As we continue our ‘Good News’ series by shining a light on the positive developments driving our sector forward, we ask kbbreview readers to share their hopeful news stories…
Al Bruce, Olive and Barr
“Our figures are up by at least 50% on last year, and both our showrooms and workshop have never been busier. Enquiries are stronger than ever and, as we’ve become better at qualifying them, our conversion rate is the best it’s ever been. The work we’ve put into building the brand is really paying off.
“Clients have much more confidence in us and are choosing us over longer-established competitors more often than not. Winning awards has also given customers extra reassurance, and a slowdown elsewhere in the handmade kitchen sector has allowed us to bring on board some fantastic installers and painters.
“With that added quality in our team, we’re delivering kitchens to an exceptionally high standard, and our remedials have dropped considerably as a result. We’re also pushing into new opportunities, both abroad and in emerging markets here in the UK. Our B2B arm has been a real success in its first year, opening up some exciting avenues of repeat business.”
At Trilogy, we have experienced substantial growth in both our retail and contract operations over the last two years and are close to operating at double our previous turnover
Ciaran Leyne, Trilogy DesignsJustine Bullock, The Tap End
“Our enquires in recent weeks have blown the summer months out of the water. We have had an increase all round in terms of first contact enquiries, serious leads and conversion. We are also seeing an increase in given budgets and spend, more interest in wellness products such as the Sunshower and more multiroom projects as opposed to single bathroom renovations.
“From the end of the summer we were starting to push clients’ fitting over to the New Year, and now we even have some of our recommended fitters booked up until May! Zoe, one of our designers, has also had many of her projects go viral on socials this year, amassing millions of views!”
Roxi Barnett, The Bathroom Studio
“This year has shown great promise, with footfall as high as it’s ever been. We keep waiting for it to calm down, but have so far yet to experience a quiet week, let alone month. Our sales figures are up on last year’s total already by 15%. We’ve also seen an increase in the supply-only area with people renovating or building homes, who want a better bathroom then ‘what the builder would fit’ and want a design service and quality goods.
“A part time member of staff who joined our accounts department around 18 months ago, has changed to almost full time to help our showroom staff, and already shows promise as a future bathroom designer. We have also found our customers are stepping out from the ‘simple’ bathroom design and willing to have something a bit different. Our completed rooms have more of wow factor, helped by some of the beautiful products released in the last few years.
“Speaking with others in the industry, we hear its a mixed feeling, so we do feel lucky to be having a good year, and hope it continues. Our sales reps are certainly happy with us and we expect many biscuits and chocolates when the Christmas visits start!”
Frazer Goodwillie, Billingham Kitchens
“After a modest start to the year, we had a big lull in April/May which left June a write off for installations. Having already had plans for new displays, we used the down time to get on with updating displays, ready for the bounceback we were hoping for.
“We then saw a flurry of orders in June which saw us book up the full summer, followed by a steady flow to take us to November. We’ve even been using additional fitting teams to fulfill some of the orders.”
We manufacture for a few select showrooms in South Wales, and although nearly all of that business has reduced this year, our own retail showroom has actually seen our own sales treble
Antony Jones, Bespoke Kitchen StudiosDan Smith, Kitchensmiths
“We are skipping along with a lot to celebrate! Not only is our order book full until mid-February, but we are also celebrating some huge employee milestones. I am sure these two celebrations are related, as our customers put great trust in our years of experience.
“We’re celebrating 25 years of service from designer Alex Baldwin, Designer, who has been designing and project managing kitchens for Kitchensmiths since leaving university. We’ve also celebrated another 25 years of service from Clare Chapman, our showroom manager and designer.
“When you team this up with two fitters who have been with the company for almost 20 years, it just shows what a fantastic company Kitchensmiths is to work for. So today we have a lot to be grateful for!”
Luke Niblett, Luxe Kitchen Designs
“I started my business in February 2024 and had a challenging first year; this is because I started with no portfolio, no reviews, no installation team and one lead ! Despite this I outperformed my targets for the year. This year (year 2) sales are up by 300%, we are booked up till 2026 and will be looking to expand our design team next year. I’m incredibly thankful for my customers.”
News from your suppliers…
Milestone 50th year is a positive one for Sigma 3
Masterclass Kitchens and Sigma 3 have seen positive year-on-year growth across both its own retail showrooms and studio business – especially good news as the company celebrates its 50-year anniversary this year. “Our order books are noticeably stronger, and the trend lines are moving firmly in the right direction,” said group sales director Steve Tough.
“We’re seeing encouraging growth across multiple areas of the business, demonstrating that confidence is returning to the market and that our strategy is delivering results.”
Turnover back to consistent growth for BMA members
The latest turnover figures from Bathroom Association members shows the August 2025 has been the best August in the past two years in terms of like for like figures – +1% on 2024 and +2% on 2023. It is the first month this year to show consistent growth compared to previous years.
Origins Living seeing “best year yet”
Alongside celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, with the company also saying this year has been its best year on record. Sales are up 20% overall, with September’s sales specifically being up 50% over the same period last year. “We’ve hit the sweet spot,” said founder Sofia Charalambous. “Our products are resonating in the market, our team is brilliant, and our retail partners continue to back us when they’ve got endless choice.”
JTP expands warehouse and sees healthy growth
Brassware specialist JTP has seen 20% year-on-year growth, with the company also expanding its West London warehouse, increasing the company’s stock capacity. JTP is also set to expand into new markets in the near future.