You can hear a full interview with Wes on a special episode of The kbbreview Podcast. Listen 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.

From aftershocks of post-Covid trading to fluctuating consumer confidence and a difficult economic backdrop, 2025 has been defined by uncertainty.

Still, I genuinely believe we’ve reached the bottom of the market, and 2026 has the potential to be the year of steady, measured recovery. Retailers paint a mixed picture: some flat, others in decline, with several long-established names sadly disappearing.

Even the biggest players, like Howdens and Wren, have found it tough going. However, in today’s competitive, price-driven market, the businesses that continue to thrive share one thing in common: exceptional service.

Service is the ultimate differentiator. When every pound matters, those who deliver consistently and communicate clearly win. Price matters, but it’s not the whole story. In fact, I’d say that innovation and service together will define who takes market share in 2026.

At Uform, we’ve been fortunate to continue growing despite the headwinds. This year we’ll close out at around £78 million turnover – a long way from the £8 million business we were in 2008. We now employ 450 people, and our growth over the past few years has come from one simple formula: attract more customers and increase the value of what they buy from us.

We’ve stuck to our mantra of product quality, service, innovation, and people – and it works. A key trend has been the ongoing strength of higher-end product sales. Despite the economy, demand for paint-to-order ranges remains strong as consumers seek individuality and real value in the heart of the home. That’s where product quality and choice make all the difference.

Quality and choice

The flexibility of our supply chain has also been a major advantage. As both a manufacturer and distributor, we can scale up or down quickly, introduce new products efficiently, and maintain high service levels. Strong supplier relationships and recent investment, particularly in capacity, warehousing, and our paint line have given us the foundation to keep innovating.

We’ve added new categories like bedrooms, storage, and bins, and expanded our range far beyond doors into a full-service offering for independent retailers.

Looking ahead, I do believe the wider market will start to pick up in 2026. Budget and policy uncertainty has dampened confidence, but even modest stability will help. Inflation and interest rates remain the key indicators so if they start to ease, we’ll see housing transactions and consumer spending follow. But even if the recovery is slow, it’s coming.

For Uform, next year will be all about innovation and expansion. We’ll continue to invest in product development across painted, timber, and foil ranges, and further grow the new categories we’ve successfully launched.

We’re also exploring opportunities in new channels, particularly trade and contract, while staying true to our core market of independent kitchen retailers. They remain the heart of our business and the reason we’ve been able to grow at the pace we have.

If there’s one message I’d give to retailers heading into 2026, it’s this: believe in your brand and back your service. The businesses that focus on pulling customers in, rather than simply relying on passing footfall, are the ones that are thriving.

Know what your customers want, deliver it brilliantly, and don’t lose faith in the value of what you do. If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that in tough times the strong foundations of great people, great service, and great products will always see you through.

If you’re interested in applying for a trade account, visit uform.co.uk/apply-now

Listen to the full interview with Wes McKenna now using this player…

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