We visit the KBBG at KBB Birmingham on the stand they're sharing with Getley UK to hear from MD Bill Miller why it was so important for them to have a presence at the show.
Q: Why is KBBG exhibiting here at KBB Birmingham 2022?
A: KBB Birmingham is the premier UK kitchen and bathroom trade show for independent retailers to hear about the opportunities available to support their business, as well as seeing new products, and networking with likeminded friends and colleagues.
The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group UK (KBBG) is an organisation set up to support independent kitchen and bathroom specialists, and is part of the renowned Der Kreis, Europe’s leading kitchen and bathroom buying group.
Independent kitchen and bathroom specialists need to know where to find support and advice when they need it. Our presence here at KBB Birmingham endorses our commitment to the industry and is the best opportunity for us to demonstrate, display and discuss our ever-increasing advantages as well as our portfolio of suppliers and services with members, and prospective members.
Q: Tell us about your stand…
A: The KBBG stand at KBB 2022 is the largest in the company’s history. We are partnering with a UK kitchen furniture manufacturer for the very first time, Getley, who are presenting their Alku kitchen, bedroom and, for the first-time, living-room furniture range. This partnership is timely as the Alku range includes painted timber Shaker and in-frame door styles, which have proved very popular over the last two years. The stand is also showcasing the premium built-in appliance brand De Dietrich together with HotSpot Titanium, who are exhibiting their brand-new Vito boiling water tap.
The stand includes a seating area where those interested in joining the KBBG will be able to explore the array of products and services, benefits and rewards that Der Kreis UK offers to support independent retailers. Meanwhile, existing members will hear of the latest promotions available exclusively at the show and receive an update on the newest suppliers to join the KBBG.
Q: Why is the KBBG choosing to partner with other brands at KBB Birmingham?
A: KBB 2022 is the fifth time that the KBBG has exhibited at the show. In the previous four years, we have partnered with different kitchen manufacturers, including Beckermann and Störmer. We have also collaborated with various appliance brands, such as Miele and Küppersbusch to really bring the stand to life.
The companies that we partner with are suppliers to the KBBG. This gives our members the opportunity to see brands and products that they may be less familiar with and gives prospective members an idea of the extensive products they can gain access to by joining the KBBG. The variety of products and brands on the stand is unusual and a main attraction. It represents the breadth of our offering, with the benefit that independent retailers are able to see, first-hand, one of the many clear advantages of joining the KBBG.
Many other KBBG suppliers are also exhibiting here, including Nobilia, KH System Mobel, AEG, Novy, DF Sales, InSinkErator and Acquabella, and we’ve been encouraging our guests to visit these stands too. As a buying group we are stronger together and it’s our aim to empower and support independent specialists.
Pictured from left to right: Bill Miller, Louisa Cole, Neil Whitaker-Johnson and Russell Sharpe.
