NEWS | Round-up
Our climate change champion Richard Hagan, MD of Crystal Doors, explains why the KBB industry should forge ahead with innovation and investment in spite of the looming economic challenges
The art of BEING SMART
IF YOU ask me what attributes make up a small business, two things stand out: our ability to adapt to change quickly and our strong relationships with customers and suppliers. Both are important traits for a business of any size to embody at any time, but it’s during times of economic turmoil that they really show their worth.
2023 will be a tough year for all of us. It’s natural to want to put innovation on the backburner when times are hard and instead focus on keeping yourself afloat, but as Winston Churchill once said, “never let a good crisis go to waste.” This year there is a huge opportunity for KBB businesses – large and small – to engage with others, make the most of their strong relationships and engage with customers about how we can adapt our products and services to support them. Customers are struggling financially, but the kitchens,
bedrooms and bathrooms market has the ability to help if we’re willing to be smart and adapt. Incorporating energy saving guidance into products and services is one example that is already becoming a trend. Whether it’s specifying the most efficient lighting, designing layouts to make rooms cheaper to heat, advising on insulation or integrating smart apps and appliances – helping to save energy provides genuine value for the customer, as well as broader and measurable sustainability benefits. Many fitters, electricians and surveyors already have the skills they require, so lean on those working relationships in your supply chain for your mutual advantage.
There is a huge opportunity for KBB businesses to engage with others, make the most of our strong relationships and ask
customers how we can adapt
This is obviously a bespoke process, which is
where independents have a firm advantage over our larger cousins.
While the sheds focus on volume and price point, independents have the opportunity to provide real, long-lasting value by being a force for good and providing services that give back and pay back. In the near future, Crystal Doors will hopefully become the latest member of the KBB market to become a certified B Corp, joining pioneers like Used Kitchen Exchange and The Used Kitchen Company in putting people and planet in line with profit. This approach to business is becoming more common, not less, during these difficult economic times. The traditional profit-first business model is no longer a viable option for a sustainable and prosperous business future.
So put your thinking cap on, hold on to those small business values of innovation and collaboration, and make your business a force for good.
14
What trends will drive kitchen plans in 2023?
TOP DRIVERS among homeowners planning to change their kitchens are – a style update, more storage, accessibility, multifunctionality and sustainability. These were just some of the findings in a new survey of 2,000 homeowners by German kitchen fittings specialist Häfele, which aims to provide its trade customers with insights into UK kitchen ownership trends that will help drive sales and marketing activity.
A change of style was the number one driver for change among homeowners surveyed, followed by improving the value of the home and a desire for more storage space. Making their kitchen more accessible for an ageing family was also a top wish. Most British homeowners, according to the poll, are planning to change their kitchens before 2027.
Looking at the nation’s kitchens today, the
survey showed that U-shaped layouts are most common, with islands being most popular in
Northern Ireland. Galley kitchens are tops in Cardiff and Birmingham, while single-wall layouts are common in London and Leeds. London has the highest number of open- plan kitchens at just over half of those polled, although nationwide just under 60% of homes still have a kitchen separate from the rest of the house. Wales has the fewest number of open- plan kitchens at just 34%, followed by Yorkshire and Humberside at 34%.
Almost a third of kitchens are traditional in style, closely followed by ‘modern’ or ‘sleek’ at 29%. Wooden cabinets dominate (24.1%), followed by white (23.8%), while beige, cashmere and neutrals accounted for 21%. In terms of their new kitchens, most respondents said they would opt for a modern or sleek aesthetic (44%). White, light grey, beige and wood were the most popular choices of cabinet colours. Those wanting stronger colours favoured dark grey, dark blue, light blue and light green.
Howdens supports National Apprenticeship Week
HOWDENS HAS been invited to be one of ten companies to join the National Apprenticeship Week Supporters Club for 2023. National Apprenticeship Week was created by the Department for Education’s Education and Skills Funding Agency. During 6th-12th February 2023, companies around the UK are encouraged to celebrate apprentices and their impact on local businesses and regional economies. Emma Leech, early careers manager, Howdens, said: “We take our own apprenticeship programme very seriously, as we’re developing people who will be integral to our businesses’ continued success, as well as the success of the communities and regions in which we operate. To be amongst other companies that are leading the way for apprenticeships is a great honour.”
Howdens employs 570 apprentices in the UK in a variety of roles from logistics, manufacturing, engineering, and IT functions.
In 2022 Howdens chose to allocate 20% of its levy to fund construction apprenticeships in small businesses within the local communities. This investment has helped to create jobs and support small businesses in the construction industry, helping with the industry-wide skills shortage.
• See pages 24-26 for an in-depth analysis on industry apprenticeships · February 2023
Climate
Champion Change
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