As we approach the end of a challenging year for the KBB sector, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on some of the developments over the last 12 months. Here are the most-read news stories published on kbbreview.com since the start of this year:

Most read story: Mereway Kitchens ceases trading despite ‘substantial investment’
Published: January 26
The demise of the Mereway Kitchens brand in January of this year came as a shock to many, especially after it had already been rescued out of administration once just six months earlier. “It is always disappointing to see a long-established business fail,” Huw Powell, joint administrator said. “Our thoughts are with the employees, who only recently came through an insolvency process and will be devastated by today’s news.”

2: IDS files notice to appoint administrators
Published: September 10
In September, International Decorative Surfaces announced it had filed notice of intent to appoint administrators, officially going into administration shortly afterwards. However, in more positive news, industry giant Bathroom Brands was able to rescue Showerwall, a subsidiary of the company, after an acquisition deal, saving the brand’s employees and assets.

3: Miele warns of ‘grave measures’ as thousands of jobs at risk
Published: February 7
Miele, a well-established name in the home appliances market, announced at the start of the year that it may have to cut or relocate nearly 12% of its total workforce as it looks to reduce costs amid the current economic crisis. In the time since, the company has revealed plans however to open several new Experience Centres in London, so its position in the UK market is still looking strong.

4: ‘Sobbing’ KBB company director accused of taking part in riots
Published: August 7
Following the shocking riots that shook the country over the summer, it emerged that one of the KBB industry’s own was accused of being at the forefront of a violent riot in Middlesbrough. Earlier this month, the on-trial company director was found guilty of violent disorder, with his sentencing set to take place in January 2025.

5: Harvey Jones future uncertain as it searches for rescue deal
Published: February 22
The future of kitchen retail chain Harvey Jones was said to be up in the air after the troubled company confirmed in February that it was seeking new investors in an attempt to avoid administration. Just a few days later, the company was fortunately rescued in a last-minute pre-pack deal, which saved the jobs of around 140 employees.

6: Brausch and DHL Bathroom Supplies to be liquidated
Published: February 23
Bathroom distributor Brausch and its sister company, DHL Bathroom Supplies, begun proceedings to be placed into liquidation, after around 40 years of trading. The company, which was founded in 1985, was a distributor of Villeroy & Boch, Keuco and Toto products, which it distributed throughout Southern England, Wales, the Midlands and parts of the North West.

7: Wren owner loses 1000 staff with lowest profits since 2017
Published: October 17
Although it saw record figures last year, the parent company behind Wren Kitchens saw its profits plummet to their lowest levels since 2017, with the company also reducing its workforce by more than 1000 people. Earlier the same month, Wren also announced a strategic partnership with Home Depot, one of America’s leading home improvement specialists, to operate Wren concessions within their stores.

8: Robert Lee sold in pre-pack deal
Published: November 28
Last month, troubled bathroom distributor Robert Lee was sold in a pre-pack administration deal saving 151 jobs. The buyer was the Roxor Group, home to brands such as BC Designs, Bayswater and Hudson Reed. The sale came less than a year after Robert Lee was sold to investment company HLD Group.

9: Wilko enters kitchen market for first time
Published: April 25
With the launch of its first-ever own-brand kitchen collection, revived high street retailer Wilko entered the kitchen market sector. The retailer unveiled a range of six entry-level self-assembly kitchens, which are said to reflect the most popular current kitchen colourways and designs.

10: CTD Tiles files to appoint administrators
Published: August 10
UK retail chain CTD Tiles filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators in August. Fortunately, national retailer Topps Tiles stepped in to help, and acquired the company and 30 of its stores out of administration for £9 million. Later on, Stiled Limited and India-based Kajaria also agreed to rescue another 23 CTD Tiles stores.