The Kitchen & Bathroom Conference 2022,  hosted by Kbsa will be held on Wednesday 28 September 2022 at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, West Midlands, and for the first time in its history, it will be open to all independent kbb specialists.

The Kbsa says following the toughest period in business for kitchen and bathroom retailers, the time is now right for a dedicated and focused conference designed to support, protect and promote this entrepreneurial retail sector.

Speaking about the decision to open the conference to all independent KBB retailers, national chair of the Kbsa Richard Hibbert said: “Business has changed substantially for KBB retailers post Brexit, pandemic and now the cost of living crisis. The Kbsa remains a steadfast support, adapting and responding to serve the needs, and promote the wellbeing of its members.

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“A cultural shift began in lockdown when we began to communicate with a global audience, outside of the membership, to offer guidance to all independent retailers as they navigated the unprecedented situation.

“We have continued with this work, extending our reach, whilst not diluting standards.  The invitation to attend the Kitchen & Bathroom conference hosted by the Kbsa, is part of this new ethos, which we believe will benefit many more retailers and the industry as a whole.”

Themed upon “Engaging Minds – Empowering Success”, the Kitchen & Bathroom Conference will be focus on boosting the accomplishments of independent kitchen and bathroom retailers, so they can attain even greater success, despite the economic or political backdrop.

Sponsored by brands including Blum, BSH and Quooker, the all-day conference will focus upon best practice in business, including use of social media, as well as provide an invaluable opportunity to return to face-to-face networking.

In addition, it will boast a “powerful” keynote speaker, as yet to be announced, but who will follow in the footsteps of previous motivational business experts at the Kbsa National Conference.

These include Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward, co-founder of Red or Dead and designer Wayne Hemingway, former football player and manager Kevin Keegan OBE and businessman and politician Lord Digby Jones.

Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has been a keynote speaker at the Kbsa conference

The Kitchen & Bathrooms Conference, hosted by the Kbsa, will culminate in The Big Debate on The Future of Retailing in the KBB sector, a panel discussion with leading kitchen and bathroom retailers and moderated by Kbsa chair Richard Hibbert and MD of Quooker Stephen Johnson.

Owner and director at Qudaus Living Belinda Dangerfield explains why attending the conference is essential to her business:  “It is often hard for a retailer to find the time to get away from the showroom to attend events but in my experience, the Kbsa Kitchen and & Bathroom conference is well worth the investment.

“There is always something new to learn that can benefit your business and speakers to inspire and motivate.

“The conference is also a great networking opportunity, it is good to realise that you are not working alone, and be able to share ideas.

“I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to network with other independent retailers at a live event, after so many digital events over the last few years.”

Company director of Mike Hughes Kitchens and Bedrooms Ann Hughes also highlights the combination of business information and networking is the reason she attends the conference.

She comments:”We attend because it’s great networking with industry specialists.There is also an element of training in the form of presentations throughout the day, which is useful.”

The conference will be followed in the evening by the Kbsa Designer Awards, which recognise and honour the skills of kitchen and bathroom designers working in the independent sector.

Company director at Butler Interiors Mark Butler commented on attending his first Kitchen & Bathroom Conference: “I am excited to attend the 2022 Kbsa Kitchen & Bathroom Conference, as I want to hear what the guest speakers have to say. Whatever the topic, I would expect them to be beneficial to my business.

“I am also looking forward to the networking opportunity and of course the evening awards, as we have been nominated for two awards.”

All independent KBB retailers can now book their ticket to the Kitchen & Bathroom Conference.