What is this podcast episode about?

Ren’s journey is remarkable: from her early years in Africa surrounded by construction sites, to becoming CEO of the National Training Group, and later leading educational initiatives with the Furniture Makers’ Company. Her story is as inspiring as it is practical.

In this episode, we cover some of the most pressing questions shaping our industry today:

• Why design? – How Ren’s childhood experiences led her to choose interior design and kitchens as her career path.

• The evolution of the kitchen – From simple work triangles in the 70s to today’s open-plan living and complex service integration.

• Kitchens of the future – Where design trends and technologies are heading, and what this means for professionals.

• Education as the missing link – Why formal qualifications, apprenticeships, and training are essential for raising standards.

• Bringing in new talent – How schools, colleges, and industry can work together to inspire the next generation.

• The apprenticeship challenge – Why small independent retailers and installers struggle, and what incentives could change the game.

• The funding puzzle – How government, local councils, and even manufacturers could better invest in training and education.

• The professionalisation of design – Why kitchen design deserves the same recognition as other skilled professions, with ongoing CPD and structured learning.

• Real stories from the field – From early lectures that pushed Ren out of her comfort zone, to success stories of apprentices who built thriving careers.

This episode is sponsored by All Electric Northants – experts in EV charging solutions and electrical installations. We’d like to thank them for their support in helping us bring valuable conversations like this to the industry.

👉 If you care about the future of design, education, and our industry as a whole, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

🎧 Listen now on Industry Legends – and be part of the change shaping tomorrow’s kitchens.