The kbbreview Podcast

If one successful showroom is good, surely two must be better? More customers, more displays, more sales and a bigger business. Simple, right? Well, perhaps not. In this episode of The kbbreview Podcast, our regular panel of independent KBB retailers gets into the realities of opening that all-important second showroom. How do you know when the time is right to expand? How do you choose the right location? Should showroom number two be a carbon copy of the original, or is it an opportunity to try something completely different? And does it need to be a fully-fledged showroom at all, or could a smaller, sales-led satellite operation make more sense? Then there are the practicalities. How do you manage staff, logistics and communication across multiple locations without spreading yourself too thinly? And, most importantly, does a second showroom actually make you more profitable – or is there some truth in the old warning that you can “double your outlets and halve your profit”? Trevor Scott from RFK, Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington and Steph Warner from Pier One Bathrooms share their experiences, opinions and lessons learned. Plus, entries are now open for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2027 . We’re looking for the very best retailers, showrooms and designers in the country, alongside our next Rising Stars and Unsung Heroes. Entries close on Thursday, November 12 , with the winners revealed at the spectacular Magna in Sheffield on Thursday, April 22, 2027 . For all the info go to kbbreview.com/awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ups and downs and ins and outs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. This week we’re talking about something that every business owner needs to think about – but probably not enough of them actually do - succession planning. And that doesn’t just mean deciding what happens when you eventually retire or sell the business. What happens if you’re suddenly not there tomorrow? Could the business keep going without you? Who knows what you know, who makes the decisions and who keeps everything moving? And what happens if it’s not you that leaves, but a key member of the team? Trevor, Liz, NIck and Steph are all here and when it comes to succession planning they are at very different stages – from relatively new business owners to those actively trying to make their companies less dependent on them, right through to semi-retirement. So how do you build a business that can survive – and thrive – without you? And don't forget, entries are now OPEN for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2027. Go to kbbreview.com/awards for everything you need to know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government says it wants to crack down on 'cowboy' traders in the home improvement market– but what does that actually mean for legitimate kitchen and bathroom retailers and installers? In this episode of The kbbreview Podcast, host Andy Davies talks to Trusted Payments founder James Walker about the new government-backed initiative designed to protect consumers and good businesses. He's at the sharp end of how the payment system actually works, whether retailers can keep their existing stage-payment structures, what happens when a customer refuses to pay, the role of the Ombudsman, and why Walker believes the answer to rogue traders isn’t simply more regulation – it’s making it easier for reputable businesses to earn trust and get paid. If you take deposits, manage installations or simply want to know what this new scheme could mean for your business, this is one you need to hear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 19 of The kbbreview Podcast is here – and the Fab Four are back! Trevor Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, Nick Warrington and Steph Warner return after the summer break to answer the simplest question with the most complicated answer: how’s business? From footfall, leads and consumer confidence to changing client behaviour and the strategies that are actually working, we take the temperature of the independent KBB market right now. Plus, entries are officially open for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2027 , with categories covering the best retailers, showrooms and designs, as well as Rising Stars and Unsung Heroes. The deadline is Thursday, November 12 , with the big night taking place at Magna in Sheffield on April 22, 2027. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bathshack started life as an online-only bathroom retailer in 2009. Three years later it opened its first showroom – and discovered something surprising: physical stores actually boosted its online sales. Now, after building a network of 13 showrooms across Ireland and Northern Ireland, founder and CEO Peter Dunlop has brought Bathshack to England for the first time with a new store in Cheadle. So what can independent retailers learn from a business that has successfully combined bricks-and-mortar retail with e-commerce? Why does Dunlop believe showrooms and websites should reinforce rather than compete with each other? And, with the market as tough as it is, why is he choosing now to expand? We talk online versus offline, the importance of being genuinely different, supplier strategies, AI, customer service and why waiting for the perfect market conditions could mean waiting forever. It's a fascinating conversation about growth, differentiation and what today's