Opinion Archives

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One Last Thing: Stephen Flower, Ashford Kitchens MD

We caught up with kbbreview’s Kitchen Retailer of the Year winner to hear about his career highs, the lessons he’s learned, and why he was almost a full-time footballer

Opinion

Opinion: No more ‘us and them’

When things go wrong, people are quick to point fingers at others. But Graham Parnell, owner of The Kitchen & Bathroom Installer, believes both retailers and installers can learn to work better together, instead of against each other.

Opinion

Shoaib Awan: ‘This is a problem on an industrial scale’

Shoaib Awan has championed the tool theft fight all the way to Parliament. But will the Prime Minister’s promise to increase police spending really fix the problem?

Opinion

Opinion: Young guns – go for it

If we want new blood in the KBB industry, we must go out and find it – and apprenticeships are the answer, says Simon Acres, managing director of Simon Acres Group.

Opinion

Tom Reynolds: ‘We’re stronger when we stand together’

Collective action will be the key to a resurgence of a thriving bathroom industry, says Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Association

Opinion

Damian Walters: ‘The installer skills crisis deepens…’

Damian Walters, CEO of BiKBBI, reflects on the latest installer survey findings and the growing challenge that continues to dog the KBB sector…

Opinion

Wilsonart: ‘Today’s tech can help mitigate the skills gap crisis’

Responding to new research into the skills crisis, Wilsonart’s George Emms argues that the industry needs to use existing technology to “get more out of the workforce we already have”.

Opinion

How’s business? – Quickstep or slowdance?

Words: Darren Taylor I was honoured to be a judge, yet again, for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2025. Together with…

Opinion

How’s Business? – Time to hunker down and adapt

Qudaus Living design director, Belinda Dangerfield, says that although times are tough, the key to success in the current climate lies in knowing exactly how and when to adapt.

Opinion

How’s business? – Busy bathrooms, but quiet kitchens

In thinking about the health of the KBB market in general, the owner of Modern Homes wonders why there appears to be more demand for certain rooms than others?

Opinion

How’s business? – The best will still shine…

Although not shying away from the fact that the market is down right now, KF Kitchens managing director, Nathan Damarell, believes it presents a golden opportunity for retailers – if they’re willing to put in the work.

Opinion

How’s business? – ‘Slow and steady wins the race’

While the industry might not be out of the woods yet, KBB research specialist JKMR says independent studios are likely faring a bit better than the mass-market retailers right now

Opinion

One Last Thing: Tom Reynolds

We caught up with the chief executive of the BMA to hear what he’d change about this industry if he could, who he admires most, and why he views the Windsor Declaration as his finest hour.

Opinion

After its major rebrand, what’s next for hib.?

To mark its 35th anniversary, hib. recently launched a major rebrand. Never one to rest on his laurels, CEO Rob Ginsberg teases that this is just the start of things to come…

Opinion

Kitchen design: Best of both worlds

In today’s ever-evolving world of kitchen design, the demand for blended-style spaces – where traditional elegance seamlessly integrates with modern innovation – is on the rise, says Natalie Fry, creative director of Grid Thirteen

Opinion

How to build a KBB franchise empire

With franchising on the rise in the KBB industry, Stephen Sidkin, commercial law partner at Fox Williams LLP, outlines what franchisees need from their franchisors

Opinion

Clients not budging on budget?

Although Brits are stereotypically coy when discussing money, this is especially true when talking project budgets. Chris Leighton shares his tips on how to get clients talking your language

Opinion

Opinion

One Last Thing: Stephen Flower, Ashford Kitchens MD

Opinion: No more ‘us and them’

Shoaib Awan: ‘This is a problem on an industrial scale’

Opinion: Young guns – go for it

Tom Reynolds: ‘We’re stronger when we stand together’

Damian Walters: ‘The installer skills crisis deepens…’

Wilsonart: ‘Today’s tech can help mitigate the skills gap crisis’

How’s business? – Quickstep or slowdance?

How’s Business? – Time to hunker down and adapt

How’s business? – Busy bathrooms, but quiet kitchens

How’s business? – The best will still shine…

How’s business? – ‘Slow and steady wins the race’

One Last Thing: Tom Reynolds

After its major rebrand, what’s next for hib.?

Kitchen design: Best of both worlds

How to build a KBB franchise empire

Clients not budging on budget?

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