We preview Kbb Birmingham 2020, the UK’s largest kitchen and bathroom exhibition for industry professionals, which takes place at the NEC in March.
Returning to the NEC in Birmingham, from March 1-4, the biennial trade exhibition kbb Birmingham 2020 is set to open its doors and showcase emerging trends and cutting edge products to UK industry professionals.
Featuring around 400 exhibitors, it is expected to attract an audience of around 16,000 visitors across the four-day event.
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And it will give industry professionals the chance to have business discussions and provide networking opportunities.
Kbb Birmingham will feature established exhibitors such as the likes of Caple, CRL, Blanco, Franke, Ideal Standard and RAK Ceramics, alongside debutantes to the event. These include Alno, LochAnna Kitchens and Aqualla Bathrooms.
Kbb Birmingham 2020 will also see a return of familiar brands to the 2020 show, such as Zanussi and Quooker.
Speaking about a major theme at the show, director of kbb Birmingham Mark Gordon commented: “This year there is a huge emphasis on personalisation and individuality.”
He added: “To reflect this trend, we want to provide retailers, architects, designers and developers with the knowledge they need to be able to give their clients exactly what they want.
“Our exhibitors will be showcasing their own takes on this trend and we look forward to seeing what they have in store for attendees in 2020.”
Innovation Awards
And visitors will be able to see many of these trends in the Innovation Awards, sponsored by fittings manufacturer Blum.
Shortlisted entries will be displayed across specially designed plinths, and will be judged by an expert panel.
However visitors to the show will also be able to decide their own winner with the People’s choice Award voting either by the event mobile app or onsite voting stations.
All the winners will be announced on the third day of the show March 3.
“The Innovation Awards is always a highlight of kbb Birmingham as it is a real indicator of all the exciting innovation in the industry,” comments Mark Gordon, adding “We look forward seeing the high standard of entries, that this this year’s Innovations Awards has in store.”
So get ahead and book your free ticket now for the event that will lead the industry for the next two years.
Show exhibitors
Kuppersbusch
Partnering on the BAX stand, Kuppersbusch will be launching its K-Series 8.KMI9850 combined induction hob and extractor on to the UK market.
It boasts Schott Ceran with Miridur technology, that is claimed to be the world’s first and only scratch-resistant glass ceramic hob.
The company plans to showcase the heritage of the brand, while meeting prospective customers to expand its retail customer base.
Go see Kuppersbusch on stand L110.
Hettich
The hero product on Hettich’s “Take Five” hospitality stand at Kbb Birmingham will be the Avantech You, a drawer system which takes its cues from the emerging megatrend of individuality.
There are five drawer heights, a choice of widths, three colours for the drawer and its internal organisation (silver, anthracite and white) and two runner system options (Actro or Quadro) on a single drilling pattern.
Add in the options of Push to open silent, customisable internal drawer front heights and materials, and drawer side printing with the facility for a branding clip, there is a vast array of possibilities.
Go see the drawer system on stand V105.
Falmec
Kbb Birmingham provides the opportunity to launch the company’s UK subsidiary to the trade, Falmec Kitchen Appliances Ltd.
The Italian company specialises in air treatment for the home, and will focus on air ionisation and cleaning and re-circulation of air in the home.
In addition, Falmec will also be launching its Green Tech range, designed to reduce energy.
Visit Falmec at stand number K98.
MHK
Buying group MHK will return to Kbb Birmingham, this year, to showcase its services and member benefits.
These include buying and credit terms from suppliers, protected bonuses, business and marketing support.
In addition, retailers can get hands-on with Carat’s real-time, virtual reality software.
Go take a look at M105.
Fulgor Milano
Premium Italian appliance brand Fulgor Milano, which is distributed exclusively in the UK by Euroline, has announced it will exhibit a selection of appliances at KBB Birmingham.
The brand will be supplying products for Kuhlmann Küchen and Beeck Küchen, which are both exclusively available via Arlington International Agencies in the UK.
Among the appliances being showcased will be the 450mm Micro Combi Oven and the 450mm built-in wine cooler with sommelier drawer and a range of other built-in appliances. See the Fulgor Milano appliances on stand W90.
BiKBBI
Trade organisation, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) will be driving an iconic red double decker London Routemaster bus into the exhibition.
On it, they will host a series of sessions for installers, retailers, suppliers, distributors and manufacturers, including Facebook Live events.
Sponsored by Victoria Plum Trade, the bus will also house the BiKBBI Protected team, who will provide information on the newly-launched initiative, explaining how retailers can get involved. Get on board at Y110.
Elfin Kitchens
Making its debut appearance at Kbb Birmingham, Elfin Kitchens will be showcasing its range of compact, pre-built, stainless steel kitchens.
