Kbbreview has been the leading B2B title for the independent kitchen and bathroom retail market for nearly 40 years and The kbbreview Podcast is a stand-out weekly show for this sector.
We cover national industry issues, shopfloor concerns, personal stories and expert views. This is an industry spread right across the UK and our podcast community hears directly from KBB retailers discussing their biggest issues. Whether the highly-engaged audience agrees, disagrees or empathises - hearing the real voices of peers is so important for knowing they’re not alone and are part of a wider industry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kbbreview has been the leading B2B title for the independent kitchen and bathroom retail market for nearly 40 years and The kbbreview Podcast is a stand-out weekly show for this sector.
We cover national industry issues, shopfloor concerns, personal stories and expert views. This is an industry spread right across the UK and our podcast community hears directly from KBB retailers discussing their biggest issues. Whether the highly-engaged audience agrees, disagrees or empathises - hearing the real voices of peers is so important for knowing they’re not alone and are part of a wider industry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What makes a bathroom brand truly stand out? Andy Davies talks to Jorge Hernandez, Head of Design at Bathroom Brands, about how the power of differentiating by design drives the look and feel of Crosswater, Burlington, Britton, Clearwater, and the recently added Showerwall. They explore why great design at every price point isn’t just about style, it’s about helping retailers stand apart too.
This episode is sponsored content
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Pack your wheelie case and dig out that itinerary — this week on The kbbreview Podcast, host Andy Davies is joined by regulars Trevor Scott from RFK, Justine Bullock from The Tap End near Cardiff, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington in Macclesfield and Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens in Milton Keynes to talk all things supplier trips.
Are these factory visits and overseas events really worth the time away from the business? Do they actually change how you see a brand — or are they just thinly disguised jollies and perks of the job?
The team share the moments that genuinely changed their perception of a supplier, and their tips for making these trips truly worthwhile.
And, what you all really want to hear, we hear their best, and worst, experiences - strategically shaved reps in Germany, dancing bears in Russia, soggy feet in Venice and getting gout from over-indulgence in Spain, we cover a LOT of ground in this one!
It’s all here in another lively, honest and slightly sleep-deprived episode of The kbbreview Podcast.
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Welcome back to The kbbreview Podcast! Host Andy Davies is joined as always by Trevor, Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, Nick Warrington and Justine Bullock and they're digging into one of the most frustrating challenges facing independent KBB retailers right now - getting customers to actually commit.
You’ve done the design work, nailed the presentation, and picked out the perfect products — but when it comes to signing on the dotted line the decision is delayed and delayed. So what’s really behind this growing hesitation? Are clients genuinely nervous about money, or just lost in a fog of indecision? And more importantly, what can you actually do to move them from “thinking about it” to “let’s do it”?
In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind customer procrastination and explore whether this signals a deeper shift in buyer confidence — or simply a need for sharper sales skills. How do you balance being a trusted designer with being a confident closer? Where’s the line between patience and persuasion?
It’s an honest, insightful, and occasionally heated discussion that every independent retailer will relate to.
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What happens when a key supplier suddenly can't supply? Whether that's administration, serious supply chain issues, discontinuation of ranges or just human error it's a serious headache for the retailer.
In this week’s episode of The kbbreview Podcast, Andy Davies is joined by Trevor Scott, Justine Bullock, Nick Warrington and Liz Pantling-Jones to explore what to do when the unthinkable happens - from keeping projects on track and managing customer expectations to finding reliable replacements fast. They also share hard-won lessons on resilience, communication, and why you should never put all your eggs in one supplier basket.
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In this latest special Rising Star episode, sponsored by Blum, kbbreview's George Dean meets Jessica Liu - a young designer whose career has been anything but accidental. From early days sketching in art class to mastering the intricacies of kitchen design, Jessica’s journey is one of focus, creativity, and determination.
Now part of the close-knit team at Chisholm Design, she’s already making her mark with projects that push her problem-solving skills to the limit - including a 400-year-old cottage where no wall was straight. Jessica shares how she embraces each challenge, what she loves about bespoke design, and why being part of a small, family-run studio brings her so much joy.
Tune in to hear how Jessica Liu is shaping her career one beautifully considered kitchen at a time — and proving why she’s a rising star in the industry.
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Host Andy Davies swaps his loft for the lush surroundings of The Belfry as the kbbreview Podcast goes on tour to the annual KBSA Conference.
Fresh from the conference sessions, Andy grabs a chat with Trevor Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, and Nick Warrington to ask a crucial question at the the heart of these kind of events.
Are independents better off going it alone, or is there real power in collaboration?
From buying groups and franchises to the eternal debate over charging for designs, they dig into whether unity could strengthen independents’ collective voice - or dilute their individuality
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When it comes to brands with long and illustrious histories it doesn't get more long and illustrious than Aga Rangemaster and in this is a very special bonus episode of the show we're talking to MD Dominic Worsley.
