Dave Mayer

Sales and marketing director, Reginox

How would you view the current kbb retail market?

The market is currently steady - it's not slow, neither is it buoyant, but there are still plenty of opportunities out there for creative, ambitious companies.  The new build housing sector may be slowing but, for retailers, this could lead to an increase in the home improvements market.

Which companies do you think are setting the pace in this industry?

Right now it seems that everyone is consolidating and waiting to see what their competitors are planning before making the next move.  With the dreaded 'R' (recession) word rearing its head more regularly in newspaper reports, I think many people in our industry are feeling somewhat jittery and wondering how their business will be affected. I'm not sure there is much budget around for R&D at the moment.

Do you think this is a golden age for kbb design?

New manufacturing techniques are undoubtedly enabling more interesting designs to be realised and products to be produced in a greater variety of materials.

What are your predictions for the industry in the coming year?

I foresee a period of steady growth across the remainder of 2008, but no record breakers.  At Reginox we believe that our industry will stand up pretty well to the rigours of a potential slow down.  The overall UK economy is still in pretty good shape; unemployment remains low, interest rates are probably on a downward cycle and people still have money to spend.

Big-ticket items such as kitchens and bathrooms should still continue to sell as consumers decide either to stay put and refurb their homes or spruce up their houses with a view to moving.

Companies that work to consolidate their customer base, promote relevant products and understand the adapting needs of the marketplace will continue to be successful and manufacturers will need to ensure that their product portfolios cover all bases.  Quality will also become more important and that may well help the mid to up market players in our industry.  Overall, I believe it will be the companies with the best value/style product that will prosper.

Who is the most famous person to have blagged free product from you?

Nicole Kidman and Michelle Ryan would both be very welcome to blag anything they like from Reginox!