bathroom customer really wants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ins and out and ups and down of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. And this is a surprise bonus episode before we officially start our new season in a couple of weeks time as we managed to catch up with Sophie Rose the CEO of Magnet to get an update on what's happening with them. And, as I'm sure you've been following, a lot has happened in the last few months. The business returned to quarterly profit in late 2025 for the first time since 2019. Then Nobia exited the UK, selling Magnet to private equity firm Alteri Partners - just a few months after Sophie Rose took the helm. But the turnaround story has remained challenging – this summer Magnet proposed a CVA to tackle historic property costs, including immediate plans to close 15 underperforming stores. So, after a year of new ownership, new leadership and some very significant financial restructuring, where does one of the UK kitchen market’s biggest names go from here? Here is kbbreview's very own George Dean in conversation with Sophie Rose… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really makes a business set to last? Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. This is the final episode in a very special bonus series of interviews marking our milestone 500th issue. We published our first issue in 1984 and since then we've brought retailers the latest news, big interviews, unwavering opinions, valuable advice, deep analysis and product insights This longevity is not by accident, we are as buffeted by the uncertain and unpredictable market as much as anyone, and our heritage is built as much on resilience as it is by quality. And this is what we want to explore in this series - we're talking to some of the industry's leading suppliers about THEIR resilience, history, continuity and investments in the future. In this final episode we're meeting Matt Fowler from one of the biggest European names in furniture components - Hettich This episode is commercial content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Resilience 2026: Julie McLean from Hansgrohe What really makes a business set to last? Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. This is another in our very special bonus series of interviews marking our milestone 500th issue. We published our first issue in 1984 and since then we've brought retailers the latest news, big interviews, unwavering opinions, valuable advice, deep analysis and product insights This longevity is not by accident, we are as buffeted by the uncertain and unpredictable market as much as anyone, and our heritage is built as much on resilience as it is by quality. And this is what we want to explore in this series - we're talking to some of the industry's leading suppliers about THEIR resilience, history, continuity and investments in the future. In this episode, we're meeting Julie McLean from one of the biggest names in bathrooms - Hansgrohe.... This episode is commercial content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really makes a business set to last? Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. This is the latest in a very special bonus series of interviews marking our milestone 500th issue. We published our first issue in 1984 and since then we've brought retailers the latest news, big interviews, unwavering opinions, valuable advice, deep analysis and product insights This longevity is not by accident, we are as buffeted by the uncertain and unpredictable market as much as anyone, and our heritage is built as much on resilience as it is by quality. And this is what we want to explore in this series - we're talking to some of the industry's leading suppliers about THEIR resilience, history, continuity and investments in the future. When it comes to heritage it doesn't much longer than Aga Rangemaster and in this episode we're talking to Group Managing Director Dominic Worsley... This episode is commercial content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Resilience 2026: Howard Grindrod from HIsense What really makes a business set to last? Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. This is another of our very special bonus series of interviews marking our milestone 500th issue. We published our first issue in 1984 and since then we've brought retailers the latest news, big interviews, unwavering opinions, valuable advice, deep analysis and product insights This longevity is not by accident, we are as buffeted by the uncertain and unpredictable market as much as anyone, and our heritage is built as much on resilience as it is by quality. And this is what we want to explore in this series - we're talking to some of the industry's leading suppliers about THEIR resilience, history, continuity and investments in the future. In this episode, we're meeting Howard Grindrod from one of the biggest appliance brands and manufacturers in the world - Hisense. This episode is commercial content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really makes a business set to last? Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. This is the latest episode in our special series marking our 500th issue all about resilience and longevity in business We published our first issue in 1984 and since then we've brought retailers the latest news, big interviews, unwavering opinions, valuable advice, deep analysis and product insights This longevity is not by accident, we are as buffeted by the uncertain and unpredictable market as much as anyone, and our heritage is built as much on resilience as it is by quality. And this is what we want to explore in this series - we're talking to some of the industry's leading suppliers about THEIR resilience, history, continuity and investments in the future. In this episode we're talking about one of the most interesting sectors in this industry - distribution - with Arthur Leaker from from Leaker Direct... This episode is commercial content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really makes a business set to last? Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, the show all about the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. This is the first in a very special bonus series of interviews marking our milestone 500th issue. We published our first issue in 1984 and since then we've brought retailers the latest news, big interviews, unwavering opinions, valuable advice, deep analysis and product insights This longevity is not by accident, we are as buffeted by the uncertain and unpredictable market as much as anyone, and our heritage is built as much on resilience as it is by quality. And this is what we want to explore in this series - we're talking to some of the industry's leading suppliers about THEIR resilience, history, continuity and investments in the future. We're starting with Sven Herden, the managing director of sales and marketing for German kitchen furniture giant Rotpunkt - a family owned company that's been around for more than 90 years… This episode is commercial content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your website is probably the hardest-working member of your team, but is it actually doing the job you need it to? This week, the retailer panel of Trevor Scott, Nick Warrington, Liz Pantling-Jones and Steph Warner tackles one of the biggest investments independent kitchen and bathroom retailers make: their website. From first impressions and case studies to pricing, lead generation and analytics, they discuss what a modern website should really be doing in 2026. As AI search starts to change the way consumers find local businesses, the panel explores how they're adapting their websites for ChatGPT and Google's AI results, whether SEO still matters, why they're all rebuilding or refreshing their sites, and the surprising lessons they've learned from asking AI to critique their own businesses. Plus, should you publish your prices? Are blogs still worth writing? What content actually generates enquiries? And how do you measure whether your website is bringing in genuine customers or simply costing you money? This is the last episode of the current season as we head into the summer break. We'll be back at the start of September but, to tide you over, look out for a special series of episodes in August marking the milestone 500th issue of kbbreview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking to Graham Johnston, the new owner and CEO of Kitchens International, following the management buyout that has returned one of Scotland's best-known luxury kitchen retailers to independent ownership. After a career leading customer experience and digital transformation at companies including Three, Optical Express and Asda, Graham explains why he believes the future of kitchen retail still revolves around great designers and inspiring showrooms, even as AI begins to reshape the customer journey. We discuss why he's investing in three new locations despite a challenging market, how he's blending ideas from outside the KBB industry with a design-led retail business, why he's assembled an advisory board to challenge his thinking, and what the next generation of independent retailers needs to do to stay relevant. It's a conversation about leadership, innovation, customer experience and why, sometimes, the best way to move a business forward is to take it back to its roots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re tackling one of the oldest frustrations in independent KBB retail - the battle between the physical showroom and online. For years, retailers have had to deal with customers finding products cheaper online after using the showroom for inspiration, advice and reassurance. But has that problem changed? Have selective distribution agreements helped level the playing field? And are bathrooms now facing the same pain kitchens had with appliances a decade ago? Trevor, Steph, Nick and Liz get into the realities of online price comparisons, direct-selling suppliers, DIY Kitchens, Victorian Plumbing, worktops, taps, tiles, flooring and the growing sense that the biggest online threat may no longer just be cheaper products, but the whole project being pulled away from the independent showroom by AI... As consumers increasingly ask ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude where to buy a kitchen or bathroom, how do independents make sure they’re still part of the answer? A sharp, practical and slightly alarming discussion about where online competition really sits in 2026, and where the next battleground might be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running an independent KBB business can be hugely rewarding, but it also comes with a level of pressure that customers rarely see. Behind every successful showroom is a business owner juggling cashflow, managing staff, making difficult decisions and carrying the responsibility of keeping the whole operation moving forward. In this