EXCLUSIVE
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which represents the kitchen and bathroom trade in the USA, has announced intentions to be the global facilitator for the worldwide kitchen and bathroom industry.
The cross-sector US trade body said NKBA Global Connect would be an ongoing international initiative to create an international community of kitchen and bathroom industry professionals.
The NKBA said the main purpose of this initiative would be to expand visibility of the NKBA and the association’s annual trade show event, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), around the world, but also to share NKBA and KBIS information, insights and US innovations in other markets.
In September, senior NKBA representatives came to the UK for almost a week, calling it an “exploratory mission” to find out how the British market works and what the NKBA could potentially offer UK showrooms as well as other segments of the trade.
But it seems they failed to engage with a number of key British industry figures, including leading kitchen designers Johnny Grey and Craig Matson, the managing director of Roundhouse Design.
Matson questioned whether the move was really about growing and making the industry more professional or more about making more money from KBIS, a big earner for the association.
But he did admit to kbbreview that the British kitchen industry was not as “inclusive and collaborative” as it could be and that did create an opportunity for the NKBA to “show us how it’s done”.
“British kitchen industry is not as inclusive and collaborative as it could be. NKBA could show us how it’s done”
Craig Matson, chairman, TKET
Matson, the chairman of The Kitchen Education Trust (TKET), said the NKBA could introduce to the UK to its “bite-sized” education approach, offering smaller, more specific, training courses that complement the degree offered by Bucks New University.
The NKBA has said its Global Connect mission would include “multiple events”, with informal meet-ups and more formal thought-leadership presentations throughout Europe next year and beyond.
It said international manufacturers and artisans would be invited to participate in a series of “speed-dating” presentations called Design Bites, giving them the opportunity to present to North American and in-country media and influencers.
During these events, the NKBA will make formal invitations to local designers and media to join the NKBA at KBIS and other NKBA industry events.
“The NKBA is the global connector for the kitchen and bath industry, forging relationships and sharing insights and innovative ideas to inform, inspire and empower the kitchen and bath community around the world,” said NKBA chief executive Bill Darcy.
“We are operating in a global marketplace. Our all-industry association is uniquely positioned to facilitate important connections internationally.”
The NKBA hopes the Global Connect initiative will encourage international designers, brands and showrooms to showcase at KBIS, where the NKBA will facilitate connections with potential international buyers and distributor partners as well as support services, educational opportunities and consulting firms in the areas of marketing, regulations, distribution and sales in North America.
“Supported by talks and programmes on and off the KBIS show floor – addressing the opportunities, challenges and realities of our global economy – the association is demonstrating a strategic commitment to grow international conversation and support for all industry partners as they seek to gain traction in North America,” the NKBA added.
Matson, the chairman of The Kitchen Education Trust (TKET), said the NKBA could introduce to the UK to its “bite-sized” education approach, offering smaller, more specific, training courses that complement the degree offered by Bucks New University.
“A great opportunity and platform for manufacturers to understand the US market”
Yvonne Orgill, CEO, Bathroom Manufacturers Association
Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), described the NKBA move as “a great opportunity and platform for manufacturers to understand the US market, its nuances and compliance mechanisms that could open up new opportunities”.
“It will be interesting to see how they connect with the relevant trade bodies to encourage the ‘buy-in’. I would also like to explore what grants and subsidies exist to encourage UK manufacturers, distributors and retailers to visit and/or exhibit at the show and network with NKBA personnel.”