The Used Kitchen Exchange will once again be the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards Sustainability Partner in 2020. We talk to founder Helen Lord about why she continues to support the awards
Q: Why are the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards important to the Used Kitchen Exchange and the KBB industry?
A: As a leader within the industry, celebrating success is important. The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards are the perfect platform to share our innovation, best practice and the benchmarks we have set in the industry. I am exceptionally proud that our industry has embraced a more sustainable approach – a kinder, more altruistic way of working that considers environmental and social impact. However, we have only scratched the surface. Moving forward our industry’s thinking around sustainability needs even more focus – new ideas for designing for reuse, sustainable and ethical products, regeneration and ethical management of waste. The kbbreview is the best and most respected forum to drive this discussion.
Q: Why is it important to the Used Kitchen Exchange for events such as the awards to be sustainable?
A: Sustainability is the single biggest challenge facing our existence – it doesn’t get more important than that! Sustainability may be a ‘hot’ new topic in the media now, however it has always been at the heart of the Used Kitchen Exchange since it started. The industry needs to do more. The Used Kitchen Exchange has worked tirelessly to facilitate a change in thinking by bringing ethical, commercially viable and hassle-free ways for businesses to act more responsibly where waste and carbon footprint are concerned. Therefore, sponsoring the awards is a natural choice for us. We continually invest in our business to improve our environmental impact. Not only are we sustainable in our own operations, but partners choosing to work with us become measurably sustainable with the new Carbon Inventory we have invested in. In essence, sustainability is in-built throughout our process and we help our partners become more sustainable, too.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in March 2020?
A: March 2020 is going to be a month of celebration and new collaborations. kbb 2020 plans to be bigger and better than ever, and for many it is a great way to solidify partnerships and forge new ones. Personally, I am looking forward to meeting our business partners, discussing their plans for the future and, of course, spreading our sustainability message.
Q: And your final word on the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards?
A: These awards are the most prestigious and inclusive in the industry and it’s fitting for us to be a partnering with the ceremony. Without a doubt, we will all be treated to an amazing night! Last year in Manchester was exceptional. We are extremely proud to be the kbbreview’s Sustainability Partner and will be for many years to come.
- The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards will take place on Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel. Nominations across all categories are now open. To find out all about entering the awards, the categories, judging process and how to book your seats and tables at the event, go to www.kbbreview.com/awards