, as we're catching up with our Adopted Retailers. In the magazine every month, we've been following the fortunes of three kbb retailers with three very different backgrounds, experiences and plans for the future. We last spoke to them here on the podcast back at the start of November - you can listen to that here - and six months later we're here to see how they're getting on.So we have Amanda Raine from The Leamington Kitchen Company in Leamington Spa. She and her husband Tom opened their dream showroom a year or so ago after leaving corporate jobs in construction and marketing.Then we have Joe Kardani from Point 5 Kitchens in London. They're a well-established retailer in Muswell Hill but they're opening a second showroom in nearby Belsize Park.And last but by no means least is Olivia Weaver from Harrison James in Shropshire. Only in their mid-20s she and husband Harry, are just about to open their first showroom after expanding their installation business into retail. So, kbbreview's George Dean caught up with them last week to see how they're all getting on. All this is made possible by our Adopted Retailer Partner Alku, the exciting new range of Kitchen, Bedroom and Lifestyle furniture, created with the designer in mind. We're delighted to have them on board for this and you can actually find out more about them in a bonus episode coming out tomorrow where Andy talking to marketing director Dan Hughes.In the meantime, everything you need to know about them, including how to become a dealer, is at alku.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode Eight of Season 14. We're heading into the long Easter weekend of course, which will be a nice break before the madness of next begins as we jet off to Blackpool for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards next Thursday.And by 'jet off' I mean the train. You don't usually have to change at Preston if you're in a jet.This episode is one of those where we pose one simple question to some retailers - how's business?These are always some of our most listened to episodes, and it's not hard to see why, the kbb market is flat at best, no one knows when that will change and, oh yes, the rest of the world seems to have genuinely gone mad.So, Andy's kbbreview colleague George Dean went off to the annual MHK Conference in Berlin a couple of weeks ago and managed to catch a few UK retailers.What's fascinating about this one, as you'll hear, is that our retailers are answering that question really by talking about how they're changing, adapting, trying new things and being pretty proactive, rather than complaining about the state of the market.It's actually great to hear and, to us anyway, that's a real sign that the independent market can do a lot to grab hold of the market and shake it, rather than waiting to be shook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies as always.Today we're looking at life as an independent retailer - are rises in the costs of running your business such as national insurance and business rates simply pricing you out of the real market? What is the future of the High Street? How are consumers changing? What is the role of local and central government and - always one for the big questions - how come there are so many barbers?We're talking to Andrew Goodacre, the CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA)about all these things and more and, trust me, he doesn't pull any punches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, this is Episode Six of Season 14 and your host is managing editor Andy Davies.Today we're looking at an area that gets to the heart of what good design is all about.Understanding and interpreting the needs of those that are going to use the kitchen or bathroom every day is a vital part of any brief - and that includes not just factoring in extended family and friends but also future-proofing for the potential needs to come.We've talked a lot about multi-generational design in the context of physicality before on the show, but today we're going to look at how usable kitchens and bathroom are vital for those with cognitive impairments too - in particular dementia.Jo Jeyes is our guest today and she's a designer specialising in, amongst other things, dementia-friendly design so we're going to find out what that means, the role of good kbb design in maintaining independence and dignity, how to broach and discuss this with clients and, of course, lots of actual practical tips.This is so interesting and really underpins the power of good design in making people's lives better.A quick reminder that the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards are in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Thursday, April 24 and we are officially 100% sold out. However, when you have that many people there is always a chance some cancellations do happen, so, we are running a waiting list. As soon as a ticket becomes available, it will be offered to whoever is next in line on that list. It's first come, first serve so go to kbbreview.com/awards and you'll find out how to get in the queue. It's always worth the call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another very special episode of The kbbreview Podcast all about the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025.The event is now less than a month away!On Thursday, April 24th hundreds of the industry's leading retailers, designers, suppliers, influencers and opinion-formers will arrive in Blackpool for the biggest evening of the year.As the excitement builds, in this episode we're taking a look at the venue itself. The Blackpool Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the UK and the Ballroom simply a spectacular example of ornate Victorian splendour. So we're finding out more about this Grade One listed extravagant masterpiece from its Head of Operations Aaron Edgar.And trust us, it's absolutely fascinating.As always, huge thanks to our 2025 Awards Podcast Partner, Sonas Bathrooms, You can find out more about them at sonasbathrooms.