As the end to another unpredictable year in KBB retail approaches, it’s easy to be worn down by the endless challenges and bleak headlines. But behind the gloom, there are countless stories of progress, innovation and success that rarely get told. So, to shine a light on the positive developments driving our sector forward, we asked kbbreview readers to share their good news…
Raith Rahmani, Prestige Kitchens of Stalybridge
“I’m writing this on behalf of Peter Hobson, who started Prestige all the way back in Sep 1983, on his own, with one display in the back of an electrical wholesaler. He soon grew to his own small showroom displaying kitchens and a bedroom.
“From there he moved to our current premises in 1999. Even at the age of 71 (don’t tell him I said that!), he has a thirst for providing customers with the best space for their homes – 99% of the time he comes up with an idea that they nor anyone else had thought of.
“He has, what I describe as, a gift for seeing the space differently! As a company entering our 43rd year we continue the family firm ethos originally started by Peter, with myself as Peters stepson, my wife taking the bathroom designs to the next level (along with the accounts) and my mum bringing in repeat customers and new business with her infectious friendly manner!I hadn’t really thought about shouting this fully from the rooftops, but why not, Peter works bloody hard and deserves the recognition!”
This month, Solent Kitchen Design will celebrate its 55th anniversary. Our 50th fell in 2020, right in the middle of Covid so we weren’t able to shout about it at the time. That makes this year’s milestone feel even more meaningful
Chrissy Praine, Solent Kitchen DesignAndy Slaven, ELS Bathroom & Kitchen Studio
“We’ve just finished off another good growth year for end of year accounts for June 2025. Sales figures are up, although not as much as year before. Footfall has been steady, speaking to sales reps that come in we fortunately seem to be busier than most. Two of our teams are just about finished for bookings this year, the other two will be just about to in December.
“We are kind of lucky that we are mostly booked out 2-3 months in advance. This is our Tenth year in business, and very thankful for all our clients that have put their faith in ELS to deliver their bathroom & kitchen projects over the years.”
John Parker, Choice Interiors, Birmingham
“We are really pleased to announce that we have just taken on our 4th apprentice, to aid our manufacturing team. We have had great success with our apprentices so far, all of whom have been welcomed and nurtured by the longer standing members of our team, allowing them to share and pass on their years of knowledge and for us to futureproof the business as a result.
“Whilst Rhys Curtis, our newest apprentice (who is already showing great potential), plans to remain workshop based, our previous apprentices have already branched off to become one of our very own fitters, one has decided to master spraying in our Paint Shop and the other is now working under our master cabinet maker. As we enter the final months of the year, we’re truly privileged that we are already booking jobs into the first quarter of 2026, so the increase in staff also helps us tackle the increased workload. Let’s make hay while the sun shines!”
Emma Merry, Emma Merry Studio
“We’re truly grateful for all the past six months have brought. With the launch of our bespoke bathroom vanity collection with Parker Howley, it’s been a season of creativity and recognition. We’re thankful for the trust our clients place in us, allowing us to craft layered, family-focused homes that marry practicality with quiet luxury.
“Most of all, we’re proud of our growing team and the exceptional craftsmanship of the makers and suppliers we partner with achievements that continue to remind us why we love what we do.”
Just recently, we held an event to celebrate our 10 years as a small family business
Frankie Powell, Lily Bain Bathrooms & TilesJohnny Bacigalupo, Napier Interiors
“We’ve taken on a new team member who is in his early 20’s and has already demonstrated a new vision and concept for our ongoing brand management and development. His youth and alternative fresh thinking have brought new inspiration and enthusiasm into our Napier family of design and installation professionals.
“We embrace this as I remember only too well hearing the line: ‘I’ve done this for 40 years so know best..’, from my first bathroom employer. Those words will never be said here!”
Kristina Libertini, Kitchen Flair
“Our year has been positive all round with some new members of our team in design, and also our projects team behind the scenes. In addition, an increase in sales along with much investment and development within our people and showrooms, with our manufactured products and the introduction of a German offering Leicht.
“It’s been a successful year and we are working hard for sales and continued development into 2026.”
News from your suppliers…
Symphony growth up significantly
Symphony has seen “significant growth” in its figures over the past two years specifically. Business account manager Anna-Marie Walton says she has also noticed a huge uplift in designers winning whole house projects, too. “Even during the usually quieter months of the summer, I have seen my best figures yet!” she said. “A really positive sign that the business is still there, you just need the right people, the right attitude and good service to win it!”
We’re thankful to our wonderful staff for helping to get us through the last couple of years of change and increased workload, and also to new and old customers alike who have continued to entrust their projects to us.”
We just opened a showroom which is right at the end of our street! We were established in 2018 and have been operating from a small studio office at our home up until now
Carole & Neil Vernon, Grappenhall Kitchen CompanyHarrison Bathrooms smashes sales record
September saw supplier Harrison Bathrooms smash its record for strongest sales in a single month, after it managed to achieve more than £5m in turnover during September. According to the company, the record-breaking month also follows nine consecutive months of growth.
GDHA’s freestanding return leads to pre-order record
Glen Dimplex Home Appliances’s head of marketing and innovation says the company has been successfully growing market share in both cooking and freestanding product categories, being particularly pleased with “the quiet but consistent momentum” of its Belling brand.
The company has also returned to the freestanding category this year, with the launch leading to the company’s most pre-orders ever taken on a new product launch.
Furnipart’s sustainable accreditation efforts pay off
European handle manufacturer Furnipart has had one of its complete product groups awarded Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze status. Rasmus Byriel, company CEO said the company has been working intensely for several years to improve its processes and materials, and has significantly expanded the range of certified products.