Richard Hibbert – The key takeaways from the KBSA Conference 2025

It's been a difficult year for many, but the KBSA Conference 2025 brought some much-needed positivity, with collaboration, education and optimism being top of the agenda, says Richard Hibbert, KBSA national chair and MD of KSL Sudbury.

This year’s KBSA Conference marked a fresh chapter for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sector, not only because of its brand refresh and modern new venue, but because of a tangible sense of optimism that ran through every conversation, debate and networking session. The energy was unmistakable: after a challenging 18 months for many in the industry, the atmosphere was one of positivity, unity and progress.

A Modern Refresh with Meaning
The updated KBSA brand identity and the contemporary setting set the tone for an event that was forward-thinking in every respect. The design of the venue – open, bright and spacious – reflected the association’s commitment to evolution and relevance. Feedback from attendees praised both the visual impact and the substance behind it: a day packed with learning, networking and genuine dialogue.

As always, the KBSA team had intentionally built in generous breaks to encourage networking. Those moments between sessions, filled with laughter, connection and the sharing of ideas, proved just as valuable as the formal agenda. It’s a reminder that real progress happens when people talk, and this year, they talked and listened a lot.

The Big Debate: Charging for Design and Elevating the Profession
One of the most anticipated sessions was The Big Debate, which tackled long-standing industry challenges with fresh perspective. Chief among them was the question of charging for design, a topic that continues to divide opinion but remains central to the future professionalism of independent studios.

The conversation wasn’t about imposing rules but about education and accreditation. There was a strong call to elevate design work through structured CPD, training and recognition, helping consumers better understand the value of expertise. Drawing parallels to architecture and garden design, speakers emphasised that design in the KBB world deserves the same respect, education framework and professional standing.

The takeaway? It’s time to move beyond price-based competition and towards professional validation. The KBSA is ideally positioned to help its members achieve that through education, consistency and advocacy.

People, Purpose and Retaining Talent
Another recurring theme was people – specifically, how to attract and retain top talent in an evolving marketplace. Discussions acknowledged that employees today value wellbeing, flexibility and personal development just as much as salary. The mood in the room reflected a shared understanding that culture and care are now central to long-term business success. Initiatives such as the KBSA’s Employee Assistance Programme highlight how the association is helping members to prioritise those values, offering access to resources that support health, balance and a sense of belonging at work.

At its heart, this focus on people is about leadership. As one panellist put it, “You’re a leader more than a boss – treat people how you’d want to be treated.” It’s a simple principle but one that’s driving a shift across the industry, where collaboration, empathy and open communication are being recognised as key motivators for retaining skilled teams. The conversation also reflected a growing appetite for shared best practice, mentoring and peer-to-peer support – proof that even as the industry evolves, its strength lies in community.

A Unified Industry with Shared Ambition
If last year’s theme was resilience, this year’s was undoubtedly unity. The KBSA community demonstrated that meaningful change doesn’t require conflict; it requires conversation, alignment and a shared commitment to improvement. As one attendee summed up, “We’re stronger together – and it shows.”

The 2025 conference proved that collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the future of the independent KBB industry.