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode 5 of Season 14 - which means we're officially halfway through the series.This week we're delving into a subject that, slowly but surely, is becoming more common - freelance KBB designers.They're not retailers in the classic definition of the word, they don't have showrooms, but they will design kitchens or bathrooms for their clients - and those clients could be consumers, developers, interior design, architects or, indeed, time-poor KBB retailers.So why go freelance? How does it work? Who are the customers and where do they find them? How do relationships with suppliers work? And with so many KBB retailers wishing they could charge for designs, how do they sell the service?This is a really insightful conversation with three top designers already doing it - Darren Morgan, Alina Tacutanu and Anna Rock and if you run a showroom, you really need to hear their views.A quick reminder that the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards are in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Thursday, April 24 and we are officially 100% sold out. However, there is always a chance that with that many people some cancellations do happen, so, we are running a waiting list. As soon as a ticket becomes available, it will be offered to whoever is next in line on that list. It's first come, first serve so go to kbbreview.com/awards and you'll find out who to get in the queue. It's always worth the call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another special Rising Star episode of The kbbreview Podcast.We've teamed up with Blum to find the upcoming stars of kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom retail and this is our eighth and final Rising Star for 2025 - Aidan Parish, a fitter at Lima Kitchens in Milton Keynes.When Aidan joined the Lima Kitchens team around 18 months ago, it wasn't just his technical skills that impressed design and marketing director Elizabeth Pantling–Jones. “When Aidan arrived, we could see his potential that extended beyond technical skills,” she says. “While his installation abilities needed refining, his natural aptitude for client relationships and business growth was evident from the start.”Since then, Parish has continued to impress his colleagues with not only his technical skills and eagerness to improve, but his aptitude and understanding of how craftsmanship and business growth intertwine.Find out more about each of our Rising Star finalists at kbbreview.com/risingstar. The winner will be crowned at the glittering awards ceremony at Blackpool's iconic Tower Ballroom on April 24. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode Four of Season 14.At kbbreview, we talk to a lot of retailers and if there's one lament that comes up again and again it's that they donʼt make a decent margin on appliances.So if the margins are so tight for what is a big part of the customer's budget, is it really worth selling them at all? This is a really, really interesting topic as it goes to the heart of the relationship between retailers and suppliers, the importance of service and project management and the ability of small businesses to make money in a difficult market.What is role of rebates and incentives? Are the criteria for achieving them reasonable?Should you itemise appliance prices in quotes?Is the blended margin across the whole project more important?What don't suppliers understand about the way retailers sell or specify appliances?Are there any scenarios where kitchen retailers wouldn't sell them at all? It's all in this fascinating discussion with Trevor Scott from RFK; Belinda Dangerfield from =Qudaus Living and Matt Turton from Bold Kitchens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode Three of Season 14.Today we're looking at something which asks a very difficult existential question of independent KBB retailers - do you ever think what might happen if you got into financial difficulty and couldn't finish your clients project?In particular, we're looking at whether or not retailers should have some kind of deposit protection insurance. In other words, something that means they will get back any money they've already given you if the worst happens.What is deposit protection insurance and who does it work?What are pros and cons? Why is it not more prevalent?How do you talk about it with customers without sounding like you're about to go bust?Given the sums of money involved, should it be mandatory?We're talking it through with Richard Hibbert from KSL in Sudbury - he's also chairman of the KBSA of course - and Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington in Macclesfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host today is editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham and this is another of our very special Rising Star episodes where we meet the upcoming superstars of kitchen and bathroom retail all under the age of 30.Between August 2024 and March 2025 we're picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online and this very podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.It's done with the support of our very good friends at Blum and you can find out more about them at blum.com…….and you can see all the Rising Stars so far at kbbreview.com/risingstarSo here's our February Rising Star - Sonny Upton, lead maker at Shape London who is not only valued for his cabinet making skills but also as a passionate, versatile and reliable member of the team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies as always and this is the second episode of Season 14.This week we've got a great, and very candid, interview with Sharon Wallis, the UK head of one of most iconic and longest-established kitchen furniture brands you can find - Poggenpohl.It has a long pedigree, of course, established as it was in 1892 in Germany by Friedemir Poggenpohl but its recent history has been a little more tumultuous. In 2020 at the height of the pandemic it filed for insolvency in Germany and, after a scrappy and uncertain sales process, it was eventually bought by Chinese firm, Jomoo.So, kicking off with both a lockdown AND the insolvency of the German parent, finance director Sharon Wallis took over as the new MD. A baptism of fire for anyone.But Poggenpohl in the UK has always been a steady ship and, in fact, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. It is, of course, both a retailer in its own right, and a supplier to other independents.So, what was it like taking over at that time, how is current performance, how do you balance both retail and supply and what is it like being a female senior business leader in an industry still dominated by men?Our kbbreview editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham went to meet her at their Hampstead showroom…. