INDUSTRY UPDATE


BC Designs strengthens sales team with key appointment of Ross Buck as Area Sales Manager for London and the South


BIFIS – Why should training and skills development of installation specialists be a priority for the whole industry?


n the fitted interiors sector, a customer’s final impression often depends on installation quality rather than product design or manufacture. Installation is typically carried out by sub-contracted specialists, over whom manufacturers or retailers have little direct influence. Regardless of how well a product is made, its success ultimately rests on the skill and professionalism of those who install it.


I


Currently, most installers operate outside formal training and development structures. Many enter the trade through related apprenticeships, with limited


C Designs has appointed Ross Buck as Area Sales Manager for London and the South of England, reinforcing its commitment to supporting independent retailers and driving strategic growth across a key region for the business. Ross brings extensive experience from across the KBB industry, with a strong background in premium bathroom retail. He spent five years with Ripples, progressing to Director of Ripples Chelmsford, where he gained valuable insight into showroom operations, customer service and commercial decision-making. Having worked on the retail side, Ross understands first-hand the demands placed on independent businesses and the importance of reliable supply partners.


B


In his new role, Ross will work closely with BC Designs’ existing retail network while building new relationships across London, the Home Counties and the South of England. He will focus on developing sales across the brand’s award-winning portfolio of baths, brassware and furniture, as well as delivering product training, merchandising support and strategic growth planning for retailers.


Adam Smith, National Sales Manager for BC Designs, says: “Ross brings a rare combination of industry knowledge and retail experience. He understands exactly what showrooms need from a brand in terms of service, product margin and commercial support, and he shares our commitment to long-term partnerships. London and the South are strategically important regions for us, and Ross will play a key role in helping us widen our reach, strengthen relationships and continue the growth of the BC Designs brand.”


Ross adds: “Having worked with BC Designs as a retailer, I have always respected the brand’s reputation for quality and consistency. This is a company that listens to its partners and understands how important trust and service are in today’s market. I am really looking forward to working closely with retailers across the region, helping them grow bathroom sales with products that are both commercially strong and design-led.” The appointment follows a period of continued investment at BC Designs, including product development, customer service enhancements and expanding sales support across the UK.


36 BKU NOVEMBER 2025


opportunities for continued growth once established. For over two decades, we have worked with industry and government to develop fit-for-purpose qualifications and professional pathways that raise standards, enhance careers, and


improve consumer satisfaction. Progress is now tangible, with an approved apprenticeship standard, government-backed competency frameworks, and the launch of the Fitted Interiors Skills Hub – a BIFIS-led initiative providing a one-stop shop for training across the sector. Training and development of installation specialists should be a shared industry priority for several key reasons. Firstly, skilled installation protects both quality and brand reputation. Every fitted interior – whether a kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom – requires precise, safe, and compliant installation. Poor workmanship not only incurs costly remedials but also erodes consumer trust. Structured training ensures that the installer’s craftsmanship matches the manufacturer’s quality, strengthening brand integrity and raising standards across the UK. Secondly, investing in installer development supports long-term workforce sustainability. With an aging workforce and fewer new entrants, the skills gap continues to widen. Apprenticeships, accredited training, and manufacturer-led courses attract new talent, create defined career paths, and safeguard the future of the industry.


Finally, ongoing training and accreditation ensure compliance and safety in an environment of evolving regulations and rising customer expectations. Competent installers deliver work that meets required standards, protecting both end users and the companies that depend on subcontracted labour.


The industry’s reputation rests as much on the installer’s skill as on design or innovation. By prioritising installer training, the fitted interiors sector can deliver consistent quality, develop future talent, and secure its position as a world-class industry built on skill, professionalism, and trust. We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in supporting the Fitted Interiors Skills Hub and our work on driving positive change in the sector – email comms@bifis.org.


Damian Walters Chief Executive Officer, BIFIS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44