The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) reports the skills gap for KBB fitters is worsening and deepening, according to its latest survey.

The 2025 survey was open to b0th BiKBBI registered installers and non-registered installers, and focused on the demographics of the current workforce and challenges installers feel are most important to them.

It revealed the ageing workforce cotinues to worsen, with almost two thirds of installers surveyed aged between 45-64 years.

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The number of installers in the 65+ years age group has also increased by 3.6% year on year.

The statistics also show only 3% of installers have entered the sector in the last five years, with almost 90% of respondents having been in the industry for a decade or more.

Operating costs, a decline in enquiries/customers and the cost of materials are top of the list in terms of concerns for installation businesses.

For the first time, relationships with retailers also featured as a challenge for installers.

Data relating to lead generation platforms was also analysed with results showing that more that 80% of installers are not actively seeking work through external marketing routes. 

Damian Walters, CEO of the BiKBBI, responded to the findings: “We talk regularly about the ageing workforce and the lack of new talent entering the sector, but it becomes a very real concern each year when the statistics show the same issues and challenges deepening and worsening. 

“We need to do more as an industry to attract new talent into our sector – this will not only close the skills gap in order to meet the needs of the consumer and the Government’s construction targets, but it will also reduce the risk that the current ageing workforce poses for manufacturers, distributors and retailers”. 

Walters continued: “This year the findings highlighted that installation businesses continue to battle with increased operating costs and the price of materials, compounded by a decline in customer enquiries.

“For the first time, respondents also cited their relationship with retailers as a challenge which isn’t all that surprising when you consider that many installation businesses will be reliant on work from retail showrooms, so when the likes of household names such as Homebase fall into administration, it does impact the sentiment and confidence from installers.”