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Kbbreview Podcast and another special episode all about the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025.Your host as always is Matt Baker and today we're going to shine a spotlight on the design categories and take another look into the minds of our design judges to see what they thought of this year's entries, what themes they spotted, and how much they get out of the process themselves.We caught up with them at the end of the finalists presentation days. This is when they get to quiz all the designers on their shortlisted projects and find out all the details so what are the trends that came through, and just what difference does it make to talk directly to them?Before that, a huge thank you needs to go out to our 2025 Awards Podcast Partner, Sonas Bathrooms - it's great to have their continued support. an you can find out all about them at sonasbathrooms.co.uk .The awards event is at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom on April 24th and it is SOLD OUT. So if you still want to come, you'll have to join our waiting list. Go to kbbreview.com/awards for full details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and after a Christmas break that has somehow reached the end of February we are back with a brand new season.It's Season 14 and we'll be with you right up to the end of April but in this first episode we're taking a look at an issue thornier than a garden full of brambles - and that's paying for displays.Who do YOU think should foot the bill - the retailer or the supplier?Why do some brands offer 'free' displays and others not?What are the pros and cons for the retailer? And if they're paying, how much control should brands therefore have on what you display?Are suppliers fundamentally underestimating the value of showroom real estate and, for that matter, exactly how retailers use those displays to sell?We're talking it all through with Tina Riley from Modern Homes, Lisa Kyme from Ripples London, and Gary Nolan from marketing agency Pure Visibility.The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 event on April 24th in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom is SOLD OUT. However, you can go on our waiting list by emailing tracey@taylistmedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and another of our very special Rising Star episodes where we meet the upcoming superstars of kitchen and bathroom retail all under the age of 30.Your host is editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham and between August 2024 and March 2025 we're picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online and this very podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.It's done with the support of our very good friends at Blum and you can find out more about them at blum.com…….and you can see all the Rising Stars so far at kbbreview.com/risingstarSo let's meet our Rising Star for January Victoria Mich, senior design at Chisholm Design in Surrey. Despite only being in the industry a few years herself, Victoria has already become a mentor for new team members.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest of our special awards episodes of The kbbreview Podcast all about the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025.Last month, right before the festive break, we announced the shortlist and so today we're talking to some of those finalists to hear a little bit about why they entered and what it means to them ahead of the second stage of judging.We have for New Kitchen Retailer Of The Year finalists Andy Barwell from Turnwell Kitchens in Chichester and a finalist in not one, not two, but all three of the bathroom design categories, Sophie Harrold from Simply Bathrooms in Surbiton.Before that, a huge thank you needs to go out to our awards podcast partner, Sonas Bathrooms - it's great to have their continued support, as between now and the event on Thursday, April 24, at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom we'll be bringing you MORE special bonus episodes, all about the awards, and celebrate the very best talent our industry has to offer.You can find out everything you need to know about our awards podcast sponsor at sonasbathrooms.co.uk.Don't forget that there are still tickets left for the industry's biggest awards. Just think, if you had the chance to spend quality time in a room full of the UK's most successful independent kitchen and bathroom retailers, what opportunities could you create for yourself and your company?Whether it's to represent your brand, entertain key clients, network with industry leaders and influencers, leverage social media to showcase your attendance and amplify your visibility, or simply to have fun and support independent retail after a year of ups and downs – you can book your place by going to kbbreview.com/awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the very special episode of The kbbreview Podcast where we will reveal the full shortlist for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025.Your hosts are kbbreview's Matt Baker and Andrew Davies and they will exclusively announce who the finalists are for all our design and retail categories. YOU won't get this list anywhere else until next week so don't miss it!Huge thanks to our Awards Podcast Partner for 2025 Sonas Bathrooms, we couldn't do these special awards episodes without their support.The gala black tie event where we announce the winners is on Thursday, April 24 at the iconic Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. If you want to be at the biggest KBB party of the year then book your tickets now as there is a limited capacity.You can find out all you need to know about the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 at our website kbbreview.com/awards including how to book your seats and tables. