By Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO
As we near 2026, an important milestone in the history of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) comes into view. Our 20th anniversary is not just a celebration of two decades dedicated to elevating standards and promoting excellence in the KBB industry; it's also an opportunity to reflect, review, and redefine our commitment to the future.
As we approach this significant milestone, we are taking time to thoroughly review our proposition, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the KBB sector. Our industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, and our continued success relies on our ability to adapt and innovate, as we have over the last 19 years.
We excel in many areas, from our robust accreditation programs to our advocacy for installer standards. However, we recognise that staying ahead requires continuous development and a willingness to embrace change. We are busier than ever, but we must remain focused on what the industry, and its stakeholders, want – after all, an institute belongs to the industry and therefore it’s critical that its outputs are exactly what the industry wants (as well as needs).
To this end, we are undertaking a comprehensive research project with our key stakeholders. This research is pivotal to understanding the current needs, challenges, and opportunities within the industry. We are approaching this research with an open-minded attitude, prepared to listen and learn from the insights shared by our partners, members, and industry leaders. Whatever the research reveals, we are committed to using it as a foundation for growth and improvement.
Our open-minded approach to this research is essential. We are aware that the insights gained may challenge our current practices and perceptions, but I can assure you that this is a welcome challenge. We believe that by being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, we can better serve our members and the wider industry. We are prepared to make the necessary adjustments to our strategies and operations to meet the evolving needs of the KBB sector.
We are proud of what we have achieved over the past two decades. Our accreditation programs, training initiatives, work on apprenticeships and advocacy work have set high standards for the industry. We know what we excel at, and this gives us a strong foundation to build upon.
At the same time, we recognise that there are areas where we need to develop and, indeed, improve upon. The insights from our research will guide us in identifying these areas and in implementing targeted strategies to address them… be under no illusion, BiKBBI will take some incredible evolutionary steps forward over the coming months.
The next 12-18 months promises to be an exciting period for BiKBBI. We are eager to see the outputs of our research and to translate the findings into actionable plans. Our goal is to continue leading the way in the KBB industry, driving innovation, and promoting the highest standards of professionalism.
As we embark on this journey, we are deeply thankful to all those who support the organisation.
The unwavering support and engagement from our stakeholders has been instrumental in our success. Together, we have made significant strides in enhancing the standards and reputation of the KBB industry and we look forward to their continued collaboration as we navigate the future.
In conclusion, our 20th anniversary is not just a time for celebration, but also a moment for reflection and renewal. By taking an open-minded, research-driven approach, we are positioning ourselves to meet the needs of a fast-moving industry. We are excited about what the future holds and remain committed to driving positive change in the KBB sector.. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Finally, I personally welcome feedback – whether it’s from existing members, partners or sponsors or not. If you have a view about what your institute should be, or be doing, please do not hesitate to contact me directly – ceo@bikbbi.org.uk
EDUCATION | STANDARDS | SUSTAINABILITY | COMPLIANCE |
