INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN


KBSA Designer Award Winners 2025


he KBSA is delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 KBSA Designer Awards, unveiled at the conclusion of this year’s KBB Industry Conference.


T


This year’s awards celebrated exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and customer service across the industry. The ceremony was hosted by sports commentator and broadcaster Colin Murray.


KBSA Designer Award Winners 2025: Kitchen Designer of the Year (up to £25K), sponsored by Siemens: Felicity O’Hare, Kitchens by JS Geddes


Kitchen Designer of the Year (£25K–£50K), sponsored by AEG: Alina Lotocka, TC Kitchens


Kitchen Designer of the Year (over £50K), sponsored by NEFF: Jamie Harding, Et Lorem


Bathroom Designer of the Year, sponsored by Waterline: Hazel Di Pasquale, Bauen Design


Bedroom Designer of the Year, sponsored by DER KREIS: Licia Di Pasquale, Bauen Design


Signature Spaces Designer of the Year, sponsored by Quooker: Joanna Geddes-Campbell & Felicity O’Hare, Kitchens by JS Geddes


Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year, sponsored by Blum: Araminta Glenn, Kitchens International


Highly Commended (Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year): Adam Bomok, cu_cucine


Young Designer of the Year, sponsored by Quooker: Kaitlyn Bruce, EKCO


Customer Service Award, sponsored by The 1810 Company: KF Kitchens


Supplier of the Year (Joint Winners), sponsored by Clear Insurance Management: Callerton and TruBlue


Speaking at the close of the event, Richard Hibbert, KBSA Chair, said, “This year’s conference has been a tremendous success – a true celebration of innovation, collaboration and the spirit of our independent retailers. It’s been wonderful to see so many members, partners and friends of the KBSA come together to share knowledge, build connections and celebrate the incredible design talent within our community. The standard of entries this year was exceptional, and I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to all our winners.”


 More details are available from The KBSA


www.kbsa.org.uk or call 01623 818808


38 BKU NOVEMBER 2025


Carysil, Manufacturer of ‘essentials’ Range, Guarantees Supply and Announces UK Team Expansion Following Waterline Closure


arysil, a global leader in premium kitchen and bathroom solutions, has moved decisively to reassure the industry of 100% product continuity following the administration of key distributor Waterline.


C


Carysil confirms it was the sole manufacturer for Waterline’s entire “essentials” sinks and taps range, as well as their solid surface brands including Minerva, Metis, Mariz, Maia and the new innovative Metrowall. “The closure of Waterline is a significant shock and we have great sympathy for their team,” said Marcus Smyth, CEO at Carysil. “As the manufacturing partner behind these key lines, our message to the market is simple: the products you trust are not gone. We are fully committed to supporting every customer and ensuring a seamless transition. Your supply is secure.”


To reinforce this commitment and manage increased demand, Carysil has simultaneously announced a strategic expansion of its UK sales and support team. The new appointments allow Carysil to support clients of Waterline who need to be supported externally and guided to distribution partners of their sinks , taps and surfaces portfolio.


• Dom Aloia - National Accounts Field Support Manager • Stephen Littlejohn - Field Sales Representative • Daniel Rudge - Field Sales Representative


This team expansion underscores Carysil’s long-term investment in the UK market, ensuring that all partners receive dedicated support. With over 30 years of manufacturing excellence, substantial UK stock levels and an established supply-chain infrastructure, Carysil is perfectly positioned to meet all demand without interruption. Customers seeking the ‘essentials’ range or associated surface brands are invited to contact Carysil directly via email, telephone or visit the website to be connected with their distribution partners.


01260 223163 info@carysil.co.uk www.carysil.co.uk


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