KBSA supports Right to Repair bill

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has welcomed the Government’s Right to Repair bill due to be introduced this summer.

The Government estimates that this new legislation will reduce the amount of electrical waste the UK produces by 1.5 million tonnes.

Said KBSA national chair Richard Hibbert: “This is a welcome announcement. Not only is it good news for consumers, but also for the environment, as products that last longer and are more efficient will contribute to reducing carbon emissions overall.”

KBSA corporate members also confirmed their support for the move.

Whirlpool Corporation director of UK public affairs Ian Moverley said: “Sustainability is core to our culture and we fully support changes that help customers so they can make the right choice for them. That’s why, for many years, we have been providing a 10 year guarantee for spare parts across our Hotpoint, Indesit and Whirlpool brands.”

Gordon Dawson, head of kitchen retail and contracts at Electrolux added: “As a leading company in the area of sustainability, Electrolux is fully committed to the EU Eco-Design Legislation and its’ objective of energy efficiency and circularity to simplify the repair of domestic home appliances.

“We want to assist consumers to make sustainable choices and simplify their lives. We therefore consider the EU’s new Eco-Design Legislation for washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerator/freezers, to be extremely important and we have implemented the necessary new actions, effective from March 1.”

The new legislation, which originates from the EU, will come into force this summer and will mean that manufacturers have to make appliances such as fridges and dishwashers last longer and supply spares for them for up to 10 years after they have gone to market.

This means that consumer will have the legal right to expect a repair on appliances during that 10-year period that spares are required to be made available.

Caroline Cooper

• The KBSA has also announced the appointment of Caroline Cooper (pictured), owner of Roman Bathrooms, to its board of director to act as its bathroom retail ambassador. She has 30 years’ experience in the bathroom industry and runs a retail business with five members of staff and five installation teams.

Cooper said of her new role: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to work with the KBSA board and help bathroom retailers understand that the KBSA can bring substantial benefits to their business. 

“I want to dispel the misconception that bathroom retailers don’t have a body to support and protect them, and show that the KBSA can represent their interests, just as it does for kitchen retailers.”

KBSA national chair Richard Hibbert said: “Caroline will be a great asset to the board.  Her experience will help us identify the challenges and issues that are specific to bathroom retailers, helping us refine our offer and bring the benefits of KBSA membership to a wider audience.”

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