A host of revolutionary and problem-solving products were recognised at kbb Birmingham’s Innovation Awards 2024, with show organisers describing the awards as a particular highlight of this year’s show.
The Innovation Awards – which were sponsored by Blum – celebrate innovative design across three categories: the People’s Choice Award, the Judges’ Choice Award and the Sustainability Award.
The winner of the Judges’ Choice Award was Space-Plug Ltd. Described by the company as “the most radical change in kitchen cabinetry” of the past 50 years, Space Plug Evolution incorporates two small pegs into its cabinetry fixings solution to make smaller and lighter cabinets. Space Plug says its evidence suggests the product can be used to fit units up to five times faster than before.
Cliff Petit, managing director at Space-Plug Ltd, said he was “ecstatic” with the award. He added: “The opportunity to showcase was priceless and my business has changed dramatically in less than a week.”
Samsung took home the Sustainability Award for its Microfibre Filter. The product is an external washing machine filter designed to significantly reduce plastic microfibre emissions during laundry cycles. Samsung also designed the filter to be compatible with non-Samsung model washing machines.
Jonathan Hartley, channel manager at Samsung, said the company was thrilled with the award. He said: “Thank you to the judges and kbb Birmingham in association with Blum for the award. Well done team Samsung.”
Finally, the People’s Choice Award – which was voted for by show attendees – went to Hidealoo. The product is a steel mechanism that is said to work with any standard wall-hung ceramic toilet and allows them to be rotated up to 90 degrees, meaning the WC can be hidden within a cabinet or cavity space. The design is said to free up floor space in compact bathrooms, and also help to provide discreet toilet facilities.
Monty Ravenscroft, founder of Hidealoo, said: “Picking up this kbb Birmingham innovation award, especially when it has been voted on by those within the trades, is just fantastic and acts as yet further validation for Hidealoo and the unique solution we are offering.”
The kbb Innovation Awards are totally separate from the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards, which took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Monday March 4, 2024.