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Listen to a full interview with Simeon NOW using the player below or go straight to this episode in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Alternatively, simply search ‘kbbreview’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Some years you feel like you’re surfing the perfect wave; others, it’s more like wading through treacle. For 2025, the KBB market definitely felt more like the latter.

At the start of the year, there was cautious optimism in the air. Many of us hoped consumer confidence would bounce back and the market would perk up. Reality had other ideas. Across the sector, decisions were delayed, projects postponed, and that when it all got a bit, well, treacly. 

But here’s the important lesson –  when the market slows, the companies that thrive aren’t the ones who wait. They’re the ones who roll up their sleeves and make things happen.

For Hettich, that’s exactly what we focused on. Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do but, in a tougher year, it became even more critical. Interzum this year was a perfect reminder of why it matters. The feedback we got from customers was that our stand showcased more innovation than anywhere else not just because our products are clever, but because we thought carefully about what customers really need, how they interact with their space, and how we can help them wow their end-users.

So, looking ahead to 2026, I’m actually cautiously optimistic. The housing market and renovation sector are showing encouraging signs. There’s talk of new towns, more homes, more people moving, and more people renovating. That naturally creates opportunities for our industry. But optimism alone won’t drive growth, you have to turn it into action. The companies that will succeed are those that anticipate change, and then genuinely translate it into practical solutions for customers.

Spaces are evolving: working from home, smaller urban apartments and multi-generational households mean kitchens and bathrooms aren’t just rooms anymore, they’re multi-functional spaces. For us, that means developing furniture and fittings that are clever, adaptable, and accessible. That’s the real goal as we approach a new year..

For small businesses, my advice is simple: look at the market, see what others are doing, and then dare to be different. Stand out with your products, your service, and your approach. Independent retailers in the UK are full of passionate, driven people who genuinely care about their customers, and that’s their superpower. If you combine that passion with insight and innovation, success isn’t just possible; it’s inevitable.

At Hettich, 2026 is shaping up to be about bringing innovation to life. We’ll be showing new solutions at KBB Birmingham that help customers see not just the product, but what it can do for them. It’s about turning clever ideas into practical, usable solutions and making people gasp a little in the process.

If there’s a takeaway from 2025, it’s this: the market will challenge you, but it also reveals opportunities if you’re paying attention. For those willing to innovate, excite, and stand out, 2026 promises to be a year where ambition meets opportunity – and perhaps even delivers a few jaw-dropping moments along the way.

So, here’s to the next 12 months: may the excitement factor be high, the ideas fresh, and the kitchens and bathrooms we touch leave people genuinely impressed. That’s what keeps the Hettich team excited for the ride ahead.

Listen to the full interview with Simeon Gabriel in this special episode of The kbbreview Podcast

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