RANGE REVIEW: BATHROOMS


kbb A s this year’s kbb


Birmingham drew to a close, Mark Gordon, the event director, commented:


“We are delighted that kbb 2020 has


delivered so positively for


exhibitors and visitors in all areas. The exceptionally strong turnout of visitors throughout the four day show has reinforced our position as the KBB industry’s biggest forum in the UK and shown that it’s not only a place to do business, but is a vital source of inspiring new innovation and design in the KBB sector.” And


BIRMINGHAM 2020 ENDS ON A HIGH


kbb Birmingham 2020, the leading kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design show took place from 1-4 March and saw a huge number of people pass through its doors, with two of the four days having a record number of visitors. The event featured the UK’s largest collection of KBB (kitchen, bedroom and bathroom) brands under one roof and offered more innovation and choice than ever before.


these sentiments were


echoed across the industry with Richard Hibbert, Kbsa National chair, commenting: “There was a really good buzz and atmosphere at this year’s KBB. The organisers and the industry pulled together for the ‘show to go on’ and it proved to be worthwhile. For independent retailers there was plenty to see,


with lots of things that could be taken back to the showrooms and implemented straight away. This is in contrast to some European shows where many of the exhibits are prototypes or inspirational.” BMA chief executive, Tom Reynolds, said: “The BMA has been a long-time supporter of kbb Birmingham and this year’s show did not disappoint. The footfall of the show was great with a positive atmosphere. The event is a key platform for our members and the industry as a whole – a place where they can see the latest products, make new connections and be inspired by fresh ideas.”


Key industry design trends The vibrant show floor reflected key industry design trends, such as personalisation and sustainability with a huge range of exciting innovations from the sector. Big industry names like Blum, Caple, Roca, Blanco, and Samsung returned to exhibit, whilst brands such as Zanussi, Bosch, NEFF, Siemens, Quooker, Alno, Marazzi – The Top, Florim, Falmec, Konigstone, Aqualla Bathrooms, LochAnna kitchens, Azzurra Bathrooms and Elfin kitchens made their kbb show debut. Sustainability came year’s


into during this focus event with


both the organisers and exhibitors placing it at centre stage. kbb Birmingham and The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) announced a partnership to help exhibitors sell their displays ahead of the show to encourage a more sustainable event, and to make a valuable contribution towards recycling within the kitchen industry. The show also ensured that all its feature areas were created with sustainability in mind and were designed to minimise waste.


Launch platform for the KBB industry


Many brands chose to use the event to launch new products to the market. Blanco launched the new Tampera hot tap which is extremely strong and offers five stage filtration with a stunning, child safe design. Formica offered a preview of the new Axiom and Prima decors which will launch this summer and received an enthusiastic response from visitors to the stand. Daval introduced a new 100 per cent recycled kitchen concept as well as a collection of new colours and wood colours. The new Bathroom Boulevard


feature was a highlight for visitors and included top names from the sector. This included the ROCA Group, which incorporates Roca, Laufen, Armani/Roca and Cosmic, who showcased


their latest


In-Wash with In-Tank shower toilet technology, as well as Laufen’s much-anticipated The New Classic collection, designed by Marcel Wanders. Other key names featured included Villeroy & Boch and Impey showers.


Special show features


kbb show highlights included special features such as The Kitchen of the Future, an installation designed by


20 DIY WEEK 20 MARCH 2020 www.diyweek.net


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