The kbbreview Podcast

Host Andrew Davies sits down with Simeon Gabriel, UK managing director of Hettich, for a sharp look at how 2025 has played out and what the industry should prepare for in 2026.With Hettich’s worldwide perspective - and Simeon’s knack for cutting through the noise - this episode delivers practical, thought-provoking takeaways for businesses of every size. A clear, top-level view of where the sector stands as we move into a new year.You can find out more about Hettich here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first episode of our special of Insights 2026 series of episodes, Andy Davies sits down with industry leaders for their frank take on their evaluation of 2025 and what’s on the horizon for 2026.We start with Dave Hance from Bathroom Brands. After a turbulent year, he and co-founder Pat Riley are back at the helm, injecting fresh energy into one of the UK’s most influential bathroom suppliers. Dave offers a candid, honest look at the company’s reset, its ambitions, and where the business goes next.A sharp, top-level snapshot of the sector as we head into a new year.Find out more about Bathroom Brands at bathroombrands.com.This is sponsored content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the final full episode of 2025 and host Andy Davies is joined by our resident retailers Trevor Scott from RFK, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington and Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens to unpack last week's budget, ask whether 2025 was really as bad as it felt, and look ahead to what 2026 might have in store.There might also be a cheeky Christmas quiz at the end...But fear not, kbbreview podcast fans, this isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of something special. We’re launching a daily run of bonus episodes featuring leaders from some of the biggest brands in the industry, giving their verdict on 2025 and predictions for 2026. The first drops TOMORROW (Friday, December 5th), then every weekday through to Monday, December 15th.And then comes the big one: on Tuesday, December 16th we reveal the finalists for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026.Think of it as your kbbreview podcast advent calendar… kicking off right now.And don’t forget, tickets are on sale now for the legendary kbbreview Retail & Design Awards on March 2nd at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole - that's the Monday night of the KBB show. Join around 900 of the industry’s top retailers, designers, suppliers and influencers… and Andy.Everything you need to know is at kbbreview.com/awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]Meet Rising Star Max Hitchcox of Point 5 Kitchens in London.In this latest instalment of our special Rising Star mini-series, George Dean introduces you to another young name set to shape the future of the KBB industry. This week’s guest is Max Hitchcox, the articulate designer helping drive the growth of Point 5 Kitchens - the retailer many of you may remember from our “Adopted Retailer” journey as it opened its second showroom.Think of this as a backdoor sequel to that story, as Max reveals how his role is woven into the day-to-day running of the new space and what fuels his ambition as one of this year’s Rising Star finalists.Proudly supported by Blum, we’re shining a light on the next generation of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom talent — and Max is absolutely one to watch.We'll be revealing the overall winner at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 event on March 2nd at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole - that's the Mon day night of the KBB show. The make sure you don't miss out on the biggest night in the kbb calendar, book your tickets now at kbbreview.com/awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special awards edition of The kbbreview Podcast, host Matt Baker kicks off the countdown to the 2026 kbbreview Retail & Design Awards.Entries have officially closed and judging is under way, with the all-important finalists reveal coming right here on the podcast before Christmas.Before that, we’re shining a spotlight on our 2026 Awards Podcast Partner Sonas Bathrooms. Matt sits down with CEO Richard Sloan for a brisk “how’s business?” catch-up and a look at the real conversations happening with retailers as Sonas hits the road across the UK.With bonus awards episodes coming thick and fast between now and the big night on March 2nd, this is your perfect warm-up... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Rising Star finalist Holly Magee — the creative newcomer shaking things up at Elysee Kitchens and Interiors in Ascot.In this episode of The kbbreview Podcast, host George Dean continues our special mini-series celebrating the bright young talents shortlisted for the Rising Star category in the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026.Holly may have only been with Elysee for a year, but she’s already made a remarkable impact — juggling projects, driving creativity, and proving exactly why the future of the KBB industry is in safe, and very capable, hands.We’ve once again partnered with Blum to shine a spotlight on the next generation of retail and design leaders, and Holly’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The kbbreview Podcast, host Andy Davies is back (slightly croaky but fighting on!) alongside our full expert panel — Trevor Scott from RFK, Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens, Justine Bullock from The Tap End and Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington — for a brilliantly lively and brutally honest discussion.We’re diving into one of the industry’s biggest headaches: what really happens when products fail on site or deliveries turn up damaged.Is it actually possible to check goods properly under the time pressures suppliers give