INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN


RAK Ceramics UK Appoints Ben Bryden as Interim Managing Director


KBSAWhere AI can help your business - and when is a step too far?


already see clear opportunities for AI to improve efficiency in day-to-day operations. Used correctly, AI can reduce the administrative burden and allow teams to focus more time on customers, design and project management. One area where AI could have a particularly positive impact is lead


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conversion. In today’s market, speed matters. AI-assisted systems can help generate quicker follow-ups, draft quotations faster and automate customer communication, improving response times without compromising service. Marketing is another area where independent retailers can benefit.


Many showroom businesses struggle to maintain consistent social media, email marketing and website content while also running projects and managing installations. AI can help smaller businesses produce regular content and communicate more effectively without the cost of a dedicated marketing department. However, there is also a line the industry needs to be careful not


to cross. KBB projects are deeply personal purchases. While AI can support


the design process, I do not believe it can replace the experience, creativity and emotional intelligence of a skilled designer. The danger is that over reliance on automation could lead to generic designs and impersonal customer experiences. I would also be cautious about allowing software to make final


purchasing choices without human oversight. Supplier relationships, product quality, aftersales support and installer familiarity are all factors that algorithms alone cannot fully understand. For me, the future of AI in KBB should be about enhancing expertise,


not replacing it.


uMore details are available from The KBSA www.kbsa.org.uk or call 01623 818808


omment from Luke Wedgbury: As the owner of Coalville Kitchens Ltd and Kutchenhaus Lutterworth, I can


retirement of Managing Director Alvin Biggs. Ben has been with RAK Ceramics UK for 10 years, having originally joined


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the company as Head of Projects before taking on the role of UK & Ireland Sales & Marketing Director. He brings detailed knowledge of the business, its customers and the UK ceramics market to the role. As Interim Managing Director, Ben will lead the UK business with a clear


focus on the future. He has ambitious plans for RAK Ceramics in the UK and will work closely with the company’s teams, customers and partners to shape the next phase of its development. Ben commented: “I would like to thank Alvin for his 14 years of service to


RAK Ceramics UK and wish him a very happy and enjoyable retirement. “It is an exciting time to take on the role of Interim Managing Director. RAK


Ceramics is a globally recognised brand, and I believe there is significant potential for us to strengthen and grow our presence in the UK. “We have big plans for the business and a clear vision for where we can


go next. My immediate priority will be to work closely with our team, customers and partners, listen carefully and focus on the areas that will make the greatest difference. “There is a great deal of opportunity ahead of us, and I am looking forward


to bringing fresh energy, renewed focus and a strong sense of direction as we move RAK Ceramics UK into its next chapter.” Alvin joined RAK Ceramics UK 14 years ago as Sales Director and became


Managing Director in 2013. He now retires from the company after more than a decade in senior leadership roles. Ben Bryden takes up the position of Interim Managing Director with immediate effect.


AK Ceramics UK has announced the appointment of Ben Bryden as Interim Managing Director, following the


u01730 237 850 uwww.rakceramics.com


BKU AUGUST 2026 45


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