INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN


Nick Asbey returns to Kudos as Senior BDM


KBSA Enters Exciting New Chapter with the Appointment of its First Managing Director


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n a major first in its near 50-year history, the KBSA announces it has appointed a Managing Director. Luke


Wedgbury, currently the Interim Chair of the KBSA Board, will serve in the newly created role. The KBSA’s aim is to create an entity that is much more focused on


the day to-day challenges faced by independent retailers and, importantly, on finding ways to help them overcome them. It believes the way to do that is to have an MD at the heart of the association who understands what it means be an independent retailer. Luke has been in the KBB sector for 29 years and founded family-run business Coalville Kitchens in 2011. “I’m a retailer too, out there every day just as all our members are,”


said Luke. “I have a first-hand view of the realities of running an independent retail business and know what all the pressures, opportunities and frustrations feel like. In taking on the role of MD, I want to bring that perspective into the workings of the KBSA and make it central to everything we do.” This announcement is an exciting first chapter in a wider programme


of change for the KBSA, which will see it unveil both a new structure and direction in the coming months. Building on the excellent work done by former Chair Richard Hibbert, the association is moving forward with a clear long-term plan that has member support at its core. “If I could tell independent retailers one thing, it would be that they


don’t have to face the challenges of running their businesses alone,” commented Luke. “The KBSA should be there to support them, protect their interests, give them a voice and provide practical help when they need it. “My appointment as MD therefore isn’t just about a change of


personnel. It represents the beginning of a new phase for the KBSA, with the Board committed to a long-term strategy centred around our members. I’m really excited to share these plans with both the association and the wider industry over the coming months.”


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


38 BKU NOVEMBER 2026


Showers, supporting independent retail showrooms across East Anglia, London, and Kent. Nick has had a career in the bathroom industry since 2013. He has


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worked in independent showrooms and for both distributors and manufacturers, a background that gives him a strong understanding of what his customers want from a supplier across product, margin, service, availability, after-sales support, differentiation, and a reason to recommend a brand. He is returning to Kudos at an exciting time for the brand, as it


maximises its advantage of being part of the international Ronal Bathroom Group and has a busy schedule of new product introductions planned for 2027. “I chose to come back because I believe there is a really exciting future


ahead for Kudos. We have new products in development, a strong team around us, and a clear direction for the brand over the next five years. I’m looking forward to identifying the right partners in my region, increasing our presence in key showrooms, and growing our share of their business in a way that mutually benefits all parties,” said Nick. Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower


products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, the company’s portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions, sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK. Call, email or visit its website.


▶ 01539 564040 ▶ info@kudosshowers.co.uk ▶ www.kudosshowers.co.uk


ick Asbey has joined the Ronal Bathroom Group as Senior Business Development Manager for Kudos


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