episode we're talking openly about the worries and concerns that come with business ownership. From cash flow, clients and constant niggles to the challenge of planning for the future, we explore the issues that weigh most heavily on retailers' minds, and those new ideas that just won't stop buzzing around until you've written them down at 3am. We also ask who do business owners actually talk to when the pressure starts to build? Running a business can be surprisingly lonely. As the person everyone else looks to for answers, where do you go when you need advice, reassurance or simply someone who understands? Is it your business partner, your spouse, fellow retailers, a mentor or do you keep it all to yourself? Beyond the business itself, we discuss the personal side of ownership. How do you cope with the mental load of always being 'on'? Can you ever truly switch off? And how do you stop the pressures of running a business from spilling over into family life? The regular panel of Trevor Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, Steph Warner and Nick Warrington share their own experiences of dealing with stress, making tough decisions and finding ways to maintain perspective when the responsibility feels overwhelming. They also reveal the habits, routines and mindset that help them stay resilient, offering practical insights for anyone navigating the highs and lows of running their own business. Whether you've ever lain awake worrying about payroll, a difficult customer, the state of the market or simply wondering if everyone else feels the same way, this is an honest, relatable and reassuring conversation about the realities of business ownership and why sometimes the most important thing you can do is talk about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the traditional independent KBB retailer being squeezed out of the middle? As the likes of Wren, Howdens, DIY Kitchens and Victorian Plumbing continue to push further up the value chain, many independent retailers are finding themselves caught in a tightening gap between volume and luxury. So what happens when the middle ground starts to disappear? kbbreview editor Andy Davies is joined as always by Trevor Scott (RFK), Steph Warner (Pier1 Bathrooms), Nick Warrington (Stuart J Warrington) and Liz Pantling-Jones (Lima Kitchens) to tackle one of the biggest questions facing the industry right now. Is the mid-market actually shrinking, or are we simply redefining what it means? Have the big national players already won the battle for value-conscious customers? And is the real danger not being in the middle market but being indistinguishable within it? We're exploring why more independents are moving upmarket and whether that's a strategic choice or a necessity. We're also looking at the changing role of suppliers, with some premium brands that traditionally built their success through independent retailers now pursuing greater volume by moving further down the value chain and into mass-market retail. If the middle is being squeezed from both ends, where does that leave the independent retailer? And if you were opening a brand-new KBB showroom tomorrow, would you target the mid-market at all? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast , the show all about the ups and downs and ins and outs of being an independent kitchen and bathroom retailer. And today we're talking about the old chestnut of charging for design - it's a seemingly perennial subject but rather than focusing on whether you should or shouldn't, we're looking at how to do it if you decide you should. What are the pros and cons of the different models? Is a flat fee? Is it refundable? Are basic designs free but detailed ones carry a charge? Should that fee increase based on how senior the designer is? And...what is the conversation you have with the client to justify it? Our usual retailer crew of Trevor Scott, Nick Warrington, Elizabeth Pantling-Jones and Steph Warner are all here with host Andy Davies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to become Retailer of the Year at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards ? In this special bonus episode of The kbbreview Podcast, Andy Davies sits down with the 2026 Kitchen and Bathroom Retailers of the Year to uncover the strategies, decisions and mindset behind their award-winning businesses. Darren Walker of Laings and Ben Setterfield of Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven share the lessons they've learned, the numbers they watch, how they’re adapting to a changing market and where they see the biggest opportunities for independent retailers in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recruiting good people is only half the battle and what happens after they've signed on the dotted line is where the real work begins. In this unofficial part two to last week’s recruitment episode, Andy Davies and the panel tackle the challenge of training and upskilling new showroom staff. From structured inductions and supplier support to learning CAD, building confidence and surviving the dreaded “too much too soon” meltdown, the team shares honest advice, hard-earned lessons and practical tips for getting new recruits up to speed. Featuring Trevor Scott (RFK), Nick Warrington (Stuart J Warrington), Steph Warner (Pier One Bathrooms) and Liz Pantling-Jones (Lima Kitchens), this episode explores the way structured support is vital even in small businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.