KBSA Announces Major Changes to Drive Forward Growth

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has announced that it has restructured its administrative operations as a key part of its new plans to improve member benefits and services. This will be coupled with a new membership campaign for both retailers and corporates.

KBSA Chair, Tony Nicholas, said that Graham Ball, currently Consultant for the Association had been successful in pointing the way forward since his appointment, and his role will continue during this transitional period. Ruth Ward will be continuing in her sales and marketing role.

The administrative functions for the association will be relocated into the offices of NAPIT in Mansfield, and they will also be providing technical support services to KBSA members. NAPIT will also be joining the Association's Corporate Member scheme.

‘The new structure and location is absolutely the right move for the KBSA,’says Graham Ball.

‘Our members will benefit from an enhanced head office support structure that will be able to offer pro-active communications and administrative back-up at all times.

‘It will also enable us to direct more of our finance towards our marketing objectives, which in turn benefits our members. We are a value-based trade body and a trusted industry reference and knowledge base already - but we are committed to being more pro-active on behalf of our members. ‘

The Administrative function will be headed by Dawn Harlow, as Membership Manager, who will be supported by two Membership Assistants. The new administrative function is ISO 9001 approved.

Enhanced field support in the form of new agents is also taking place. George Bulmer an experienced industry sales professional who has 40 years experience in kitchens and appliances has been appointed to cover the North West. John Elliot another experienced professional will continue to cover London and the Home Counties and further appointments are expected shortly.

‘With a renewed focus and increased coverage we expect to see a substantial increase in new retail and corporate members - as well as more support for existing retail members,’ said Graham.

'Our retail membership package is now twice as valuable as it was 12 months ago, following the introduction of a raft of new benefits on 1st April this year, and there's still much more that we plan to do for our members in the future.’

New Corporate initiatives are also being worked on with Barbara Leech (Corporate Chair) and Bruce Thomas (Corporate vice-Chair), and will be announced in due course.

The KBSA has recently launched an updated corporate identity and website, along with an enhanced benefits package offering all members' significant savings on many products and services they need to run their businesses.

‘These changes have been agreed by the KBSA Board to take account of what members have asked for in a recent national survey, and should provide a solid basis on which the Association can grow in the future,’ adds Graham.

'We have seen some early successes, with BCGxl, the leading national distributor of kitchen, bathroom and heating products, deciding to re-join at KBB this year, and we have already signed up more retailers from our KBB leads as well.’

Tel: 01623 818808
Web: http://www.kbsa.org.uk