KBB FUTURES EDITION 2
Senior KBB professionals will be debating again the KBB future
Each sector of the KBB industry will be represented by a panelist of senior specialists
The KBB industry has spoken — and the message is clear.
Too many of us have been working in silos for too long. Conversation alone is no longer enough. It’s time to collaborate, to act, and to drive real change.
The first edition of this initiative proved what’s possible when senior leaders come together with a shared purpose. The energy in the room was inspiring, and the impact reached far beyond it. Those who attended in person left with fresh ideas, renewed focus, and a determination to move things forward — while the wider industry joined the conversation online, sharing feedback, insights, and support in impressive numbers.
Building on that momentum, the second edition brings together senior-level professionals who genuinely care about the future of the KBB industry. These are people ready not just to identify common challenges, from apprenticeships to broader sector issues, but also to agree on solutions and turn them into action in the near term.
Together, we are stronger. And together, we can achieve more.
We have created a space where different sectors of the KBB industry are not just represented, but genuinely communicate with one another.
What makes this initiative powerful is that it moves beyond isolated viewpoints. Manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and industry leaders have come together with a shared goal: to actively shape the future of the industry, not simply react to it.
By breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging open, honest dialogue across sectors, we’ve proven what can be achieved when the industry works as one. This collaboration has already sparked new thinking, challenged long-standing assumptions, and laid the foundations for meaningful, long-term change.
This isn’t just a discussion forum, it’s a catalyst for progress.
Second Edition
Confirmed Attendees
Participants · listed alphabetically by surname
Simon Acres
Managing Director · Simon Acres Group Ltd
Brandon Kwesiga
Managing Director · ArtiCad Ltd
Peter Butt
Business Manager · Adroit Services
Dan Banks
Managing Director · Lecico PLC
Mark Conacher
KBB Consultant - KBB Momentum
Ruth Davies
Laura Dewhirst
Kitchen Design Director Quay Centre Ltd & Riverview Contracts
Emilia Dlutowski
Daphne Doody-Green
Andy Gamble
KBB Merchant Professional
Jamie Harding
CEO & Founder ET Lorem Ltd · KBSA
Amanda Hughes
Ergonomic and Ageing in the built environment specialist Nineteen Group & EGGER London
Owain Harrison
Managing Director UK KBBG (DER KREIS)
Michael Linsky
Tony Nicholas
Toby Russell
Trevor Scott
Jonathan Stanley
Damian Walters
Chief Executive Officer BFIS Institute
Derek Williams
Quality Director Achieve & Partners
2st Edition Sponsors:
Conversations That Matter
Media support
Film 1 - Market Summary: Standing Out in a Challenging Market
Film 2 - Navigating the AI Era: Trends & Technology in KBB
Film 3 - KBB Careers in Focus: Education, Training & Apprenticeships
Film 4 - Advisory Board Outcomes
“Let’s shape the future of our industry together - starting today.”
Innovation doesn’t happen tomorrow – it begins with the decisions we make right now.
Together, let’s push boundaries, embrace bold ideas, and set new standards that will define the next era of our field.
Have a challenge, insight, or idea?
Send us your questions or suggestions for the industry experts—we’ll bring them to the event and share the solutions directly with you afterward.
Let’s lead the conversation, together.
Together, let’s push boundaries, embrace bold ideas, and set new standards that will define the next era of our field.
Send us your questions or suggestions for the industry experts—we’ll bring them to the event and share the solutions directly with you afterward.
Let’s lead the conversation, together.
KBB Pillars of Growth
1.1: Toilet Tax – legislation – impose a tax or rate relief for businesses on old water cisterns that are not saving water to stimulate replacement sanitaryware and incremental bathroom sales.
Public Toilets Business Rates (UK): A bill was passed in 2021 to provide 100% business rates relief for standalone public lavatories, which was sometimes referred to as the “toilet tax” bill because it relieved a charge, not imposed one.
1.2: As with the BMF, pledge how many apprentices Kbb companies will hire in the next 5 years
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) launched an Apprenticeship Pledge with an initial goal to secure 15,000 apprenticeships across its entire membership by 2030. This target has already been exceeded as of February 2025.
1.3: We are all responsible to attract people to our industry.
2.1: Connect with modular build companies to supply Kbb products.
UK modular build statistics show growing adoption, with around 5,000-15,000 units built yearly, representing a small but increasing slice of total housing, aiming for significant growth (e.g., 400% by 2025) to meet housing targets, with benefits like faster builds (up to 30% quicker) and reduced waste, though challenges remain in skills and financing.
2.2: Consider your own social media strategy – you will have a greater personal reach than most associations or installers.
Many buyers prefer to purchase from leaders who use social media. It allows businesses to share their values, get direct feedback, and compete in a digital-first world, making authentic connections that drive loyalty and sales.
2.3: Join together to work smarter not harder with the knowledge shared to access funding
To access funds, employers must set up an account on the Apprenticeship Service, agree to a payment schedule with a training provider, and for non-levy payers, reserve funds for co-investment. Certain employers and apprentices may also be eligible for additional funding incentives.
Add to your showroom pitch about multigenerational living i.e consider your design for the future for when we age. This consideration could result in higher order values e.g more pull out storage and additional sales conversations because you have considered this where competitors may not.
Multigenerational kitchen design focuses on universal accessibility, flexibility, and clear zoning to accommodate all ages and abilities, featuring elements like varied counter heights, induction cooktops, lever-handle faucets,