INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN


Join Kbsa’s campaign for a level playing field


W


ith the latest government announcement detailing a phased easing of restrictions, it will be some weeks


before kbb showrooms are allowed to re-open. The Kbsa is calling


on all independent retailers to join them and support a new campaign, designed to lobby government and Trading Standards about the inequalities that exist around the sale of kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Independent kbb


retailers should be allowed to operate under the same rules as their shed counterparts if they’re dealing with trade customers – that’s the main message of the new ‘Level Playing Field’ campaign launched by Kbsa and kbbreview. The lockdown rules states that ‘builders merchants and suppliers of


products and tools used in building work and repair’ are allowed to open. But it then goes on to specifically say that this ‘doesn’t include carpet stores and showrooms, such as those for bathrooms, kitchens, tiles and glazing.’ This simple statement is what is currently keeping kbb showrooms


closed but the likes of Howdens, Magnet Trade, Trade Point and other trade-only kitchen and bathroom retailers open. But, of course, most independent kbb showrooms deal with trade


customers as well as consumers and many feel their big multiple counterparts are currently operating with an unfair advantage. The Kbsa Level Playing Field campaign, in association with kbbreview,


is calling on ALL independent retailers to contact their local government, MP and Trading Standards to demand this inequality is addressed and allow them to open to trade customers too. You can do this by simply downloading the templates letters at


https://www.kbsa.org.uk/retailer/news/join-our-campaign-for-a-level- playing-field This campaign builds on the work we have been doing over the last


12 months, lobbying Trading Standards, MP’s and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), asking them to clarify guidance and legislation to make sure independent showrooms are not disadvantaged. Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert says, “We are delighted to be


working together with KBBR to raise awareness of this issue. We hope that many retailers will join us in targeting their local Government, calling for a level playing field for the independent retailer and helping to protect our sector.”


THE BMA COLUMN


Retailers can help consumers ‘Get Lavvy Savvy’ says BMA


E


ven before coronavirus consumers’ consciousness of sustainability was growing. Waves of lockdown have put us


more in touch with nature, and with the upcoming COP climate change conference I believe customers will be asking KBB retailers, more than ever before, questions about product sustainability. Our sector has a good record to share. Let’s take the example of one


particular fitting: the humble lavatory. The flushing toilet must be ranked among the greatest inventions ever, saving more lives than penicillin and removing from our environment many infectious diseases. In the last two decades, in response to water scarcity, innovations like the dual flush valve have given consumers control to reduce their water use. Such advances have also lowered flush volumes from 13 litres to just four. Manufacturers continue to innovate to improve the sustainability of WC fittings. However, ever-improving products are not a panacea to lessen the environmental impact of our loos. Like any device, toilets need occasional maintenance to perform perfectly and avoid leakage. Dirt, grime and limescale can build up within WC mechanisms, stopping parts from operating properly. BMA is launching a #GetLavvySavvy campaign to help the public take simple steps to spot, repair and prevent loo leaks. Retailers and installers play a crucial part in spreading the word, so please help customers get lavvy savvy.


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


 For more information visit www.GetLavvySavvy.co.uk or contact BMA on 01782 631619 or email info@bathroom-association.org.uk


BKU MARCH 2021 45


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