INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN


BRITISH FURNITURE ASSOCIATION


will be joining forces again thisAutumn to co-host three separate daytime regional business development events at venues across theMidlands, the South and theNorth. Each regionalmeeting will focus on how to implement and generate


KBSA & KBBG Regional Events F


ollowing the success of their shared stand at KBB BirminghaminMarch this year, the KBBGand the KBSA


positive change in today’s challenging retail environment. The event programme will commence with welcome speeches and business updates presented by Richard Hibbert,managing director of the KBBG, and by LukeWedgbury, interimchair of the KBSA. At each event, business workshops developed specifically for


independent KBB retailers will bemoderated by Facilitator,Niall Daly, founder of Clearing Space Ltd. and Programme Director for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme at Saïd Business School, University ofOxford. Attendance is complimentary for independent retailermembers of the


KBBG(DER KREIS UK) or the KBSA. Independent KBB retailer non-members are also welcome to attend any of the regionalmeetings by registering and paying a fee of £99.00 inc. VAT per delegate, per event. The event dates and venues, with the booking links are listed here:


MIDLANDS Wednesday 14thOctober 2026 - The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, WestMidlands. Registration from9.30amclosing at 4.00pmwith networking until 5.00pm. https://KBBGxKBSABelfry.eventbrite.co.uk


SOUTH Wednesday 4thNovember 2026 -Wokefield Park, Reading, Berkshire. Registration from9.30amclosing at 4.00pmwith networking until 5.00pm. https://KBBGxKBSAWokefield.eventbrite.co.uk


NORTH Wednesday 25thNovember 2026 - Royal Armouries, Leeds, Yorkshire. Registration from9.30amclosing at 4.00pmwith networking until 5.00pm. https://KBBGxKBSARoyalAmouries.eventbrite.co.uk


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


30 BKU SEPTEMBER 2026


BFA – Secure your market lead at FCE 2027


and intense import competition. In a trading environment wheremarket share loss, supply disruption,


A


brand stagnation andmounting regulatory complexity are increasingly commonplace realities for the furniture industry, inaction is becoming a risk. New ideas, pioneering techniques, cutting-edge components and


creative processes can help shape the future – and British Furniture Association’s (BFA) Furniture Component Expo inMarch 2027, brings all this together under one roof. Raf Klimek ofWren Kitchens added: “The Furniture Component Expo


provides an opportunity for us to understandmore about the latest developments fromthe supply chain sector. “The format for the show is well thought out and offers plenty of


opportunities toWren Kitchens. It fills a real gap in themarket for this type of event.” BFAMD Phil Spademan said: “Furniture Component Expo (FCE) 2027


is the UK’s dedicated platformfor furniture production and components, bringing together seriousmanufacturers, procurement leaders and technical decision-makers who are actively looking for solutions. “The go-to event for businesses looking to innovate, the expo is also


a key opportunity for solutions-driven companies that are determined to be in the roomas decisions aremade on new projects, supply gaps and specifications. “Exhibiting at FCE offers visibility to key delegates, creating opportunities


to forge new partnerships and secure exciting exclusives as well as discover the latest innovations in vital products such as industrial adhesives and decorative foils.” The expo is a platformon which kitchen and bathroomspecialists can


test new ideas directly withmanufacturers, gathermarket insights on product performance, sustainability expectations and regulatory priorities. FCE also provides the chance to foster resilience bymeeting alternative


suppliers, logistics partners and technical service providers face-to-face. Ureka Global Ltd is a key exhibitor at FCE.MarketingManager James


Shepperdley said: “Exhibiting at the Furniture Component Show for the past two years has consistently delivered excellent results. “It’s an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with key


decision-makers.” For growth-oriented leaders in kitchen and bathroomsupply and


manufacture, FCE 2027 is a strategic tool that helps cementmarket position, discover new revenue and build the partnerships and insight needed for future resilience.


▶ 01295 724202 ▶ info@bfa.org.uk ▶ www.bfa.org.uk


cross the kitchen and bathroommarket, businesses are considering their response to rising costs, shifting demand


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