KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021
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A positive message from the BiKBBI
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation ended 2017 on a high note and its chief executive Damian Walters is equally positive about the Institute's prospects in 2018.
Speaking at the end of the year, Damian said:
"We've seen some tremendous developments over the past 12 months - in particular membership growth across our installer, retailer and corporate categories. We've attracted hundreds of new members and have developed new and exciting strategic relationships with both retailers and other entities that operate in our industry.
"I'm also particularly pleased with our member retention, with the vast majority of our professional installers choosing to retain their Institute status.
"Our plans for 2018 remain ambitious, as they are every year. I believe it's incredibly important to capitalise on the fantastic traction that we've achieved over recent years. Whilst I don't think the next 12 months will be without challenge, I am confident that the organisation will continue to lead the way on the subject of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation."
Damian said that the focus of the coming year will be split over three areas:
1. Developing member and partner benefits
2. Opening a Centre of Excellence in the South East (Apprenticeships)
3. Supporting the industry to connect with installers
"The first three months will focus predominantly on our members' benefits package," he said. "We'll conduct focus groups and online surveys with our members, to better understand their view on our existing benefits, together with their ideas for strengthening them. We'll ensure we provide a comprehensive and relevant package for this part of our network.
"As we hit quarter two, our efforts will shift towards the opening of our Centre of Excellence at Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT). I believe this will be a demonstrable step forward for the industry and the beginning of new and exciting opportunities for employers and the next generation of KBB installers nationally.
"We'll work with prospective employers, students and schools in the South East to ensure we launch a robust and scalable Apprenticeship in Fitted Interiors - building upon some great work already achieved by the industry on the subject of Apprenticeships.
"Following months of development, we'll also be unveiling an innovative and collaborative approach to installer recruitment for our retail partners. It has become clear that the UK skills gap is biting, but with a holistic approach, I'm optimistic that we can attract professional installers to our sector, adding enormous benefit to our retail partners and those installers who connect as part of the initiative."
We understand that the Institute will be making an announcement later this month, about an exciting new Corporate Sponsor. Watch this space...
5th January 2018