Among the products on display will be a number of Elfin’s Premium kitchens, available in 900, 1000, 12000 and 1500mm widths with soft-close drawers, stainless steel doors in a choice of eight colours.
Visitors to the show will also be able to view the Economy Plus kitchen and Cupboard Kitchen – a pre-built, all-in-one unit for offices and workplaces. Go see the company at stand Z100.
Bushboard
Producer of laminate worksurfaces and waterproof bathroom panels Bushboard will be showcasing several brand developments, including décor launches and restructuring highlights to its Options and Omega collections.
The ranges will be presented with an updated brand look and in décor groups identified by type and trends; stones, woods, marbles and monochromes.
Visitors should also look out for eight décor additions to Evolve solid core laminate worksurfaces and statement splashback range Vista. Visit stand G95.
TLW
This year, the TLW stand will focus on smart technology, with the company set to demonstrate the capabilities of its connected lighting range.
It will also be offering the chance to take a look at a new and exclusive product, that it reports will be a game-changer in the industry.
TLW plans to showcase its Smart Home range to new and existing customers in the kbb industry. Go see the smart lighting at M111.
Virtual Worlds
New for kbb 2020 will be Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre – self-service display. This latest element of the software enables customers to choose the showroom display they wish to experience.
For the first time, the customer is in control of the showroom displays, and can choose a style which suits their taste via a new user interface from good, better, best product choices.
Due to be showcased at kbb 2020, the self-service display is a new element of Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre, helping to further digitise the showroom. See it in action on stand F100.
Roca
Roca will be displaying its latest product collections at kbb 2020, with technology a key focus of this year’s stand with the In-Wash Inspira and In-Wash In-tank smart toilets on display.
To reflect the emerging trend for colour in the bathroom space, it will be showcasing its Beyond Colours, alongside PVD coloured Insignia brassware and a countertop collection Savana.
Completing the Roca stand will be its solid surface composite Surfex, the Modo bath, basins and furniture. Visit suite 32-34
Laufen
Laufen will be showcasing its New Classic collection, designed under the creative leadership of Marcel Wanders, which launches into the UK in Q1.
And making its UK debut will be cloakroom basins, made from SaphirKeramik, which are extension to the Val collection.
Completing the line-up will be Sonar furniture, Kartell by Laufen PVD coloured brassware and its latest shower toilet the Cleanet Navia. See the products at suite 32-34
Newform
One of the sponsors of Kbb Birmingham Newform will be introducing its Thermoeasy push-button control theremostat, available in a choice of seven finishes.
It will be joined by the recently-launched Blink (shown) and Nio brassware ranges.
The occasion will also mark the official start of its distribution partnership with Marflow Engineering which will provide stock holding and sales/technical support for the brand. Check out stand E62
Formica
Formica Group is offering KBB visitors an exclusive preview of its latest Axiom and Prima worktop collections, launching later this year.
The Axiom range includes high-end designs, thinner worktops and square edge alternatives, with a new decors and textures.
The Prima collection offers a choice of designs inspired by natural elements and urban materials, available with a post-formed edge and 4.1m lengths.
Developed as an alternative to natural and engineered stone, Aria will also be showcased for the first time since its 2019 launch. Go and see them on stand L100
Rehau
Featuring on the Rehau stand will be its Rauvisio crystal range, an acrylic which can also be used as a glass alternative, in a selection of plain and exclusive stone decors.
Accompanying this is the Raukentex edgeband range, all of which can be supplied with a primer, colour matched adhesive, or polymer functional layer for a seamless zero joint.
Attendees can also expect to see Rehau’s smart drinking water dispenser, the Re.source which can supply filtered water in both chilled and sparkling options. Visit stand X110
Blum
Based around the concept Moving Ideas, Blum will be showcasing its latest products to retailers, architects, designers, fitters and suppliers.
A hero launch at the show is the Space Step, which provides extra storage space behind toe kicks and provides ease of access to wall cabinets, and worktops for children.
It will be shown alongside the company’s Aventos lift systems, Legrabox drawers, Space Towers and Clip Top Blumtion hinges. Visit the stand at T120.
Sensio
Sensio will be unveiling its latest innovations in kitchen, bathroom and bedroom lighting at the KBB Show on a 98sqm stand.
In kitchens, there will be a focus on customisation, integration and connectivity to show visitors how planning lighting simple and bringing the concept of connected smart lighting to life.
In bathrooms, Sensio will be expanding its illuminated LED mirror range and promises UK firsts in bathroom mirror design which visitors to the stand will be the first to experience. Check it out at stand K95
The 1810 Company
The 1810 Company has doubled the size of its stand for this year’s kbb Birmingham.
