NEWS | Round-up


VIEWPOINT AI: Opportunity


or threat? Richard Hibbert, KBSA chair, looks at why KBB retailers could benefit from embracing AI technology


Uform to support retailers with new consumer rebrand


ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, or AI as it’s better known, is an emerging technology that is impacting many areas of business. Many KBB retailers seem reluctant to embrace AI, but is this because we don’t yet fully understand the technology and, therefore, it is perceived as a threat? Manufacturers are leading the way by incorporating AI in their new product development. Connected appliances, for example, feature AI technology to offer voice activated controls or remote controls via apps. For example, at kbb Birmingham, software company ArtiCAD announced it was experimenting with the concept of using AI to create design software that can be controlled solely by a user’s voice. While manufacturers have the resources to invest in such applications, retailers can also benefit from harnessing the power of AI.


Manufacturers may have more resources to invest, but retailers can also benefit from AI tech


Chat GPT is one of the most popular content generators that retailers may have tried. For many, it can provide a helpful starting point to create copy for a blog for a website, or social media posts. When faced with a blank piece of paper, the ability to have content generated from a few prompts is a great starting point. However, the AI content is not likely to reflect the style and brand values of a particular business, so in most cases, careful editing will be necessary to achieve the quality required.


AI is also going to affect all


areas of KBB design. As with content generation, the speed and scope of what AI can do is incredible, especially compared to traditional methods. A designer can input a few parameters and be


presented with a multitude of design options at the click of a button. When used as an aid, this technology can enhance the design process. It allows more time for the designer to fine-tune the alternatives and use their skills to present unique solutions to clients.


One of the major criticisms of AI is that it is just a super charged search engine. Without quality control, how can you trust the quality of the output? This is where the user’s skill comes in, reviewing and assessing what they are given through AI and using their own experience to make judgments about what is relevant. As with many new technologies, there are concerns about jobs being lost or skills replaced. This is a valid concern but rather than being afraid and ignoring the threat, getting to understand it better is the best way to counteract this. Technology will keep on moving forward and KBB


retailers that view it as an opportunity to enhance their skills and offering and embrace it will be best placed to use it to their advantage. For more on AI, see page 18


8


FRANKE UK has announced the appointment of Craig McIntyre as its new managing director. With over two decades of service within the Franke Group, McIntyre brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his new role.


McIntyre first began working with Franke 22 years ago, and notably has led Franke South Africa for 11 years. He takes up the role of UK managing director, as well as heading up the NESSA Cluster organisation of Northern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands and South Africa.


Speaking of his appointment, McIntyre


UFORM HAS launched its new consumer brand STORI to more aptly reflect the company’s diverse product ranges. First established in 2007 to support its growing network of approved independent retailers, Uform’s Kitchen Stori consumer brand has officially rebranded to STORI.


The brand says its new tag line is “effectively conveyed with three succinct words: “Spaces Worth Sharing.”


The company recently diversified into the bedroom market with a range of new sizes and styles to cater for freestanding and fitted bedroom furniture as part of their upcoming #SpacesWorthSharing campaign. The rebrand sees the launch of a new consumer website and new logo, which Uform says is “designed to reflect the brand’s purpose which is simply: “To add value to the everyday through aspirational living spaces, tailored to every home”.


STORI retailers will have access to a suite of “premium consumer brochures focused on kitchens, living spaces, bedrooms and handles, as well as marketing assets for both digital and print”. The new STORI website will showcase the full range of products for spaces within the home as well as an option to book a design appointment with a nearby showroom. Uform believes this will allow access to a “wealth of content designed to educate, excite,


and inspire the homeowner”.


Commenting on the rebrand, STORI brand manager Shaunagh Devlin said, “STORI marks more than just a rebrand, it’s a testament to our growing position in the market and a reflection of our commitment to product innovation. “We’ve not just refreshed our look, we’ve considered our brand values, what we can offer our independent retail channel and ultimately, how we communicate with the end consumer, the homeowner. The team have worked incredibly hard on weaving together a narrative that speaks directly to all homeowners and we’re excited for this next chapter.”


Franke appoints new UK MD


commented: “I am proud and grateful for being given the opportunity to lead Franke UK and I’m looking forward to working with the company’s employees, customers and key stakeholders to develop meaningful long-term relationships. “Having been with the Franke Group for over two decades, I am committed to leveraging my experience and insights to drive sustainable growth and profitability in the UK market.” McIntyre’s appointment follows the departure of Neil Clark who recently stepped down from his role following more than 19 years of dedicated service, starting at Carron Phoenix before progressing to Franke UK as sales and marketing director and latterly holding an eight- year tenure as UK MD. Clark has left the business to take up the role of managing director at Sealy UK.


Franke believes that “with a clear vision, McIntyre aims to build upon Clark’s legacy by expanding Franke’s product categories and introducing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs.”


McIntyre will now focus on “gaining a deep understanding of Franke UK’s employees, markets, customers and products, fostering continuous improvement, and investing in employee development for the long-term success of the business.”


• June 2024


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