The Aga is as English as Stephen Fry drinking tea, eating fish and chips wearing a bowler hat under a brolly in a drizzle and there are very few kitchen retailers out there that haven't stocked Rangemaster at some point in their existence.
And now after a few uncertain years, they're having a resurgence under Worsley. Formerly of Miele and then CDA he has been tasked by parent company Middleby to put these classic brands back on the map.
So how's he going to do it, what are his plans and where do independent kitchen studios sit in them?
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What really makes a KBB business unique?
In this week’s episode Andy Davies is joined by Justine, Nick, Trevor and Liz to get to grips with differentiation – how you define it, why it matters, and whether those USPs you recite are genuinely unique.
Is it all part of a carefully mapped-out strategy, or something that develops more naturally over time? How do you know if your USPs are really unique and how do you keep them fresh as the market evolves?
We're getting to the heart of what sets one business apart from another in such a competitive industry.
And don't forget about the ultimate USP – winning a kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. Entries for 2026 are now open! Go to kbbreview.com/awards for everything you need to know.
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‘Building an Award-Winning Entry’
The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 are officially open for entries — but what does it really take to catch the judges’ eye? In this special episode, host Matt Baker is joined by Andy Davies to break down everything you need to know about entering.
We cover:
The full line-up of categories (designers, retailers, showrooms, newcomers, installers, suppliers and the brand-new Unsung Hero Award).
Our Top 10 Tips for writing a standout entry.
Why it’s totally free to enter — and how shortlists come with free tickets to the big night.
Whether you’re a seasoned contender or a first-time entrant, this episode is packed with insider advice to give your submission the best possible chance of success.
👉 Entries close Thursday, November 13, 2025 — no extensions!
👉 Head to kbbreview.com/awards for EVERYTHING you need to know about entering, categories, tickets, and more.
A huge thank you to our Awards Podcast Partner for 2026 — Sonas Bathrooms. With nearly 50 years in the sector, Sonas offers a complete collection of bathroom solutions. Find out more at sonasbathrooms.com.
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It's the third and final part of our look at how the industry has changed in the five years since Covid and we're doing it by looking at the relationships between retailers and the three vital groups of people without whom they wouldn't have a business.
In the first two parts we talked about the consumer and the supplier and now, to round it all off we're looking at installers. How has that interaction changed? How much harder is it to find good ones? Can you afford good ones? and what role should and do retailers have in solving the skills crisis in installation. The full gang of Justine, Nick, Trevor and Liz are all here
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The kbbreview Rising Star is back and we've teamed up with our good friends at Blum to shine a spotlight on the industry leaders of tomorrow.
We're sitting down with apprentice cabinetmaker Lorenzo Dell’Aquila from Simon Taylor Furniture, whose skills are more than learned – they’re inherited. With a father who once crafted high-end office furniture (and was even asked to furnish the BBC), Lorenzo’s journey into cabinetry blends family tradition with his own passion for maths, art, and design.
He shares how a bold phone call landed him a spot at the company, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how – just a few years in – he’s already helping shape a special limited-edition collection for the company’s 40th anniversary. We also talk mentorship, mastering craft at a young age, and what it means to build a career where precision meets creativity.
You can find out more about Blum here
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How have kitchen and bathroom suppliers changed in the last five years?
The kbbreview Podcast is back with Andy Davies and our panel of regular retailers – Justine Bullock, Liz Pantling-Jones, Trevor Scott and Nick Warrington.
Last week we explored how the consumer has changed since Covid, and this time we’re flipping the focus: how have suppliers changed?
From pricing and terms to service, support, marketing and partnerships, we dig into the shifts shaping today’s market – and yes, expect a little healthy friction along the way.
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✨ The Rising Star 2026 mini-series kicks off! ✨
In this special episode of The kbbreview Podcast, news and features writer George Dean takes the mic to introduce the very first finalist in our 2026 Rising Star Awards – Rachelle Hawes from Et Lorem in Beaconsfield. We’ve teamed up with Blum to shine a spotlight on the brightest young talent in independent KBB retail, and over the coming months you’ll meet all eight inspiring finalists. Want to know how Rachel found her way into the industry in one of the most unusual ways we’ve ever heard? Hit play and find out.
If you want to nominate a Rising Star from your business or, indeed, nominate yourself, simply go to kbbreview.com/awards and head for the categories page.
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New season, new format!
The kbbreview Podcast is back for Season 16 and we’re shaking things up. For the first time, host Andy Davies is joined by a regular panel of top retailers - Justine Bullock, Liz Pantling-Jones, Trevor Scott and Nick Warrington - bringing you weekly, frontline insights from the world of independent KBB retail.
We’re kicking off with a three-part series on how the industry has transformed since Covid. First up: the consumer. What do today’s customers really want? How have their expectations shifted? Do they understand the true cost of a kitchen or bathroom - and how should you communicate with them?