Alongside best sellers from its existing sink and tap range, it will be launching inset sinks with a 10mm radius and ‘razor’ edge, plus Zen10 sinks which can be top-mounted or inset.
In addition, it will be introducing matt black finish taps and the Spirale tap in a ‘coiled’ version. Go to stand G100.
KitchenEX
Cooker hood distributor KitchenEx will be showcasing its Italian cookers and cookers from Faber and Ilve, respectively.
A star of the show will be Faber’s F-Light Pendant Hood with circular LED lighting and available in a matt black finish.
In addition, Ilve will be showcasing its range cookers, the 3-in-1 Star column, allowing users to cook, blast chill, steam, microwave and preserve in one unit. Visit stand J120
Novy UK
Executive chef, Dan Britten will be showcasing his culinary talents using the Novy Panorama vented induction hob every day of the show.
He will be presenting a range of dishes that can be cooked on the 880mm appliance which has a concealed ventilation tower integrated within the hob’s surface to extract cooking vapours at source.
Dan Britten took part in BBC’s Masterchef 2008, where he was a quarter-finalist and went on to professionally train as a chef at the Tante Marie Culinary Academy. He is now the executive chef of The White Hart at Witley and The Winterton at Chiddingfold, Surrey. Meet Dan Britten at stand H81.
Titus
Cabinet hardware expert Titus is launching TeraBlack versions of many of its most popular products, including its T-type hinges.
They feature a non-reflective dark grey finish and are suited to applications in high-end premium kitchen furniture.
The T-type hinges feature soft-close damping action and require only a shallow hinge cup, which makes them suitable for use with door thicknesses from 15 to 26 mm. Visit Titus at stand W101.
Daval
British kitchen furniture manufacturer Daval will be revealing its latest kitchen and bedroom ranges, eco-friendly materials and textured finishes.
Visitors to the stand will be able to see Renzo, which is made from 100% recycled material and will sit alongside its new accent colour Hunter Green.
It will be shown with industrial-style black hardware and superwhite marble worksurfaces to emphasise the three new high texture finishes of charred Japanese wood, a character oak finish and a raw concrete effect. See all the launches at stand K160.
Sottini
Part of the stable of brands at Ideal Standard Group, Italian-inspired Sottini will unveil its latest ranges at Kbb Birmingham, including furniture additions to the Fusaro range, Rienza washbasins and Caffaro WCs.
The Rienza range is made is up of 10 basins, while the Caffaro WC range offers five soft square-shaped toilets.
Completing the line-up is wall-mounted vanity and basin units as well as full column furniture adding to Fusaro. See the company at Stand A86
AirUno
Taking the opportunity to showcase “the majority” of its products at the show, so visitors can get a feel for the entire range of designer extraction, AirUno will also be revealing its latest ceiling hood launches.
These include the Salieri Black Glass and Carmen Ceiling Hood model, which features LED perimeter lighting. They add to its portfolio which spans a variety of extraction from downdrafts to island hoods. Discover more at stand M102
Rotpunkt
Exhibiting for the fourth time at kbb Birmingham the story of the Rotpunkt stand will be Future of Sales for 2020 as it showcases its hero range of kitchen furniture, manufactured with a zero carbon footprint.
The show will also see the unveiling of additional dimensions, surface and door textures including metal and stone effects, cube wall storage systems and range of handles.
In addition, its 2020 portfolio will include automated lighting solutions, which can be controlled through virtual digital assistants like Alexa or Siri: by voice or remote control. Find out more at Stand N110
CRL Stone
Following the launch of a host of new colours in 2019, CRL Stone will use kbb Birmingham to launch further additions to both its Ceralsio ceramic and CRL Quartz surfaces .
There will be 11 additional colours which will be introduced in response to design trends, including Ceralsio Cosmopolitan Grey.
The latest colours will be shown alongside its full range of surfaces. See its surfacing at Stand F85
Caesarstone UK
Returning to the show for the second year, Caesarstone UK will be showcasing its products, services and people at KBB Birmingham.
It will be recreating the “warm and hospitable” atmosphere on-stand.
Its Primordia and Empira White designs will take centre stage while a new, pre-launch product will be available to view in a private room to key customers. Visit stand J110
LochAnna Kitchens
Celebrating its fifth year of trading, LochAnna Kitchens is making its debut appearance at Kbb Birmingham.
The stand will tell the story of how the brand helps dealers offer “affordable kitchens” to attract consumers, and will showcase three collection launches.
Pictured is the Durham collection which draws on the trend for luxury, country inspired kitchens. Go take a look at stand M155
CDA
Planning its biggest-ever launch for Kbb Birmingham, the line-up of products launched by CDA will include wine coolers, cooking, cooling, space-saving and eco-friendly appliances.
