KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.

Sales training and new product demos at new KBSA regional meetings

Members of The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) enjoyed a cookery demonstration, new product displays and training sessions as part of a series of new regional meetings.

The two regional meetings, which were held in response to retail members' requests for more networking opportunities, took place at Symphony headquarters in Barnsley during May and Whirlpool's visitor centre at Croydon in June.

New KBSA corporate member Symphony provided a tour of its new 'Inspire' Marketing Suite, enabling the guests to view over 100 kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms including the company's latest product premium kitchen brand Gallery.

At the Whirlpool 'At Home' showroom guests were able to see the latest products from all three brands, Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid. These included the total laundry room concept products from Maytag and the brand new Chef Touch system that brings professional cooking techniques into the home.

A cookery demonstration provided an insight into the benefits of the new appliances and a chance to sample some delicious food.

Presentations at both meetings included an update from the KBSA with the results of the most recent member's survey and a round-up of external research and statistics to provide an overview of the market.

The KBB NTG sponsored a free training session, given by Andy Sharp from NAPIT. Andy gave a lively and interesting talk on securing the order and signing off the project. This was followed by a KBSA retailer's perspective given by KBSA members, David Dalglish from The Knaresborough Kitchen Company at the northern meeting and Phil Gibson from In-toto Cheam at the southern regional meeting.

Darren Summerfield from Hubert Burda Media, publisher of the leading consumer magazine EKBB and The Specialist, also spoke about the value of The Specialist magazine and the opportunities available to KBSA members to promote their showrooms and their products.

"We have had fantastic feedback from those who attended these meetings," says Graham Ball, KBSA CEO. "Our programme was varied and jam packed full of useful product and business information, and those present enjoyed their networking time.

"Our thanks go to both The Symphony Group and Whirlpool UK for their hosting of the events. The ability to see, feel and touch some of the most exciting new products available in a relaxed setting is a great opportunity for our retail members.

"The feedback has been invaluable and will help us plan future meetings which will include a training item on future agendas - as this was seen very much as meeting current needs of our retail members."

Picture shows: Adam Aldred-Lane, national account manager at Whirlpool with Steve Saunders, Franchise Manager.

T: 01623 818808
F: 01623 818805
W: www.kbsa.org.uk

8th July 2011