INDUSTRY UPDATE
Franke staff donate pre-loved items to support Cancer Research UK
F
ranke has announced its support for Cancer Research UK by introducing Donation Stations at its Manchester headquarters.
The company has signed up to the Autumn Wardrobe where it is aiming to rally staff to generously donate pre-loved items which can be dropped off in one of the eye-catching pop-up bins now strategically located on site.
2024 will see more innovation for KBB sector
I
n 2023, the KBB industry witnessed significant transformations, driven by factors such as changes in consumer preferences and the enduring impact of the Covid 19 pandemic. The UK kitchen and bathroom market has always been a dynamic sector that creates trends and informs homeowner choices whilst reacting to changes in demand and behaviour, and 2023 was no exception. As we reflect on, what was, a turbulent twelve months for us all in one way or another and look forward to 2024, I predict that the KBB sector is poised for more innovation and adaptation. The past five years has seen the way we use our homes alter dramatically, particularly the kitchen which, for many, became and continues to be so much more than a space to prepare food and eat. The repurposing of the common kitchen into a multi-functional hub for cooking, working and socialising is here to stay and this will continue propel the ‘smart kitchen’ concept with more AI powered appliances, voice activated controls and emerging tech to come.
We also expect to see a continued focus on wellness in 2024, with a focus around bathrooms. Again, more hi-tech gadgets and appliances to come in, with a focus on ease, simplicity and relaxation, including digital showers, smart mirrors and air purification systems.
Sustainability has also become a core consideration for the KBB sector over recent years, which is great news for all, and 2024 will no doubt see our sector make great strides towards a greener industry. Sustainable materials, water and energy efficiency, reduced packaging and recycling/upcycling will all ramp up again in 2024 with many of the brands we work with promising further innovations in these areas going forward. I believe that 2024 is likely to be the toughest year our industry has faced in a long time, but our vibrant sector is well positioned to thrive if we work together. It’s never been more important for the industry to unite and collaborate, including effective and consistent communication between the KBB manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers, and the installation sector.
BiKBBI will continue our work on closing the communication gap and driving engagement between the installation community and the wider sector throughout 2024, focusing on education, standards and sustainability. If you would like to know more about our plans and how you can work with us, please get in touch – email
info@bikbbi.org.uk.
Damian Walters – CEO, BiKBBI 42 BKU JANUARY 2024
All collected items will be channeled to nearby Cancer Research shops or made available on the charity’s online marketplace, with proceeds helping to fund vital research. Items being collected include quality pre- loved clothing, footwear, accessories and homeware. Staff have already generously donated several bags of pre-loved items to the cause. Jeanette Ward, Communications Manager at Franke UK says: “We are proud to collaborate with Cancer Research UK through these donation stations and contribute to advancing cancer research. We would encourage staff to rally family and friends to review their wardrobes and pass on any unused items to us – helping to make a positive impact in the fight against cancer.”
As part of its support for Cancer Research UK, Franke has also added battery recycling bins on site, so staff can dig out all their used batteries from home and rattling around in their desks. The batteries will then be safely recycled by Ecosurety who will then make a donation to Cancer Research’s life-saving work.
0161 436 6280
www.franke.com
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