During his 40-plus year career in the KBB industry, James Herriot has achieved some major milestones.

Together with his business partner Gordon Stanger-Leathes, he founded Callerton, now one of the UK’s leading kitchen brands, filled the role of Chairman for the KSA [now known as the KBSA] and also published two books, one – ‘Insights to Kitchen Design’- specifically about his love and understanding of kitchen design.

Not bad for someone that, by his own admission, ended up in the kitchen industry more by chance than by deliberate choice. And, like so many in the KBB sector, having got involved he never wanted to leave.

“I fell into the kitchen industry by default rather than design or some long-held aim or ambition,” Herriot explains. “But having got involved and gained an insight I have never wished to step-back. By nature, I am a marketer, designer and salesman – the kitchen industry is perfect for the likes of me.”

During his career he has transitioned from designer to business leader and manufacturer to author, treating every day and experience as a learning tool. 

“When we started Callerton in 1983, being young and naïve and with zero prior knowledge of kitchen design and manufacturing, it’s fair to say some people believed we were insane to embark on such a journey,” he explains. “We made multiple mistakes – far too many to list. But the secret to our longevity was to learn (fast) from each one of these and implement change so that we wouldn’t make the same mistakes in the future.

“Life is a journey of continuous learning, education and experiences – whether personal or work related. Involvement in and creating a business has played a major role in my ongoing development – and I should explain this remains a work in progress.”

Q: A career in any industry that spans 40 years is impressive. What is it that’s kept your passion for kitchens and design alive so long? 

A: I find the kitchen industry is a bit like a drug and one that’s difficult to step away from. Involvement in the design and creation of projects that revolutionise the way clients live their lives is highly addictive, satisfying and runs through my veins. Kitchen design is in my blood. 

I am most likely dyslexic, not something understood or recognised when I was at school many decades ago. What this fascinating spectrum provides me with is an ability to interpret a flat plan (in my head) via 3D and colour – I thrive on imagery and creativity. Creating an exciting and innovative design presses all the right buttons.

I see that the design-led kitchen specialist is a truly privileged role in that we get to engage with clients and if fulfilling this correctly, change the way they live their lives. ‘Turning Dreams to Reality’ has been Callerton’s long-time strapline and not many professions offer that opportunity. 

Q: Without doubt, the industry will have changed immensely over four decades but what are the biggest changes you’ve seen and how did they impact you? 

A: Forty years ago, the industry was much simpler and unsophisticated compared to today. There was the opportunity to redesign the layout and functionality of a kitchen – but far less potential in relation to altering the layout of a house. 

This is the total opposite of today where the vast majority of KBB projects involve changing the footprint, the opening-up of rooms, building extensions, etc.

The range of options at that time where extremely limited – and the ability in relation to signature pieces to make a kitchen stand out from the crowd was restricted, compared to today. The skill, knowledge and ability required to truly excel in today’s world of the design-led kitchen specialist is vast. 

Q: As a veteran of the industry, an expert in designing, manufacturing and selling kitchens and as someone who created a business with longevity, how are you reading the KBB market in general at the moment?

A: As someone whose working life has encompassed five recessions, I’m never quite sure basing your business strategy on market conditions is the correct format. 

My mantra has always been to recognise what is going on in the market – but to identify the options and opportunities open to your own business at the time. Hence, I believe it’s important to be positive and optimistic, as negativity tends to be corrosive. 

Even in tougher economic conditions, there is always a market for design-led specialist kitchen retailers, but they must find ways to take a greater share of the projects available. 

Great design, great products and great project management are obviously the essential ingredients, and continually advancing the skills and ability of your business to ensure you are better than your opposition will drive success. 

Q: You’ve always been an advocate for developing the KBB industry. What do you think the industry needs now, for it to be able to develop and thrive in the future?

A: I was chairman of the KSA at one time, as it then was [this later became the KBSA] – this was the best part of a quarter of a century ago. My hobby horse then and to this day relates to education and expansion of knowledge.

As someone who squandered their time in education and whose academic career came to a premature end, I am a great believer that our industry would benefit from a coordinated education programme. I know I personally would have greatly benefitted from formal training rather than learning from my mistakes.

Q: What’s the best bit of advice you could offer a kitchen designer today?

A: Be willing to listen and learn from the plethora of talented people engaged with our industry.

Q: You’re also a published author – what an achievement that is. Tell us about the idea behind the book – ‘Insights to Kitchen Design’ – and how it came about?

A: I simply wanted to pass on a little of what I’ve learnt over 40 years in the kitchen industry. I wanted to celebrate the skill and ability of the design-led kitchen specialist and, with that, encourage those still in the market to continue to fulfil such projects. 

Also, hopefully, to inspire those more recent recruits to our industry and advance their careers. And, perhaps, encourage others looking to join what I personally have found to be a truly amazing industry.

Q: As the book focuses on case studies, tell us which is your most memorable kitchen design and why?

A: An almost impossible question as there have been so many. But I’ve picked one from the very early days. It was for a challenging tiny, circular kitchen in a baronial castle in Berwickshire – required as the main kitchen was two floors down. 

This was also the first time Callerton had a kitchen featured in a national magazine. The response proved amazing and taught us a major lesson as to the importance and power
of marketing.