🎙️ MOVERS & SHAKERS PODCAST – INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
At Simon Acres Group, we believe in the power of conversation. That’s why we created the Movers & Shakers Podcast, a series dedicated to in-depth discussions with influential leaders across the Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom (KBB) industry.
Each episode brings you exclusive insights, expert advice, and real-world strategies from those shaping the future of the sector. Whether you’re an independent retailer, designer, manufacturer, or supplier, this podcast is designed to help you navigate challenges, spot opportunities, and stay ahead of industry trends.
The Future Starts Now
If we wait until people are in their mid-20s, we’ve missed the opportunity. We need to start early, build awareness, and make the KBB sector the exciting, desirable career path it truly is!
🚀 Why the KBB Industry Needs to Shout Louder About Career Opportunities! 🚀
The Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom (KBB) industry is filled with exciting opportunities, yet we’re still not attracting enough young talent into the sector. Why not?
✔️ A Rewarding Career Path – Whether in design, sales, manufacturing, or installation, KBB offers diverse roles that can lead to a well-paid and fulfilling career. From transforming spaces to creating dream kitchens, this industry impacts the very heart of every home.
✔️ Innovation & Creativity – The KBB sector isn’t just about traditional trades. It’s a field full of cutting-edge design, technology, and innovation. Just look at brands like Artic and Sines—our industry is way more dynamic than people realise!
✔️ Skills That Last a Lifetime – A trade like kitchen fitting isn’t just a job; it’s a career for life. One speaker shared how his nephew, a kitchen fitter for over 20 years, has built a flexible and well-paid career, with the ability to work anywhere in the country.
✔️ Apprenticeships & Training Gaps – We need to be clear about the difference between trade apprenticeships and general training programmes. While we’ve seen success in areas like design apprenticeships, we’re still struggling to bring new talent into the installation side of the industry. If we don’t act now, skills gaps will only grow.
💡 So, Who’s Responsible?
Everyone! Manufacturers, retailers, trade associations, schools—every part of the industry needs to take ownership in attracting young talent. We need to engage with students earlier, at 15 or 16, before they choose other career paths.
đź’Ľ Retention Matters Too!
Getting young people into the industry is one thing—keeping them is another. The best employers:
âś… Involve apprentices in the business beyond their job description
âś… Invest in continuous training and development
âś… Give them exposure to suppliers, clients, and different aspects of the trade
✅ Pay them fairly—if you want loyalty, show them their value from day one!
🏆 Let’s Celebrate Talent
The KBB industry has some fantastic awards, many of which are free to enter. Why aren’t we using them more to showcase our rising stars? We should be recognising young talent and showing others the incredible opportunities in this industry.
🌟 The Future Starts Now
If we wait until people are in their mid-20s, we’ve missed the opportunity. We need to start early, build awareness, and make the KBB sector the exciting, desirable career path it truly is!
