First retailers awarded BiKBBI's AiM accreditation in Westminster

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has announced the first group of retailers to be awarded Accredited Installation Methods (AiM) certification, the new and comprehensive industry standard for fitted interiors.

At a presentation held at Portcullis House on the Parliamentary Estate, independent kitchen and bathroom retailers Christian Andrews Interiors (Scotland) and Signature Projects, and national home improvement brand Wickes all received their formal certification, presented to them by BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters and the institute’s Honorary Patron, Calvin Bailey MBE MP.

All 3 retailers were recognised for their robust approach to fitted interiors installation, having met criteria designed to support local, regional and national retailers in the delivery of a risk reduced and professional installation service to their customers.

AiM launched last year in order to establish a recognised industry standard and to accompany supportive measures delivered by the UK’s only institute dedicated to KBB installation, that reduces risk, demonstrates credibility and provides quality assurance to all stakeholders involved in the KBB installation process. In addition to providing consumers with peace of mind, which is usually associated with accreditation, this ground-breaking certification aims to provide a shining beacon for professional installers who may be interested in working with ‘installer-friendly’ retailers and main contractors.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be in a position to bring AiM to this amazing industry and I’m so pleased that we have three contrasting businesses in terms of size, who become the first to receive certification. To be clear, AiM is very much for businesses of all sizes, whether you’re an independent showroom such as Christian Andrews and Paragon Designs, or indeed a national business with hundreds of showrooms and thousands of installers, like Wickes. The purpose of AiM is to help businesses to meet and maintain processes and procedures that our industry can be proud of, helping to level the playing field on the subject of fitted interior installation."

BiKBBI is actively working with a growing number of retailers through the accreditation process, with further awards expected over the coming months.

Pictured: The team from Wickes accepts their AiM certification from Calvin Bailey MBE MP and BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters.