STORAGE SOLUTIONS Richard Gates


Uform: Storage, Service and a Stronger Offer for 2026


As demand grows for smarter storage and more personal, hybrid living spaces, Richard Gates, Head of Category Management at Uform, tells BKU’s Matt Broughton how innovation, service and a clear partnership strategy are shaping the year ahead.


Richard says it was a strong year for Uform, driven by customer growth and the ongoing success of product innovation. He notes that all 2025 introductions are “above forecast”, with Pembridge (beaded shaker) and Newcombe (narrow shaker) strengthening the foil Shaker collection, supported by the 5-piece foil made-to- order service which has been “very well received”. Uform’s timber proposition also moved


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forward with Aylesford, a new timber micro- shaker that Richard says has seen “a fantastic reaction”. Beyond kitchens, the bedroom frontal range continued to perform, with Pembridge now added to the collection, while Vauth-Sagel storage has continued to outperform expectations - a sign, Richard suggests, that retailers are increasingly prioritising practical upgrades that enhance everyday living. For 2026, Richard says the business remains


anchored by two constants: innovation and service. “Product innovation and exceptional service remains at the heart of what we do,” he explains, with a clear goal to deliver both to a growing customer base. The intention is to help independent retailers and trade professionals win more business through greater choice, dependable quality, and a service experience they can trust.


hile 2025 proved challenging across the wider kitchen market,


Category expansion and the storage opportunity Richard says Uform’s focus now is on broadening the offer further, with 2026 set to bring developments across storage, bins and lighting, alongside other complementary kitchen products. At the same time, innovation in frontals remains central, with new door families planned across both modern and classic styles, as well as updates to existing popular ranges. Trend-wise, Richard expects the next two


years to be shaped by a continued shift towards warmer colours and more tactile, personalised interiors. Natural tones, rich stains, soft neutrals and organic greens remain in demand, alongside textures such as fluted glass and reeded wood. He also points to continued appetite for “smart storage and layered layouts that support hybrid living”, reflecting how kitchens and bedrooms are increasingly expected to deliver comfort, flexibility and durability - often within tighter budgets. That’s where the Vauth-Sagel partnership


becomes particularly significant. Richard explains that the relationship, launched in 2024, was a strategic step that strengthenedUform’s position as a full-service provider while giving retailers stronger choice in a key category. He highlights Vauth-Sagel’s “more than 60 years of German engineering excellence” and reputation for durable, intelligently designed storage and bin solutions with ease of fitting. For Uform, the partnership is supported by


ongoing initiatives such as Vauth-Sagel Roadshow Tours and a dedicated storage section within the


Uform Design Centre, helping customers become familiar with the range. Distributing the portfolio across the UK and Irish markets also enables Uform to offer space-maximising solutions backed by a 15-year warranty. For retailers, Richard says, the benefit is clear: greater flexibility, stronger sales opportunities, and a simpler route to sourcing quality storage products.


Sustainability and support for independents Although Uform will not have a stand at KBB, Richard confirms the team will be attending and engaging with visitors who want to explore how the business can support growth in what he believes will be “a year of steady recovery”. The message, he says, remains consistent: Uform is focused on supporting independent retailers through choice, dependable quality and reliable service, while continuing to invest in innovation and new category development throughout 2026. Sustainability also remains a key part of the


company’s long-term strategy. Richard explains that Uform’s approach is built on responsibility across people, environment and operations, supported by FSC-C113193® certified timber, waste reduction and automation designed to lower energy and material use. A major milestone is the installation of a 500-kW rooftop solar project, expected to cut carbon emissions by around 130,000 kg each year. Uform also uses FSC-certified and carbon balanced print


materials for its STORI consumer brand brochures and has achieved ISO 9001 certification - steps that Richard says reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and more sustainable manufacturing.


42 BKU MARCH 2026


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