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham for another of our very special Rising Star episodes where we meet the upcoming superstars of kitchen and bathroom retail. Between August 2024 and March 2025 we'll be picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online and this very podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.It's done with the support of our very good friends at Blum and you can find out more about them at blum.comThere are only two rules:They must be currently employed by a retailer - which we're defining as a company that sells direct to the consumer.ANDThey must be under 30 years of age on March the 4th, 2025. So here's our Rising Star for December, Izzy Huxford. She's a hugely impressive bathroom designer from Wilton Studios in Grimsby demonstrating real drive and passion - exactly what the Rising Star is all about… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and another of our very special Insights mini-series looking ahead to 2025. Your host is Andy Davies and we've partnered up with some key kitchen and bathroom brands to get their take on 2024 as it draws to a close AND their views on how the market might shape up in 2025.Where are the opportunities? Where is the growth? What might be the pitfalls? And where is the focus for them?It's an invaluable peak into the 2025 plans, ambitions and goals of some of the sector's most dynamic brands.Today we're meeting Andrew Laidler, the UK and Ireland Sales and Marketing Director for for EGGER. They're about as big a name as it's possible to get in this market so hearing Andrew's view and thoughts on what 2025 might bring couldn't be more relevant.You can find out everything you need to know about EGGER at egger.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and another of our very special Insights mini-series looking ahead to 2025. Your host is Andy Davies and we've partnered up with some key kitchen and bathroom brands to get their take on 2024 as it draws to a close AND their views on how the market might shape up in 2025.Where are the opportunities? Where is the growth? What might be the pitfalls? And where is the focus for them?It's an invaluable peak into the 2025 plans, ambitions and goals of some of the sector's most dynamic brands.Today we're meeting Jon Thelwell, the sales and marketing director for family-owned British furniture manufacturer JJO. It's a big name with a big history with independent retailers so Jon's views on 2025 are invaluable so don't miss it.You can find out everything you need to know about JJO at jjoplc.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and another of our very special Insights mini-series looking ahead to 2025. I'm Andy Davies and we've partnered up with some key kitchen and bathroom brands to get their take on 2024 as it draws to a close AND their views on how the market might shape up in 2025.Where are the opportunities? Where is the growth? What might be the pitfalls? And where is the focus for them?It's an invaluable peak into the 2025 plans, ambitions and goals of some of the sector's most dynamic brands.Today we're meeting Dean Williams, the managing director for sinks, taps, and accessories supplier The 1810 Company. They're a big name in the UK independent retail market so Dean's views on what 2025 might hold are about as relevant as it gets.You can find out everything you need to know about The 1810 Company at the1810company.co.uk, and that link is in the episode description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and another of our very special Insights mini-series looking ahead to 2025. We've partnered up with some key kitchen and bathroom brands to get their take on 2024 as it draws to a close AND their views on how the market might shape up in 2025.Where are the opportunities? Where is the growth? What might be the pitfalls? And where is the focus for them?It's an invaluable peak into the 2025 plans, ambitions and goals of some of the sector's most dynamic brands.Today we're meeting Neal Jones, the managing director of Blanco in the UK. They're one of the biggest names in the sector so Neal's view on the market is about as relevant as it gets when it comes to forecasting what 2025 might bring so you don't want to miss this one.You can find out everything you need to know about Blanco at blanco.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and the first episode of this very special Insights mini-series looking ahead to 2025. We've partnered up with some key kitchen and bathroom brands to get their take on 2024 as it draws to a close AND their views on how the market might shape up in 2025.Where are the opportunities? Where is the growth? What might be the pitfalls? And where is the focus for them?It's an invaluable peak into the 2025 plans, ambitions and goals of some of the sector's most dynamic brands.We've got episodes coming out every day this week and we're starting today with ARMERA.ARMERA has an extensive coordinated bathroom portfolio that brings affordable luxury with a real detail in the design and you can find out all about them at armera.co.uk.They're a very exciting company to watch in this market and we'll be hearing their views on 2025 from joint managing director Sarah Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Kbbreview Podcast and another of our special episodes around the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025.This month's episode is a peek behind the curtain of the awards, as we have a chat with some of the judges, both in the retail business categories and the design categories. We'll find out about the approach to judging and interpreting the criteria, and what the judges expect from the 2025 awards in particular.A huge thank you needs to go out to our awards podcast partner, Sonas Bathrooms - it's great to have their support, as between now and the event on Thursday, April 24, at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom we'll be bringing you MORE special bonus episodes where we'll really get under the skin of the awards and celebrate the very best talent our industry has to offer.In fact, we'll be revealing the shortlist itself in a very special episode of this podcast just before Christmas! In any case, for more information on the awards and booking tables, you can go to kbbreview.com/awards.On with the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham and this is another of our very special Rising Star episodes where we meet the upcoming superstars of kitchen and bathroom retail. Between August 2024 and March 2025 we'll be picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online and this very podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.It's done with the support of our very good friends at Blum and you can find out more about them at blum.com.You can nominate