Our industry makes some fabulous products, designed to make our lives easier and more enjoyable and more often the innovations are also designed to help protect the environment by using less energy and water (and, in the case of many products, making us think we're using the same volume of water when really, we're using a lot less). I sometimes wonder where it will all end... when we'll have reached that pinnacle of luxury and opulence and there'll be no more improvements left to make.

As a consumer, I've always felt that the weak link has been in the fitting; that unless you're lucky (or clever) enough to employ a fitter who really knows the ropes, you're not going to get the best out of your purchase, however wonderful it might be.

That's one of the reasons I'm behind trade bodies such as those in our industry, which are championing the need for comprehensive training and education and a recognised accreditation for those that have proved they won't let their trade body down; that they won't bring it into disrepute for poor workmanship, overcharging or bad customer service.

I applaud the moves made by the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation to ensure its members not only boast solid expertise, but that consumers are going to find it easier to access their local members in future (see its latest announcement, below). Although things may have changed in the interim, I'd never heard of a specialist accredited body for fitting these centerpieces of our homes, prior to joining this industry. We still have a long way to go before we reach the same level as 'Gas Safety' (ex-Corgi) fitter specification - but we're on our way.

I also applaud the Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association for getting behind the move to develop higher education apprenticeships for the furniture industry following the success of the Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships that have recently been developed.

Today it has sent an email to its members, reminding us of our responsibility to help with the development of higher education apprenticeships via a survey by The Furniture Makers & the British Furniture Manufacturers Associations, on behalf of trade associations from across the UK furniture and interiors industries. It's our chance to shape our future, not only as an industry but as consumers too. The survey took me about two minutes to complete. Please have your say too at:

www.surveymonkey.co.uk

Yours,

Jan Hobbs