By Damian Walters, CEO
I am excited to share with you some of the reasons behind our decision to transition from The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) to the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) ahead of next week's exciting transition.
Our decision wasn't made lightly, but with great consideration for the evolving needs of our industry, our stakeholders and most importantly the wider community.
Firstly, I do want to amplify my thanks for the support we’ve received since announcing our intentions earlier this year. It’s been incredible and is testament to our decision to make the change. We know that the change doesn’t just impact us, but importantly the thousands of tradespeople, hundreds of retail showrooms and our amazing partners, and these groups were at the very heart of our decision making consideration.
I must also praise my team. Whilst there’s never a dull moment here at the institute, this year has been nothing short of ‘crazy’! The team and I have been working tirelessly for months on this change (as well as business as usual activity) and I’m thrilled to see this collaborative effort shaping into what will be an exciting cross over, not just for us and our stakeholders, but for the wider industry and those it serves.
One of the primary drivers behind our rename is the need to raise greater consumer awareness. Over the years, we found that the acronym "KBB", while familiar to those within the sector, often proved confusing to everyone else. Our mission has always been to champion professionalism and raise standards, but if our name does not clearly communicate our purpose, and we subsequently risk missing the opportunity to connect with those we aim to serve.
By adopting the name BIFIS - the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists, we believe the wider community, including the customers our industry serves, will immediately recognise our broader remit. The name speaks directly to the diverse range of home improvement and construction services that our registered businesses provide / will provide, and signals a modern, inclusive approach to fitted interiors.
The days of treating kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms as entirely separate spaces are behind us. Today’s homes are holistic environments, where design, function and installation blend seamlessly. Our stakeholders work doesn’t stop at the threshold of the kitchen or bathroom; increasingly, it extends into utility rooms, home offices, living spaces, and even bespoke storage solutions throughout the home.
BIFIS reflects this interconnected reality. It recognises that interiors are no longer compartmentalised. As our registered trades skills and the complexity of projects have grown, so too must our institute’s identity. We needed a name that encapsulates our expertise across all fitted interiors, not just confined to the three rooms in our name.
As the industry evolves, so must we. The shift to BIFIS positions us to support new trends, technologies and ways of living. It enables us to embrace the full spectrum of interiors, from traditional installation to cutting-edge smart home integration. Our new name ensures that, whatever the future holds, our institute remains relevant, recognisable and respected.
While our name is changing, our core values remain steadfast.
We will continue to uphold and promote the highest standards of professionalism, training, compliance, standards and sustainability. Our commitment to supporting fitted interiors specialists and protecting consumers is stronger than ever. We are are all about installation and the fitted element of home improvement, so our existing stakeholders can be fully assured that we remain focused on their needs.
This transformation is only possible thanks to the trust and support of our stakeholders. We are proud of our heritage as BiKBBI, and even prouder to continue that legacy as BIFIS – leading the way for fitted interiors across Great Britain.
EDUCATION | STANDARDS | SUSTAINABILITY | COMPLIANCE |