your rising stars, or indeed nominate yourself, via the awards website kbbreview.com/awards and there are only two rules:They must be currently employed by a retailer - which we're defining as a company that sells direct to the consumer.ANDThey must be under 30 years of age on March the 4th, 2025. Other than that, they can perform any job role within your business – admin, design, sales, finance, installation, we don't mind as long as they're a star!So let's meet our Rising Star for November, Alistair Glover. After starting out on the supply side, he became fascinated by kitchen design, eventually joining retailer Alexander in Sussex and in the space of just two impressive years, he's gone from designer to showroom manager. Here's his story… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the kbbreview Podcast and this is Episode Ten and the last official episode of Season 13.Season 14 will officially start in the New Year but we'll actually be back in December with a special mini-series looking ahead to 2025 AND, of course, the now legendary episode where we reveal the shortlist for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 (entries close on November 14th!)In this episode we're meeting two of our 2024/25 Adopted Retailers - you may have seen this in the magazine and online but we're following three independent retailers over the next 12 months as they embark on new endeavours in their businesses. The ins and outs, the ups and downs and everything in between as we map the very real experiences of independent KBB retailers. In this episode we're meeting Joe Kardani, the co-founder of Point 5 Kitchens in North London. After opening their first showroom in Muswell Hill in 2016, they're in the middle of developing their second showroom just down the road in Belsize Park.Then we have Olivia Weaver, aged just 25, she and her husband are starting a brand new retail business in Shropshire called Harrison James after several years on the tools.Our third Adopted Retailer is the equally interesting Leamington Kitchen Company in Leamington Spa and you can read their first installment here and we'll meet them on a podcast further down the line.All this is made possible by our Adopted Retailer Partner Alku, the exciting new range of Kitchen, Bedroom and Lifestyle furniture, created with the designer in mind. We're delighted to have them on board for this and you can find out everything you need to know about them, including how to become a dealer, at alku.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode Nine of Season 13.Today we're delving back into the mysteries of the brain with another look at the psychology of you and your clients and, in particular, the effect of unconscious bias on how you view them and they view you.Does the car they drive, the clothes they wear or the haircut they have mean that you form opinions on them the moment they come through the showroom door?Or, more worryingly, is the same true for their gender, race or age too?The answer, according to our guest - retail psychology expert Phillip Adcock - is an uncomfortable yes to all of them no matter what you might say. Hundreds of thousands of years of evolution have made you instantly judge everyone you meet and these unconscious prejudices are constantly battling with your conscious desire to treat everyone the same.His view is that the more you're aware of how people's unconscious minds work - both yours and your clients - the more successful you can be in selling your services. And that could mean accepting some uncomfortable truths and actively consciously choosing to go against them.And don't forget that entries close for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 on November 14. Find out everything you need to know at kbbreview.com/awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies as always and today we're asking the most fundamental and simple question that usually doesn't have an easy answer - how's business?The market has been really poor for some time - you don't need me to tell you that - but what are the nuances within it, what are the different perspectives on why that might be, what are the positive signs of recovery and what's going to happen in the short to medium term?September and October always bring the KBSA Conference and the Bathroom Manufacturers Association Conference and they're perfect places to grab those in the know to get a snapshot of opinion on where the market is.So we grabbed some willing volunteers and asked them that question - how's business?Entries for the kbbreview Retail and Design Awards 2025 are now open but the clock is ticking as we're closing them at 5pm on November the 14th - and we won't be extending that. We have categories for kitchen and bathroom designs at different project costs, we have Showroom of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Installation Company of the Year, Supplier Team of the Year, New Retailer of the Year and our Rising Star Award for those in KBB retail under 30. In other words we've got something for everyone and it's totally FREE to enter so you've got nothing to lose. Everything you need to know is at kbbreview.com/awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, you host today is editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham and this is another of our very special Rising Star episodes where we meet the upcoming superstars of kitchen and bathroom retail. Between August 2024 and March 2025 we'll be picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online and this very podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.It's done with the support of our very good friends at Blum and you can find out more about them at blum.comYou can nominate your rising stars, or indeed nominate yourself, via the awards website kbbreview.com/awards and there are only two rules:They must be currently employed by a retailer - which we're defining as a company that sells direct to the consumer.ANDThey must be under 30 years of age on March the 4th, 2025. Other than that, they can perform any job role within your business – admin, design, sales, finance, installation, we don't mind as long as they're a star!So here's our Rising Star for October, Luke Niblett from Luxe Kitchen Designs. He started out as a cabinet maker but decided he wanted to run his own business and, before he's even 30, he's managed to not just