The kbbreview Podcast

It’s the next special bonus episode of our Rising Star series, in association with our very good friends at Blum.Host George Dean meets Mariam Susan Joseph, a former architect who has risen rapidly through the ranks at Simply Bathrooms, earning two promotions in just her first year.Mariam shares how her architectural training, attention to detail and hunger to learn helped her transition into bathroom design after relocating to the UK, as well as her role in producing highly technical designs and contributing to the business’s recent rebrand. A brilliant insight into the mindset behind one of the KBB industry’s emerging talents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all want more sales – but in the world of independent KBB retailing, is “sales” still a dirty word?In this episode, Andy Davies asks whether retailers are too quick to badge themselves as designers rather than salespeople, and whether that mindset is helping or hindering business performance. Design may be the most creative and rewarding part of the job, but does it sometimes get in the way of closing deals, protecting margin, and making the business truly profitable?Joined by regular panelists Trevor Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, Nick Warrington and Justine Bullock, we're diving into whether sales techniques should carry the same weight as design skills, how creativity can be a genuine sales USP, and whether independents have unfairly distanced themselves from “sales” thanks to the tactics of the multiples.Do some retailers prioritise design theory over commercial reality?How do you measure the true success of a designer?Are time, value and margin are really being managed as well as they should be?Sales or design? The panel gets properly stuck into where the balance really lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of The kbbreview Podcast, host Matt Baker goes behind the scenes of  judging for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026, with an exclusive look at what really goes on in the business categories.Sponsored by our awards Podcast Partner 2026 Sonas Bathrooms, this episode is part of our run-up to the awards ceremony on Monday, March 2 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Between now and the big night, we’ll be bringing you more bonus episodes that dig into the awards and celebrate the very best talent our industry has to offer.This month, we’re lifting the curtain on the famously robust judging process as Matt is joined by two judges from the business categories:Helen Lord, Co-founder and director of RehomeMike Lloyd, Managing director of Wetrooms OnlineThey share their personal approach to judging, what really makes an entry stand out, and practical tips for anyone thinking of entering the awards in the future. If you’ve ever wondered how winners are decided, this one’s for you.Tickets are still available for the awards night! If you’re already heading to kbb Birmingham, why not go all in and join the industry’s biggest party?👉 Find out more and book tables or seats at kbbreview.com/awards👉 Learn more about our podcast sponsor at sonasbathrooms.comNow, on with the show. 🎙️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 17 of The kbbreview Podcast continues with a big question and an even bigger hypothetical.Host Andy Davies is joined by the retailer Fantastic Four for their first episode of 2026 - Trevor Scott from RFK, Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington and Justine Bullock from The Tap EndThey're diving straight into the fundamentals most small business owners know they should focus on, but rarely get time to - strategy, growth and investment.So here’s the challenge. If someone handed you £100,000 for your KBB retail business tomorrow, what would you actually do with it?People, marketing, technology, expansion… or finally fixing that leaky roof? We all say we want money to invest, but how much thought do we really give to how we’d spend it?Have you booked your tickets for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026? Find out more at kbbreview.com/awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rising Star Spotlight: Amy HartlandIt's the next special bonus episode of our Rising Star series of episodes in association with Blum.Host George Dean meets Amy Hartland, showroom manager at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors Amy’s unplanned route into the KBB industry led to a key leadership role, where she now oversees sales, marketing, admin and project coordination. We discuss her role in improving lead management systems, building a strong social media presence, and keeping a busy retail business running smoothly behind the scenes.An insightful listen for KBB retailers focused on smarter processes, people management and sustainable growth.🎧 Listen now — with the Rising Star winner revealed at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards on March 2 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a mass-market retail heavyweight takes the reins of one of the UK’s most premium bathroom brands?In this episode of The kbbreview Podcast, host Andy Davies sits down with Dean Weston, the new Managing Director of CP Hart, to talk leadership, luxury and life at the top end of the market.With a CV spanning Magnet, MFI, Habitat, Bathstore and more, Weston knows retail inside out. But as he explains, stepping into CP Hart under new ownership and in a challenging market is less about reinvention and more about precision. From efficiency and profitability to brand protection and showroom expansion, Weston shares how CP Hart plans to grow without diluting what makes it special.Candid, insightful and refreshingly honest, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in premium retail, strategic leadership and the realities of running a high-end brand in a tough trading environment.Have you booked your tickets yet for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026? Go to kbbreview.com/awards for