you? Do you get the support you need when things go wrong — or does it feel like no one believes you? And the big one… who should pick up the cost when disaster strikes?If you’ve ever lost hours of your life wrestling with faulty products, replacement claims or damaged deliveries, this episode is for you. Packed with real-world insight, practical frustrations, and a few laughs along the way, it’s a must-listen for anyone in the kitchen and bathroom industry.Hit play and join the conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The kbbreview Podcast, we’re rolling out the red carpet and tearing open the gold envelopes because it’s all about awards.Host Andy Davies is joined by his all-star panel of retailers - Trevor Scott from RFK in Rugby, Justine Bullock from The Tap End near Cardiff, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington in Macclesfield and Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens in Milton KeynesAnd they’re digging into the big questions:Why should you bother entering awards in the first place?How do you craft a winning entry that stands out?And once you’ve won (or even just been shortlisted), how do you turn that into a prime marketing advantage?Of course, it’s also a shameless plug for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 because entries close at 5pm on Thursday November 13th! and you can check out all the categories and enter now at kbbreview.com/awards.This episode is proudly supported by our 2026 Awards Podcast Partner Sonas Bathrooms and you can find them at sonasbathrooms.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a bathroom brand truly stand out? Andy Davies talks to Jorge Hernandez, Head of Design at Bathroom Brands, about how the power of differentiating by design drives the look and feel of Crosswater, Burlington, Britton, Clearwater, and the recently added Showerwall. They explore why great design at every price point isn’t just about style, it’s about helping retailers stand apart too.This episode is sponsored content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pack your wheelie case and dig out that itinerary — this week on The kbbreview Podcast, host Andy Davies is joined by regulars Trevor Scott from RFK, Justine Bullock from The Tap End near Cardiff, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington in Macclesfield and Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens in Milton Keynes to talk all things supplier trips.Are these factory visits and overseas events really worth the time away from the business? Do they actually change how you see a brand — or are they just thinly disguised jollies and perks of the job?The team share the moments that genuinely changed their perception of a supplier, and their tips for making these trips truly worthwhile.And, what you all really want to hear, we hear their best, and worst, experiences - strategically shaved reps in Germany, dancing bears in Russia, soggy feet in Venice and getting gout from over-indulgence in Spain, we cover a LOT of ground in this one!It’s all here in another lively, honest and slightly sleep-deprived episode of The kbbreview Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The kbbreview Podcast! Host Andy Davies is joined as always by Trevor, Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, Nick Warrington and Justine Bullock and they're digging into one of the most frustrating challenges facing independent KBB retailers right now - getting customers to actually commit.You’ve done the design work, nailed the presentation, and picked out the perfect products — but when it comes to signing on the dotted line the decision is delayed and delayed. So what’s really behind this growing hesitation? Are clients genuinely nervous about money, or just lost in a fog of indecision? And more importantly, what can you actually do to move them from “thinking about it” to “let’s do it”?In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind customer procrastination and explore whether this signals a deeper shift in buyer confidence — or simply a need for sharper sales skills. How do you balance being a trusted designer with being a confident closer? Where’s the line between patience and persuasion?It’s an honest, insightful, and occasionally heated discussion that every independent retailer will relate to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this latest special Rising Star episode, sponsored by Blum, kbbreview's George Dean meets Jessica Liu - a young designer whose career has been anything but accidental. From early days sketching in art class to mastering the intricacies of kitchen design, Jessica’s journey is one of focus, creativity, and determination.Now part of the close-knit team at Chisholm Design, she’s already making her mark with projects that push her problem-solving skills to the limit - including a 400-year-old cottage where no wall was straight. Jessica shares how she embraces each challenge, what she loves about bespoke design, and why being part of a small, family-run studio brings her so much joy.Tune in to hear how Jessica Liu is shaping her career one beautifully considered kitchen at a time — and proving why she’s a rising star in the industry.This episode is sponsored content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Andy Davies swaps his loft for the lush surroundings of The Belfry as the kbbreview Podcast goes on tour to the annual KBSA Conference.Fresh from the conference sessions, Andy grabs a chat with Trevor Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, and Nick Warrington to ask a crucial question at the the heart of these kind of events.Are independents better off going it alone, or is there real power in collaboration?From buying groups and franchises to the eternal debate over charging for designs, they dig into whether unity could strengthen independents’ collective voice - or dilute