Update: AMDEA
Championing Excellence in the Home – AMDEA Conference
Inclusive design, sustainability, AI and the skills shortage in the home appliance sector were just some of the key issues highlighted and discussed at this year’s sell-out AMDEA Conference in May aptly held at the School of Science and Technology, City St George’s, University of London
T
he annual event brought together industry leaders and key stakeholders
to discuss the future of the home appliance sector. The IER Team were also in attendance to enthusiastically absorb a full and interesting agenda and having the opportunity to meet, listen and speak with many other attendees. This year’s conference, which saw a record number of delegates attend, was focused on “Excellence in the Home” and featured three themed sessions covering sustainability and innovation, inclusive design and consumer trust, and the skills shortage in the home appliance industry. Welcoming the attendees to the University
was Professor Christoph Bruecker, BAE SYSTEMS and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair in Nature fully conversant with the important topics covered in the conference agenda.
Growth In his opening address at the conference, AMDEA CEO, Stefan Hay, reflected on how the association has grown over the past year, not just by attracting several new members - Euronics UK (CIH), Bluestem Group, Montpellier Domestic Appliances and Currys - but also by widening its influence and upping its ambition. “We have broadened our reach across the entire value chain through the launch of our Associate Membership Group. This has brought into our membership community, Domestic & General, the Appliance Recycling Group, British Gas, Domex, Pacifica, Service Box and SquareTrade”. Stefan continued, “Together, this represents something far more powerful than expansion, it represents alignment. A collective recognition that the challenges we face, from sustainability to compliance to consumer trust, cannot be solved in silos. And that alignment matters, because AMDEA is only as strong, as credible, and as influential as the engagement of its members. The progress we have made this year
18 |
www.ierdaily.co.uk
looked at the Appliance Sectors Role in Society. Commencing with Adam Carter (Consumer Friend), highlighting how manufacturers can build consumer trust through transparent communication while navigating potential barriers and pitfalls. Sue Flowers (NEFF- BSHG) followed demonstrating how the designing of home appliances for all, overcome barriers to accessibility and inclusive use. The working with Symphony’s Freedom Range was a prime example of accessible kitchen furniture. Steve Lineton (GAP Renew) focused on how refurbishment supports communities and the environment, the importance of refurbished appliances for lower income communities and charities to combat appliance poverty. A Q&A session followed chaired by Rebecca Hildreth of AMDEA The final session, “Tomorrow’s Talent Today”,
has not just happened for you – it has happened because of you.”
Issues During the themed conference sessions, experts highlighted some of the key industry issues involved and demonstrated how they are being addressed or should be tackled. The opening session, “Excellence by Design”, the Home Appliance Value Chain in Action, featuring AMDEA Chair and guest speaker Chris George (Electrolux), highlighting how the home appliance sector is advancing sustainability through recycled materials, low-carbon logistics, energy and water conservation. Professor Mark Miodownik (UCL Big Repair
Project) explained why designing home appliances for longevity, repairability and reduced e-waste really matters and how policy can support. Dr Catherine Menon (University of
Hertfordshire) presented the exploration of ethic opportunities, safety and public perception of AI integration in home appliances. materials, efficient product design and low carbon logistics, alongside the growing importance of designing appliances for repairability and longevity. The speakers also examined the opportunities and safety considerations surrounding the integration of AI in home appliances. A Q&A session followed chaired by Rob Gosling of AMDEA The second session, “Powering Inclusion”,
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Securing the future of our sector, with Kevin Brown (Pacifica), concentrating on the lack of our industry’s attraction for young talent to be involved in service or repair. Kevin stated, “Nobody grows up dreaming of fixing a washing machine.”This skills shortage was further reiterated by Gavin White (The Autotech Group), mentioning the need to look and learn from other industries who do succeed in recruiting and training the necessary skills shortage. Maggie Philbin OBE and TEENTECH Alumni
addressed the challenge of attracting and developing new talent, with insights from the appliance and automotive sectors, alongside a young person’s perspective on entering the technical workforce. With Maggie, were two inspiring and enthusiastic teenagers, Temi and Isabelle who have won awards for their innovations. Since this event, the editor of IER has since interviewed Maggie regarding this amazing organisation, TEENTECH, which inspires the innovators of tomorrow. This interview will be published by IER on a later date. A Q&A session followed chaired by Alex Martin of AMDEA
Inspirational The conference ended with an inspirational presentation by keynote speaker, Roz Savage, who is an environmental campaigner and World- Record Ocean rower, as well as Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds. Commenting on the day, Mr Hay said: “Our conference highlighted how the home appliance sector is evolving, from driving sustainability and circularity, to designing products that work for everyone and building the skilled workforce we need for the future. These conversations are vital, as our industry continues to deliver innovation, safety and value for UK households.”
www.amdea.org.uk
Summer 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