everything you need to know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re kicking off 2026 - and our first episode of the year - with a heavyweight interview and a true industry icon. We're beginning the new season by going deep with Pat Riley, founder of Bathroom Brands.Home to names including Crosswater, Burlington, Britton and Showerwall, Bathroom Brands has been through a bit of a self-confessed rough patch and, after stepping back from the business in 2020, Pat - alongside Crosswater founder Dave Hance - has returned to the helm to get the business back on track.Pat speaks openly about what went wrong, why the founders felt they had to come back, and how they’re personally leading the turnaround. He shares clear, practical insight into rebuilding trust, refocusing on customer service, and striking the right balance between new technology and old-school, face-to-face relationships.Honest, energetic and forward-looking, this is a fascinating listen for anyone in the KBB sector.We also recommend catching up with our Dave Hance episode back in December,And don't forget to book your tickets for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026! Click here for the info you need.This episode is sponsored content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The moment has arrived...The full shortlist for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 is revealed exclusively on The kbbreview Podcast — the very first place to discover whether you’re a finalist in the most prestigious awards in independent kitchen and bathroom retail.Every designer, retailer, showroom, installer, rising star and unsung hero named in this episode is now in contention for one of the industry’s most sought-after trophies, to be awarded at a spectacular live event this March.And this is not just for finalists.On Monday 2nd March, almost 900 of the industry’s most powerful and influential figures will come together at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, on the opening night of kbb Birmingham, for the biggest night in KBB.Be in the room. Be part of the moment.Book your tickets now at kbbreview.com/awards and secure your place at the industry’s defining celebration.The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 podcast series is proudly supported by our Podcast Partner, Sonas Bathrooms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the last of our very special Insights 2026 series of daily episodes where we talk to leaders at some of the biggest brands in the kitchen and bathroom industry.We're getting their candid evaluations and conclusions for business in 2025 and seeing what their thoughts, predictions and plans are for 2026 - a proper snapshot of where the sector is as we head into a new year.And we're finishing up with one of the most well-known names in the kitchen industry - Aga Rangemaster. It is going through a resurgence under new MD Dominic Worsley thanks to a focus on the power of the brand and what it really means for customers - and that's a lesson even the smallest retailer can learn from.So what plans does Dominic have for 2026, what are his thoughts on an unpredictable and crowded appliance market, and just how important are independent kitchen studios?We actually did a full profile interview episode with Dominic a couple of months ago so if you want to find out more about his plans we really recommend going back to listen to that - you can find all the links here.It's all in this final Insights 2026 episode and if you've missed any of the others, I really do recommend going back and having a listen. You can find them at kbbreview.com/podcast or simply search 'kbbreview' wherever you get your podcasts.And, of course, you find out more about Aga Rangemaster at agarangemaster.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Andy Davies continues the daily Insight 2026 series of deep-dives with leaders from some of the biggest brands in the UK kitchen and bathroom market uncovering their honest assessments of 2025 and their expectations, predictions and plans for the year ahead.In this episode, Wes McKenna, group sales and marketing director at Uform, joins the conversation. After a challenging and unpredictable 2025, Wes shares why he believes steady recovery, meaningful innovation and standout service will define 2026 - and why those themes matter for every business, big or small.It's a focused, top-level snapshot of where the market is heading as we approach a new year so don't miss it!Find out more about Uform at uform.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Andy Davies explores the big design shifts of 2025 and the emerging trends for 2026 with Aimee Fletcher, product and development manager at Egger UK.From textures to tones to the tactile details influencing future furniture design, Aimee lifts the lid on how Egger helps steer the industry’s creative direction and what retailers and designers should be ready for next year.Find out more about Egger at egger.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Andrew Davies sits down with Danny Lay from Caple for an in-depth discussion on 2025 and what’s ahead in 2026, focusing on appliances, distribution, and the trends shaping the kitchen sector.With decades of experience at the forefront of both industries, Danny shares invaluable insights and practical perspectives that every business can learn from.Learn more about Caple at caple.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this double-header episode of our continuing Insight 2026 series, host Andrew Davies chats with MD Steve Breen and marketing director Ruth Davies from VitrA, for a frank look at 2025 and the company’s ambitious plans for 2026.From market realities to big-picture strategy, this candid conversation offers a unique snapshot of a leading global brand in the UK kitchen and bathroom sector - with a surprising personal twist about Christmas presents you won’t see coming.Discover more about VitrA at vitra.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.