INDUSTRY VIEWS INDUSTRY
Refreshing talent in the industry
The news that the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is set to launch a dedicated Careers Support Desk has been brilliant to hear. The skills gap faced by the KBB industry is no secret and is certainly part of a long-term trend that has seen the number of people coming into the industry fail to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers. This has a huge
impact within the industry, as installers are a key part of joining manufacturers and retailers to the end- user. Recent research, undertaken by housing market research organisation Zonda, states that despite the next 18 months looking gloomy for the KBB market, the industry may then go on to experience what they described as a “golden decade of remodelling,” where consumers will finally be in a position to carry out the home renovation projects that they have been deferring. Hopefully this is the
case, and with BiKBBI’s ongoing strategy to help close the skills gap and drive change across the sector, the future for the KBB industry is looking bright.
Comment by Klaus Kaufmann Export Manager, Dallmer
VIEWS
Building acoustics and showering
Architects and installers are carefully considering how to design and create living spaces where people can relax without disturbing their neighbours. And this is especially important in wet rooms or low-level shower areas. When it comes to the acoustics of level-access showers, there are
two types of sound: Functional sound, such as flow noises from supply and wastewater pipes, and footfall sound, which is created by footsteps of moving objects over bare flooring, screed, or tiles. Regular materials like concrete and tiles aren’t effective enough to
Comment by Steph Harris Product Manager, Showerwall
dampen sound. However, innovative shower drainage solutions can absorb sound from draining water and movement. A sound-proofing pad and levelling feet can disconnect the channel drain from the surrounding materials and omit noise levels no louder than 15 dB. This means neighbours’ showers become so quiet, they’re like whispers on the wind.
Play to your strengths in a tightening market
It’s clear we are in choppy times with a variety of factors causing consumer spending to tighten and retailers to feel uncertain. Nationals are throwing large discounts around, supply chains are getting disrupted and the media has nothing but bad news. But in these times, kitchen independents have a lot of strengths that they can play to and a track
record of fighting spirit. A core strength of retailers is their ability to cater to individual customer needs from a wide range of products, colour options and price levels. This can be done from a curated roster of trusted suppliers, either by sourcing components or complete kitchens, both of which have their merits. The component route offers scope and flexibility to suit any size and provide the consumer
with a bespoke solution, whereas the complete kitchen route, ie buying everything from one supplier, offers simplicity of ordering, understanding the product portfolio, administration and logistics. We moved into this market segment five years ago, alongside our core business of components and it’s an increasingly popular option for retailers.
Comment by Anjum Ahmed, Commercial Director, TKC BKU SEPTEMBER 2023 5
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