do that but do it very successfully…See our other Rising Stars at kbbreview.com/risingstar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode Seven of Season 13.And today we're delving into the world of franchises. They've been around a long time in this sector, of course, but the accelerated growth of Kutchenhaus in particular has refocused attention on the business model that combines lots of the pros of being an independent retailer with the power of a national brand.So names such as Kutchenhaus, as well as Schmidt, Kesseler, Ripples, Raison Home, The Kitchen Depot and many others are forging a whole new approach to kitchen and bathroom retail.We interviewed Paul Lee from Kutchenhuas a few episodes ago - so go back and listen to that for more specifics on their head office strategy - but today you'll hear kbbreview editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham talking to franchisees from three different companies and looking at why they chose this route, what the pros and cons are, and how far they think franchising can go in the KBB market. So we have friend of the show Trevor Scott - who runs a Kutchenhaus franchise alongside his long-standing business RFK. We have James Casey from Kesseler in Sudbury, and we have Imran Azam who runs Ripples showrooms in Wokingham and Beaconsfield.Now, heads up, Imran's sound isn't great but bear with it as his story and perspective is really interesting AND he was literally talking to us on his holiday from the balcony of his hotel in Monaco. Rather brilliantly, you can hear the birds singing in the background.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the kbbreview Podcast and, for those keeping meticulous records this is episode six of season 13.Your host is Andy Davies, and we're getting all nostalgic in this one as we mark 40 years of kbbreview. Our very own George Dean has been having a chat with a couple of top retailers, who have both been in the game for more than 40 years, to get a view on what the industry was like back then and how it compares to now.We have Tina Riley from Modern Homes in Leamington Spa and Phil Beechinor from Alexander in Worthing.We've also got Mark Pearson in there, his day job now is kbbreview's Operations and Events Director - in other words the man behind the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards - but before he joined us he was a very accomplished bathroom retailer, specifically with Porcelanosa, and he started his career over 40 years ago too.So, if you're fans of how it used to be back in the day, you don't want to miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second of our very special episodes all about the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025, we catch up with our Podcast Partner Sonas Bathrooms and a pair of their retailers to look at the importance of the supplier-retailer partnership.Hosted by kbbreview's Matt Baker, our special guests are:Richard Sloan, the CEO of Sonas BathroomsBecky Price from Park Street Interiors in CamberleyandDan Tuff from Glenfield Bathrooms in Leicester.Don't forget that entries are OPEN for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025. It's totally FREE to enter and if you're a kitchen or bathroom designer, retailer, supplier or installer, we have categories for you. The closing date is Novermber 14th and you can find out everything you need to know at kbbreview.com/awards or in our special awards podcast episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, and this is the final episode of our special three-part series we're calling 'Changemakers'.It's all in association with our very good friends at Hettich and together we're meeting people or companies that are truly forging their own path in the UK kitchen and bathroom sector. They're shaping opinions, trends and business practices in a way that genuinely shifts the industry zeitgeist.Your hosts in this series are, once again, kbbreview's Andy Davies and Hettich UK managing director Simeon Gabriel. This week we're meeting Richard Hagan from Crystal Doors - on the surface they're a manufacturer of vinyl wrapped doors but under Richard's guidance they're so much more than that. He is a true champion of sustainable manufacturing, and his relatively modest company based in Rochdale has shown that it is possible for anyone to genuinely have minimal impact on their environment.He is a proper expert on the mechanics, economics and practical applications needed to do it too, there is nothing conceptual here, and he is a leading player in the business community of Greater Manchester sharing that expertise. No greenwashing here.He's a fascinating character, an obsessive about the subject and he's been able to turn it into reality in a away that many talk about but few do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, this is the second episode of our special three-part series we're calling 'Changemakers'.It's all in association with our very good friends at Hettich and together we're meeting people or companies that are truly forging their own path in the UK kitchen and bathroom sector. They're shaping opinions, trends and business practices in a way that genuinely shifts the industry zeitgeist.Your hosts are kbbreview's Andy Davies and Hettich UK managing director Simeon Gabriel. This week we're meeting Paul Lee and Gordon Robinson from Kutchenhaus. It is, of course, the retail franchise outfit that has managed to grow and grow in a way no other franchise company in this market has been able to do. Owned by German kitchen manufacturing giant Nobilia, it has now managed to reach a size and influence that is shaping market trends and share and leading other companies, notably Magnet, to launch franchise operations of their own.How do you become a franchisee?What autonomy do they have?How does the brand maintain consistency in design, marketing, sales and service?Is there a critical mass? