New research from Trend-Monitor has highlighted the influence installers have on consumers and the bathroom buying process.
Talking about the influence tradesmen have on bathroom projects at the recent Bathroom Manufacturers Association industry conference, Jane Blakeborough, research director at Trend-Monitor, said: “Our [consumer] research shows that this year, very much so, the fitter influenced the research stage, the purchase stage, and the choice of retailer.
“Ultimately, the fitter has the most influence throughout the whole process. When asked ‘who had the most influence over the products you bought?’, consumers said it came down to their fitter. Obviously, there are other influences, but if consumers were to nominate one, it was the bathroom fitter.”
These findings come as the demand for installers and fitters is at its highest in years. Yet, despite demand, there is still a long way to go when it comes to attracting new installers to the profession. The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) launched its apprenticeship programme last October in partnership with leading Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) The Apprenticeship Management Group.
Damian Walters, BiKBBI chief executive, said: “The entire industry now needs to help us kick the programme on by opening up more apprenticeship vacancies. We know that installers are crying out for talent to help meet unprecedented levels of demand for high-quality KBB installation.
“Our apprenticeship programme provides all of the answers to this call with a fit-for-purpose apprenticeship in the Level 2 Fitted Interiors programme, a package of support to help with recruitment, and a growing pool of enthusiastic candidates. The job now is to spread the word about all that is on offer.”