It will be unveiling steam ovens and induction hobs, as well as a premium collection of wine coolers with climate controls.
It has promised “ground breaking new products designed to meet the needs of our customers and the way consumers live today”, positioned around the CDA coffee bar. Find out more on stand H135
Novy UK
Having launched the brand at KBB 2018, this year will see the addition of the Novy ONE Tower 780mm Combination Induction Hob and Downdraft Extractor, together with the Novy Up Draft extractor.
These will be joined by Cloud in Black 100cm recirculation Ceiling Hood and the new Novy Panorama V4 88cm Combination Induction Hob and Downdraft Extractor.
All will be shown on a stand with a large screen backdrop to showcase the range of product films, recipe demonstrations and our brand campaign videos. Find out more about Novy on stand H81
Kesseler
Showcasing on the Kesseler stand will be its Vanquish 100 range with fresh design details, a Shaker concept and an extension to its choice of colours.
Vanquish 100 is named after the lower plinth height of 100mm, to offer a low-profile continental vibe but with made-to-measure sizes.
It will be joined by the Vertical Shaker handleless range, which offers a take on a classic design with full-height tall cabinetry.
And visitors will also be able to view eight paint colours which create a warming and complementary palette. Discover more about Kesseler on stand N120
Saniflo
Hero product of the Saniflo stand at Kbb Birmingham 2020 will be the Kinedo Brooklyn shower cubicle range which comes in two colour options – black and grey profiles.
It has been designed so it can be fitted without using silicone and predominately without screws.
In addition, the company will be showcasing its ranges of shower trays and launching the new Smart Design Shower Enclosures. See all of the Saniflo launches at stand C64.
Cosentino
On a stand measuring 120sqm, Cosentino will be introducing colours across all its range including Silestone, which will replicate the look of cement, and Dekton.
Its latest Sensa by Cosentino design Sensa Nilo will also be on show, and has been created for dark and dramatic kitchen styles, which are a key trend for 2020.
This will be joined by Dekton®Grip+, which can be used as kitchen or bathroom flooring, in addition to our Dekton® Slim solution for cladding walls, furniture and kitchen cupboards. Discover more on the stand at M90.
Sensio
The Sensio stand at Kbb Birmingham 2020 will be story of two halves, as it showcases hero products for kitchns and bathrooms.
For kitchens the key theme for the stand is all around integration and customisation and promises “first to market” products to make planning lighting into a kitchen, such as the Manta which offers worktop and cupboard illumination.
For bathrooms, the company will showcase LED lighting have some exciting brand new concepts to showcase, visitors to our stand will be the first to see these. See these products at stand K95
Abode
Abode will be launching a number of new products at Kbb Birmingham 2020, including additions to the Pronteau range (including Prothia pictured) and several tap styles, such as the Coniq.
Available in a choice of five finishes, the Coniq-R mixer tap from Abode is being launched launching in response to the continued trend for alternative brassware finishes.
It is available as a single lever and a single lever with pull down spray. Visit Abode at stand I90.
Bora
Presenting its latest cooktops with extraction system at kbbBirmingham, star of the Bora stand will be Bora Pure, it’s most affordable model to date.
It boasts a four cooking zone hob, which can cater for pans up to 240mm in diameter and features a central air inlet nozzle in a choice of six colours .
It is operated by a central touch control panel which is practically invisible when the appliance is on standby mode. Find out more about Bora on stand K130.
InSinkErator
Investing in its largest exhibitor stand to date, InSinkErator will be showcasing its specialist kitchen taps and food waste disposers.
It will feature the InSinkErator premium Showroom Collection, including 4N1 Touch taps, which will have pride of place to attract independent kitchen specialists. V
isitors to kbb 2020 will also be the first to see a selection of brand new products from InSinkErator. Discover more at Stand H84.
Franke
Kbb Birmingham veteran Franke has been exhibiting at the show for over 20 years and will be showcasing its launches under its ethos of Make it Wonderful.
It will include decorative hoods which have been repositioned to span the mid to high-end sector from youthful retro to high-crafted glass model.
These will be joined by an extention to its Box Center sink range, and the launch of a next generation sink unveiled at the show. Visit Franke at stand H80
Roman
Long-term supporter of KBB, Roman will be focusing on its launches which include innov8 sliders, quadrants and hinged doors in a matt black finish as well as silver chrome.
In addition, it will be officially launching fluted glass options on wetroom panels in the Liberty range into the retail market.
These will be joined by its recent launches of black grid hinged doors with in-line panels which also slot into its Liberty range. See the products on the Roman stand E70.