their individuality Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to brands with long and illustrious histories it doesn't get more long and illustrious than Aga Rangemaster and in this is a very special bonus episode of the show we're talking to MD Dominic Worsley.The Aga is as English as Stephen Fry drinking tea, eating fish and chips wearing a bowler hat under a brolly in a drizzle and there are very few kitchen retailers out there that haven't stocked Rangemaster at some point in their existence. And now after a few uncertain years, they're having a resurgence under Worsley. Formerly of Miele and then CDA he has been tasked by parent company Middleby to put these classic brands back on the map.So how's he going to do it, what are his plans and where do independent kitchen studios sit in them?This episode is sponsored content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really makes a KBB business unique?In this week’s episode Andy Davies is joined by Justine, Nick, Trevor and Liz to get to grips with differentiation – how you define it, why it matters, and whether those USPs you recite are genuinely unique.Is it all part of a carefully mapped-out strategy, or something that develops more naturally over time? How do you know if your USPs are really unique and how do you keep them fresh as the market evolves?We're getting to the heart of what sets one business apart from another in such a competitive industry.And don't forget about the ultimate USP – winning a kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. Entries for 2026 are now open! Go to kbbreview.com/awards for everything you need to know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Building an Award-Winning Entry’The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 are officially open for entries — but what does it really take to catch the judges’ eye? In this special episode, host Matt Baker is joined by Andy Davies to break down everything you need to know about entering.We cover:The full line-up of categories (designers, retailers, showrooms, newcomers, installers, suppliers and the brand-new Unsung Hero Award).Our Top 10 Tips for writing a standout entry.Why it’s totally free to enter — and how shortlists come with free tickets to the big night.Whether you’re a seasoned contender or a first-time entrant, this episode is packed with insider advice to give your submission the best possible chance of success.👉 Entries close Thursday, November 13, 2025 — no extensions! 👉 Head to kbbreview.com/awards for EVERYTHING you need to know about entering, categories, tickets, and more.A huge thank you to our Awards Podcast Partner for 2026 — Sonas Bathrooms. With nearly 50 years in the sector, Sonas offers a complete collection of bathroom solutions. Find out more at sonasbathrooms.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the third and final part of our look at how the industry has changed in the five years since Covid and we're doing it by looking at the relationships between retailers and the three vital groups of people without whom they wouldn't have a business. In the first two parts we talked about the consumer and the supplier and now, to round it all off we're looking at installers. How has that interaction changed? How much harder is it to find good ones? Can you afford good ones? and what role should and do retailers have in solving the skills crisis in installation. The full gang of Justine, Nick, Trevor and Liz are all here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The kbbreview Rising Star is back and we've teamed up with our good friends at Blum to shine a spotlight on the industry leaders of tomorrow.We're sitting down with apprentice cabinetmaker Lorenzo Dell’Aquila from Simon Taylor Furniture, whose skills are more than learned – they’re inherited. With a father who once crafted high-end office furniture (and was even asked to furnish the BBC), Lorenzo’s journey into cabinetry blends family tradition with his own passion for maths, art, and design.He shares how a bold phone call landed him a spot at the company, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how – just a few years in – he’s already helping shape a special limited-edition collection for the company’s 40th anniversary. We also talk mentorship, mastering craft at a young age, and what it means to build a career where precision meets creativity.You can find out more about Blum hereThis episode is sponsored content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How have kitchen and bathroom suppliers changed in the last five years?The kbbreview Podcast is back with Andy Davies and our panel of regular retailers – Justine Bullock, Liz Pantling-Jones, Trevor Scott and Nick Warrington. Last week we explored how the consumer has changed since Covid, and this time we’re flipping the focus: how have suppliers changed?From pricing and terms to service, support, marketing and partnerships, we dig into the shifts shaping today’s market – and yes, expect a little healthy friction along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

✨ The Rising Star 2026 mini-series kicks off! ✨In this special episode of The kbbreview Podcast, news and features writer George Dean takes the mic to introduce the very first finalist in our 2026 Rising Star Awards – Rachelle Hawes from Et Lorem in Beaconsfield. We’ve teamed up with Blum to shine a spotlight on the brightest young talent in independent KBB retail, and over the coming months you’ll meet all eight inspiring finalists. Want to know how Rachel found her way into the industry in one of the most unusual ways we’ve ever heard? Hit play and find out.If you want to nominate a Rising Star from your business or, indeed, nominate yourself, simply go to kbbreview.com/awards and head for the categories page.This episode is sponsored content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.