INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN
Sanipex Group appoints Darren Blackburn as Southern Business Development Manager
KBSA – Mark Butler and Richard Hibbert speak on how independents are pushing forward in times of market challenges
BSA says independent retailers across the UK are proving their resilience in a challenging market by embracing change, leaning into supplier partnerships and diversifying into new areas of home improvement.
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Diversification is emerging as a significant growth driver. KBSA members are seeing rising interest in additional renovation projects, particularly those that deliver high impact and practical value. “We’ve experienced a real uplift in enquiries for other areas of home improvement – such as media walls, boot rooms and bedrooms,” Mark Butler of KBSA board and Butler Interiors adds. “Historically, we didn’t do much of this type of work, but once you diversify, word spreads quickly, and with the help of social media, the enquiries soon follow.” Alongside evolving service and product offers, KBSA retailers continue to invest in their people and physical spaces to ensure a premium customer experience, as Mark concludes. “We’re continually investing in our team and our showroom as well, which means we can offer the best possible experience to clients both in terms of what they see when they visit us and the product knowledge we can provide.” Richard Hibbert, KBSA Chair, adds, “Independent retailers have always been defined by their agility and the depth of their customer relationships, and that is exactly what’s helping them succeed right now. Across our membership, we’re seeing businesses respond to market pressure with real creativity: refining their propositions, investing in their teams and showrooms, and broadening the services they offer to meet evolving homeowner needs. This ability to adapt quickly, while maintaining exceptional personal service, is what keeps independents at the heart of the KBB sector.
anipex Group has further strengthened its UK retail sales team with the appointment of Darren Blackburn as Southern Business Development Manager. With an impressive 27 years of experience in the bathroom industry, Darren brings with him a wealth of retail and sales expertise, having held senior roles at leading brands including Manhattan Shower Doors, Aqualisa Showers, Perrin & Rowe, and Carron Baths. His career began in a Southampton-based bathroom showroom, giving him invaluable hands-on insight into the end-to-end customer experience.
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In his new role, Darren will focus on developing business opportunities and supporting Sanipex Group’s luxury bathroom brand, BAGNODESIGN, across the southern region. His passion for product detail, from materials and craftsmanship to design inspiration, perfectly aligns with the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. Darren will work closely with existing retail partners while identifying new opportunities to expand BAGNODESIGN’s presence in premium showroom environments.
Darren commented: “What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to work so closely with a product range that’s driven by design, quality, and innovation. I’ve always enjoyed understanding what makes a product special, from how it’s made, to the inspiration behind it and BAGNODESIGN’s portfolio gives me the chance to share that story with retail partners in some of the most beautiful showroom settings across the region.”
More details are available from The KBSA
www.kbsa.org.uk or call 01623 818808
36 BKU JANUARY 2026
Lee Palmer, Sanipex Group’s Sales Director UK & Ireland, added:“We are delighted to welcome Darren to the team. His extensive industry experience, deep product knowledge, and passion for excellence make him a valuable asset as we continue to grow our footprint across the UK retail market.”
For more information about SANIPEX GROUP UK, please visit the website.
www.sanipex.co.uk
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