Working with professional installers, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of kitchen, bedroom & bathroom product, the BiKBBI will define, shape and introduce the UK’s first ever industry standards. Together with the accreditation of individual professional installers, it is the aim of the Institute to help members stand out from thousands of installers who fail to meet criteria or who damage the reputation of professional tradesmen and provide UK consumers with informed choice.
BiKBBi are here to help…
Publishing industry standards, guidelines and a professional code of conduct sets a benchmark for quality in the industry. It sets consumer expectations and provides clarity for those who deliver front
Support is also offered in the way of mediation services to members and their installers, helping to strengthen relationships and provide an independent opinion when necessary.
Member of Parliament for Basildon & Thurrock and Chair of The Science & Technology Committee, Stephen Metcalfe MP is a champion for SME businesses and understands the need for positive change within the KBB industry. Stephen joined the BiKBBI team in 2012 and hosted the BiKBBI 10th Anniversary event at The Houses of Parliament in 2016.
Founder of the BiKBBI concept in 2005, Damian has vast retail installation experience including management within some of the UK’s most respected KBB brands. Additionally, Damian has worked as an industry consultant, supporting the set-up of installation models for several high-profile businesses, both in the UK and overseas.
, adding to an impressive line up of industry supporters. Also in July, BiKBBI confirm their support of The Ideal Home Show in 2018 – The premier consumer event being held at London Olympia.
Later in October and as Armitage Shanks celebrates its 200th birthday, parent company Ideal Standard become the latest industry heavyweight to support BiKBBI’s objectives. Clear demonstration that the organisation is capturing the attention of the industry.
In March, BiKBBI became Corporate Members of The Furniture Makers Company – The industry charity that works on education and welfare. Also in March, the board of directors is strengthened as
In July, BiKBBI hosted its tenth anniversary reception at The Houses of Parliament – attended by Patron Stephen Metcalfe MP and a host of industry representatives. BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters warned the industry of a pending skills shortage following the government commissioned Farmer Report. Damian called for the industry to collaborate on finding a solution to the challenge.
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (iKBBI) became The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) as it receives permission from the Secretary of State to use its new British status.
The iKBBI also announced strategic collaborations with some huge brands, including the consumer watchdog Which? and their Trusted Trader division. Collaborations with CAPITA (the business responsible for the Gas Safe Register) and The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) were also announced in 2015. New sponsors Currys PC World and Trade-Up Kitchens committed to vital financial support.
The iKBBI also sponsored the inaugural Scottish Home Improvement Awards, reaching out to businesses and consumers north of the boarder.
The year starts positively as the owner of websites kitchen-compare, bedroom-compare, bathroom- compare and trade-compare.com confirm their long-term support of the BiKBBI via sponsorship. The iKBBI again exhibited work at the national trade show in Birmingham and pledged to strengthen relationships with The KBB National Training Group on apprentice schemes for kitchen installers.
European home improvement giants B&Q join the Installation Standards Partnership as hundreds of their installers become supported and accredited by the iKBBI. This was a significant milestone for the iKBBI. B&Q making the decision to fund the accreditation of their installers was a first for the initiative and demonstrated their support to their installers. The restructured Bathstore joined the iKBBI and accreditation of their installation population commenced.
The international brand of Laura Ashley and UK department store Debenhams joined the iSP initiative this year as they developed a new bathroom product for their customers. National waste solutions giant HIPPO became sponsors and the iKBBI worked with them and their members to provide robust and environmentally sound solutions to the KBB industry.
relationship with the BMA strengthened as the institute promotes the association’s diploma in bathroom studies. The iKBBI members receive access to specific asbestos awareness training via a new partnership with a UKATA approved provider.
Our sponsorship programme continues to grow as founding sponsors at Classic Marble renew their support of the institute and our objectives. Industry insurance specialist UK Special Risks sponsor the iKBBI and provide essential support and guidance to members on all things insurance related. The iKBBI attend the industry’s largest trade exhibition with a modest stand at KBB Birmingham – a
Mark Two Home (acting for Tesco Kitchens & Bathrooms) becomes the first national brand to join the Installation Standards Partnership initiative, although their installers had been accredited members of the iKBBI for some time already. The reputable brand of John Lewis becomes official Installation Standards Partners and our support of their growing KBB operation commence with the accreditation of their kitchen installers nationally. We undertake a holistic review of their operation and provide consultation on future development opportunities.
New sponsors joined the iKBBI including AnyJunk and Autonet Van Rental. The re-vamped Find-a- Member website was unveiled, helping consumers find and choose the right installer for their kitchen, bedroom or bathroom home project. Our work with The BMA (Bathroom Manufacturers Association) continued this year and we became associate members to help strengthen this key relationship.