Plus, don’t miss your chance to shine, the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 are now open for entries. It’s free, it’s huge, and it could be you lifting one of those famous trophies. All the info you need is at kbbreview.com/awards
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We catch up with Katie to talk Showerwall, product development and life at its new home Bathroom Brands...
Welcome to a very special bonus episode of The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and he met up with Katie Cope, Showerwall's current head, at the recent InstallerSHOW.
This is a really interesting conversation for a couple of reasons - wall panelling is a proper growth area in the bathroom so where does she think it is and where it's going?And how is Showerwall doing since it was acquired by Bathroom Brands from IDS after that company went into administration?
It was a big move for Bathroom Brands but wall panels are a growing market so you can see why it wanted to bring in a name like Showerwall to add to its already impressive portfolio.
You can find out more about Showerwall at showerwall.co.uk
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We meet the dynamic founders of one the fastest growing networks of kitchen retail franchises - and this one is 100% British.
Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and he's out and about again, this time in Kirby-in-Ashfield just outside Nottingham.
Andy is meeting brothers Scott and Ben Slater and their company Kesseler. A really interesting British kitchen manufacturer AND retailer. Started about 15 years ago as a straight supplier, they moved into their own retail franchising brand just a few years ago and now have nearly 20 showrooms across the country.
As we have discussed on this very podcast before franchising is really building a significant momentum - Kutchenhaus, Nolte, Schmidt, and Magnet are just a few but Kesseler is slightly different as it is distinctly British.
But that's not all, as we will here, they also run Online-Bedrooms.co.uk - an increasingly successful brand that sells fitted bedroom furniture, well, online.
So how have they done it? What's their strategy? How do you build a retail brand from scratch? And how many Kesseler showrooms do they actually want?
Such an interesting story from two real forward-thinkers!
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We meet the legendary interior designer to talk about his new kitchen range and his (very candid) thoughts on design and retail.
Welcome to the kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and today we're in a dreary old loft in South London and our challenge is to turn this empty bit of audio space into a fully-fledged podcast episode in just 45 minutes BUT we only have a budget of 20p, some MDF, a bag of screws and a router.
And yes, today we're talking to Changing Rooms legend Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen - but of course we're doing him a massive disservice by limiting his extensive career to just that one show, no matter how impactful it was.
He was - and is - an extremely accomplished interior designer of course, but he has also been educating the public about design on TV for, brace yourself, nearly 30 years - Changing Rooms started in 1996.
After a bit of back-and-forth with manufacturers, he has just designed and launched his own kitchen range - called Quintessential - specifically for independent kitchen showrooms and, as you'll hear in this interview, he LOVES independent kitchen showrooms.
This is, genuinely, a fantastic interview - mainly probably because it's actually Andy's kbbreview colleague George Dean doing it - and Laurence is as fabulous as you would expect but he is also incredibly candid and open about his thoughts on kitchen retail AND his previous endorsement deals with multiples - listen out for the bit where he gets slow hand-clapped on a plane thanks to his association with Moben.
It's all brilliant stuff and it's clear that he really does love design and what it can achieve if done properly and with conviction so we really can't recommend this one highly enough!
So over to George Dean and Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen…
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Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host as always is Andy Davies.
Neptune has grown from a humble start in the 1990s to become one of the UK’s most distinctive premium home and kitchen brands. With around 30 of its own showrooms and 80 more retail partners it has become one of the largest independent kitchen retail networks in the UK with little fanfare.
And 'brand' is the most important word. Neptune, as far as co-founder John Sims-Hilditch is concerned, means something more than just a logo or a name, it is a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the business.
Andy went to meet him at the company's impressive HQ and showroom just outside Swindon...
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Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and this episode comes LIVE from the InstallerSHOW 2025.
This is the third and final LIVE episode we recorded at the show and we’re finishing with a question every single KBB showroom has on their mind– what should I be doing with social media?
And in particular we’re looking at small to medium sized showrooms that don’t have social media teams and instead are trying to fit it into the rest of their very busy days. So if you’re time-poor and have limited resource – this is the episode for you.
We have some top experts from the frontline to talk it all through, Kira Blume from Krantz Designs, Adam Jones from Cwtch Haus and Hayley Simmons from agency KBB Marketing.
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Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and we are LIVE at the InstallerShow 2025!
This is our second of three shows we did at the show, and this is such an important one as its about an area that gets to the heart of what good kitchen and bathroom design is all about – the combination of style, aesthetics and practical solutions tailored to the needs of the individual, whatever they may be.
And for those with needs that involve limitations in physicality or, as we will hear, cognitive ability, their designers and installers need to have the knowledge to be able to meet them.
So, this is an area that is often called ‘accessible or multi-generational design’ and we’re scratching the surface a little bit with three top experts.
Jo Jeyes from Joanne Jeyes Interiors - an interior designer specialising in dementia
Adam Thomas from the Adam Thomas Consultancy – specialist in all areas of accessible design, especially for wheelchair users
Tony Passmore from The Passmore Group - specialist in accessible bathroom design and adaptation
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