KBB installers are concerned over rising operating costs,  confused about apprenticeships, and decry Government support, reports the British Institute of Kitchen and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI).

A recent survey, conducted by the BiKBBI, found more needs to be done to support KBB installation businesses across the UK, citing rising costs of running a business amid a financial downturn, as key concerns.

Over 40% of respondents felt there was a downturn in incoming business and over 60% of those surveyed were very concerned or concerned about their business this year.

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Moreover, 80% of those surveyed said they felt the Government needs to give more support to small businesses.

In addition, 60% said they were considering moving to a different industry, with 40% citing financial gain as an underlying reason.

Despite a growth in apprenticeship opportunities in the UK, the survey also highlighted installation business owners are not accessing these to help address the UK skills gap.

It found business owners are concerned about red tape, the expense and the process.

BiKBBI pledges to continue to champion apprenticeships and support KBB businesses and calls on the government to do more to support business owners to train the next generation.

However, the research project also found there were opportunities for KBB installers, with growing consumer interest in sustainability and sustainable supply chains.

Nearly a third of respondents (30%) found there was an increase in consumer interest in sustainable products and services when making home improvement decisions.

When asked about sustainability and whether the industry does enough to reduce its environmental impact, one third of those surveyed think there is more to be done, whilst almost 50% think the industry is doing enough.

Installers continue to have influence with consumers on their purchasing decisions, with 31% of respondents reporting an increase in customers asking for advice when it comes to environmentally friendly solutions.

BiKBBI believes the industry needs to further engage the installer population on education around sustainable products and practises.

Chief executive of BiKBBI Damian Walters said: ‘The outputs from the survey clearly demonstrate the areas of focus for the institute in terms of supporting our members.

“It is encouraging to see the demand for more education on the topic of sustainability and we will now work with our stakeholders to provide tools to assist installation businesses to promote environmentally motivated products, services and practices to consumers.

“The scale of concern in the KBB installation sector on the subject of the economy is not surprising, I think it would be remiss of any business to not have some level of concern, considering the challenges we have faced and those that are yet to come.

“What is surprising is the volume of our existing workforce that would be prepared to leave the industry.

“Ordinarily, this would be concerning, but whilst we are in the midst of a deep-seated skills gap crisis, this would be catastrophic for the home improvement sector and demonstrates why it is crucial that businesses dependent on an installation function support the work of the BiKBBI in order to drive positive change and build a sustainable future workforce.”