CEO of the BiKBBI Damian Walters has called upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to kickstart local economies by backing the home improvement industry, ahead of the budget on March 3, 2021.

Representing thousands of tradespeople and retailers, the BiKBBI has called upon the Chancellor to create a package of support for businesses that work in homes.

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation BiKBBI has outlined a three-point plan for the budget, that will help create jobs in the UK.

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It calls for a VAT discount on home improvement products and services to stimulate the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom market by encouraging people to spend invest in their home.

The BiKBBI would also like the Government to offer rates relief for independent kbb showrooms that have had to close their doors while larger, trade suppliers remained open.

Finally, it asks for the Government to invest in skills and vocational training, to ensure young people can take up the opportunities of working in a thriving home improvement industry.

Chief executive of the BiKBBI Damian Walters said: “The Chancellor has a change to kick start local economies in every part of the UK if he back Britain’s army of hard-working kitchen fitters and the independent showrooms next week

“The home improvement industry offers secure, skilled work for people from every walk of life while independent showrooms bring vitality to our high streets.

“Thanks to this, communities in every part of the UK stand to benefit from the Chancellor taking up our recommendations.

According to the BiKBBI by implementing its recommendations, the Government will help small businesses and tradespeople in the kbb industry recover from some of the challenges they have faced during the pandemic.

These include installers in Scotland forced to stop fitting kitchens and bathrooms, with only essential work allowed to continue.

In addition, independent retailers had to close their showroom doors, while merchants and DIY outlets were allowed to continue serving the trade.

Damian Walters added: “The Government came into office with the promise of ‘levelling up’ economies in every part of the UK and the pandemic has made it more important that ever that they make good on it.

“By backing kbb tradespople and independent businesses, next week, the Chancellor will show that he is genuinely committed to helping every community to thrive.”