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and this is the first episode of a special three-part series we're calling 'Changemakers'.It's all in association with our very good friends at Hettich and together we're meeting people or companies that are truly forging their own path in the UK kitchen and bathroom sector. They're shaping opinions, trends and business practices in a way that genuinely shifts the industry zeitgeist.Your hosts for this series are kbbreview's Andy Davies and Hettich UK managing director Simeon Gabriel. Our first Changemaker is a real pioneer in the field of accessible and multi-generational kitchen design - Adam Thomas. A wheelchair-user himself, he has a unique understanding of how kitchens can and should be designed to allow full use by everyone of any ability, age, size or shape. He is also very inspirational when it comes to explaining just what a business opportunity this is for retailers and designers.It's all here in a very special interview that you won't want to miss.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 are open for entries and this is the first of our special monthly awards podcast bonus episodes. We'll be following the whole process between now and the event in April - including exclusively revealing the shortlist of finalists just before Christmas.In this first episode we get down to basics - what are the awards, who can enter, what are the categories and what are our top tips for doing your entries.Huge thanks to our Awards Podcast Partner for 2025 Sonas Bathrooms for all their support. You can find out all about becoming a Sonas Bathrooms retailer at sonasbathrooms.co.ukYou can find out everything you need to know about entering the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025, as well as booking tickets for the event, at kbbreview.com/awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies, this is Episode Two of Season 13 and we've got a great one for you today as we look into the world of distribution with one of the biggest names in the sector - Waterline.We have a great interview with Michael Marriott, who's the new CEO, and sales director Rob Taylor who's chalked up an astonishing 39 years with the company.Waterline is, of course, owned by Crown Imperial and Michael is the grandson of the founder, continuing the lineage of the family-run business. His brother Barry Head is the current MD of Crown.There are huge changes happening with distribution in the KBB industry - with consolidation, buy outs and big names calling in the administrators. Big brands who always relied on distributors are starting to go direct and margins are getting tighter and tighter across the chain.Against this backdrop, Waterline has just launched its first ever bathroom range - an ambitious move into a very crowded market.So why have they done it, what do they think about the direction of distribution in general, and how does a new CEO get under the skin of such a well-established company? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham and this is another of our very special Rising Star episodes where we meet the upcoming superstars of kitchen and bathroom retail. Between August 2024 and March 2025 we'll be picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online and this very podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.It's done with the support of our very good friends at Blum and you can find out more about them at Blum.comYou can nominate your rising stars, or indeed nominate yourself, via the awards website kbbreview.com/awards and there are only two rules:They must be currently employed by a retailer - which we're defining as a company that sells direct to the consumer and they must be under 30 years of age on March the 4th, 2025. Other than that, they can perform any job role within your business – admin, design, sales, finance, installation, we don't mind as long as they're a star!So let's meet our Rising Star for September, Georgia Astley. She's the branch manager at Kutchenhaus Lutterworth. At just 22 she's already clocked up experience in installation, design, project management and running a showroom and, as you will hear, she's loving every minute of it... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode One of Season 13.For this very special episode we're meeting the founder of one of the industry's most enigmatic companies - Paul O'Leary from deVOL.He and his team have managed to establish the hugely successful deVOL as a true lifestyle brand that, yes, will make you a beautiful traditional kitchen but they do it by inviting you into their world and giving you the warm and uniquely British deVOL experience. It is based in Cotes Mill, a 16th-century water mill set in twelve acres of natural meadows on the banks of the River Soar, just outside Loughborough and this rambling five-storey building and its gardens have since become synonymous with the deVOL brand and featured heavily in its own Emmy-nominated TV show - For The Love Of Kitchens. If you haven't seen it we highly recommend seeking it out via the deVOL YouTube channel.Paul is the embodiment of deVOL and to hear him talk about the philosophy of it and his views on design and his customers is just fascinating as well as just listening to him tell his own personal story, it all makes up an interview that you just don't want to miss…. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the kbbreview Podcast and this summer special episode dropping right in the middle of August.We've got a cracking whole new season starting at the beginning of September but today's episode was just too good, too relevant and too insightful to wait until then.Now we all know that the market is, at best, flat and, at worst, way below that and that leaves business owners and leaders with a difficult decision - do you hunker down and wait for it to pass, or do you actively attack the market with initiatives designed to spark it into life?And that's why we're very lucky in this episode to have Stephen Ewer the CEO of one of the biggest UK suppliers in the industry Bathroom Brands. I went over to the always impressive showroom at their HQ in Dartford to talk to Stephen - and a very enlightening conversation it was too.Bathrooms Brands is, of course, one of the biggest names in the sector, and is therefore always a real bellwether for what's happening. For a company with such a unique relationship with the independent retail sector, its plans and strategies are always worth examining in detail if you get the chance.And its latest initiatives are more exciting than most as it launches a comprehensive package of products, promotion and price alignments designed with one goal in mind - to actively stimulate the depressed market.This episode is sponsored by Bathroom Brands and we promise this is a very candid case study of how companies can take a lead and revitalise a market with some clever and creative ideas so we do really recommend this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new series of episodes brought to you by The kbbreview Podcast. Your host is kbbreview editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham for these monthly episodes meeting the Rising Stars of the kbb independent retailer sector, brought to you in association with Blum.In this first episode we're meeting our Rising Star for August, Melissa Halliday from Archispek in East Lothian.But first, let's explain what the Rising Star is all about and how YOU can nominate your own.Yes, We've teamed up with Blum to find the industry's upcoming stars because successful businesses and industries are always looking for fresh, new, creative talent. These rising stars often drive companies to innovate and embrace new practices and technologies and, guided by experienced hands, they can grow into valuable team members or even the next generation of business leaders.The development of this pool of new, young talent is so important to the future of the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom retail sector and that's why we're expanding the scope of our annual ‘Rising Star' award.Between now and March next year we'll be picking a monthly Rising Star to feature in the magazine, online and this very podcast. Those eight monthly winners then become the shortlist for the overall winner which will be revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025 in April.It's all very exciting so we need YOU to tell us who your Rising Star is - who are the members of your team that you believe stand out as a star of the future in this industry?There are only two rules:They must be currently employed by a retailer - defined as a company that sells direct to the consumer.They must be under 30 years of age on March 4, 2025. Other than that, they can perform any job role within your business - admin, design, sales, finance, installation, we don't mind as long as they're a star!You can find all the info you need at kbbreview.com/risingstar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this is Episode Eight of Season 12.You may remember that, all the way back in episode two a few weeks ago, we looked at the ever-present stalwart of the kbb showroom - the brochure. You can listen to that one here.This week we're looking at the brochure's ever-present companion on the showroom shelf - the sample.Every showroom has them whether it's for doors, worktops, handles and just about everything else but how do they use them, how do they manage and keep on top of them all, are there too many, and what do you do with them when the new ranges come out?This is proper shopfloor stuff and we're talking it all through with a couple of great retailers in the shape of Stuart Luckman from RidgeWey and Al Bruce from Olive & Barr. We also have the supplier's perspective from Andy Noble, the Managing Director at CDUK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the kbbreview Podcast, this is a special bonus episode counting down to one of the biggest events of the year - the InstallerSHOW 2024.It's from the 25th to the 27th of June, that's Tuesday to Thursday, and thousands of visitors will descend on the NEC in Birmingham to see the latest products, mix with peers and hear the latest advice and debate on some of the biggest issues facing the sector. For the first time there will be a dedicated Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms area and that's where you'll find a special extra one-off issue of kbbreview, as well as big supply brands and big topics being discussed. So in this episode host Andy Davies finds our what;s happening with Mike Costain, the managing director of show organiser Lyrical Communications.You can find out all about InstallerSHOW 2024 at installershow.com, and you can also register to attend for FREE there too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and this is PartTWO of a special two-parter reporting from our very first Retail Safari.A Retail Safari is a walking tour of interesting and innovative retail stores and environments and we're taking a group of independent kitchen and bathroom retailers out of this industry and hoping to expand horizons and provoke some new thinking on how to view their customers, their showroom, their displays.We have a retail expert as our guide in the shape of Ian Scott, who's actually been on this podcast before, to lead us round.In Part One you heard the running commentary from host Andy Davies and kbbreview's editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham as they talked us through what they spotted in each store. We also heard from some of our retailers to find out what their learnings, takeaways and observations where.Now, in Part Two, we'll find out what the rest of our retailers thought as well as a chat with Ian Scott and Hettich MD Simeon Gabriel.This whole endeavour has been supported by Hettich UK and we wouldn't have been able to do it without them so a public thank you to them. If you want to find out more about Hettich then you can them here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast and this is Part ONE of a special two-parter reporting from our very first Retail Safari.A Retail Safari is a walking tour of interesting and innovative retail stores and environments and we're taking a group of independent kitchen and bathroom retailers out of this industry and hoping to expand horizons and provoke some new thinking on how to view their customers, their showroom, their displays.We have a retail expert as our guide in the shape of Ian Scott, who's actually been on this podcast before, to lead us round.In Part One you'll hear a running commentary from host Andy Davies and kbbreview's editor-at-large Rebecca Nottingham, they're talking us through what they spotted in each store, and then we'll hear from some of our retailers and find out what their learnings, takeaways and observations where.In Part Two, we'll find out what the rest of our retailers thought as well as a chat with Ian Scott and Hettich MD Simeon Gabriel.This whole endeavour has been supported by Hettich UK and we wouldn't have been able to do it without them so a public thank you to them. If you want to find out more about Hettich then you can them here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.