Let’s face it, 2024 had more than its fair share of challenges for the KBB industry, but there were positive news stories too, reflected in our Most Viewed News 2024.

While closures, administrations and redundancies across manufacturing, distribution and retail, dominated many headlines, there were signs of positivity for the KBB industry.

Department store John Lewis returned to selling kitchens, Harvey Jones bounced back from administration growing its showroom network, and independent specialists started out on their journey or expanded their retail empire.

Sponsored Video

Lauren Goodbrand of Kitchens International on winning the Kbsa Concept Designer Award 2024

So, while our traditional countdown of news reflects the difficulties of 2024, it also includes stories of KBB success.

There’s no doubt the KBB industry will take the learnings of the past 12 months but will face forward in the New Year with a renewed sense of optimism.

10. VICTORIAN PLUMBING PROPOSES CLOSURE OF VICTORIA PLUM

Online bathroom retailer Victorian Plumbing proposed the closure of the Victoria Plum business, which it bought for £22.5million in May 2024. A statement from Victorian Plumbing read: “Following the acquisition of AHK Designs Ltd, we are proposing a closure plan for VictoriaPlum.com.

“As a result we have entered into a consultation period with a number of VictoriaPlum.com colleagues and only when the period completes can we provide an update.

“We are committed to keeping all employees, suppliers and connected parties up to date as we progress with the consultation. This proposal does not impact Victorian Plumbing Ltd.”

9. NOBIA APPOINTS TONY BUFFIN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Swedish kitchen furniture group Nobia has appointed board member Tony Buffin as chairman of the board, succeeding Jan Svensson.

Tony Buffin has experience of leading major transformations and the kitchen industry, having been a Nobia board member since 2022, and he is currently CEO of Tecsa Group and chairman of the board of Highbourne Group.

Buffin has also previously held a number of positions relevant to his latest role, including board member of Kingfisher plc and CEO of Holland & Barrett.

8. HARVEY JONES UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP FOLLOWING PRE-PACK AGREEMENT

Premium kitchen brand Harvey Jones has announced new ownership and investment from an institutional investor.

The acquisition of Harvey Jones by a fund managed by RBC BlueBay Asset Management was facilitated by way of a pre-pack administration.

Chris Pole and Ryan Grant from the financial advisory firm Interpath were appointed joint administrators of Harvey Jones Limited on February 23, 2024.

Immediately following the administrators’ appointment, they concluded a sale of the business and its assets to the fund.

All of the Company’s circa 140 employees have transferred to the purchaser as part of the transaction.

7. GEORGE DYMOND TO LEAD NOBIA UK

Director of kitchen manufacturer and retailer Magnet, George Dymond has been appointed executive vice president and head of region UK for Nobia.

He succeeds Kristoffer Ljungfelt who was recently appointed as president and CEO of Nobia.

Dymond will become a member of Nobia Group’s management team and will assume his role by July 1, 2024.

6. NOBIA POSTS DOUBLE DIGIT SALES DECLINE

Swedish furniture group Nobia reported net sales declined by 19% to SEK 3,050m (3,780) in its year end report for 2023.

It stated the kitchen market had declined “significantly” during 2023, following a period of high inflation, increased interest rates, and “substantially” lower housing construction activity.

As a consequence, Nobia said consumers were less confident and more hesitant to invest in capital goods, such as new kitchens.

5. AQUADART BATHROOMS IN ADMINISTRATION

British bathroom manufacturer Aquadart Bathrooms has been placed into administration, following the appointment of FRP Advisory Trading.

Based in Keighley, West Yorkshire, the company has appointed Anthony Collier and Martyn Rickels as joint administrators.

Aquadart Bathrooms supplied shower enclosures, trays, furniture, brassware and had a presence in the region for more than 100 years.

4. NOBIA CLOSES YORKSHIRE MANUFACTURING SITE

Kitchen furniture group Nobia has unveiled plans to close its West Yorkshire-based manufacturing site, as part of its ongoing UK transformation strategy.

The company will relocate its current manufacturing in Halifax, West Yorkshire, to its Darlington site, in County Durham, with the building in Halifax set to be repurposed as a storage facility.

Approximately 60 full-time employees in Halifax will be affected by the consolidation.

3. JOHN LEWIS RESUMES FITTED KITCHEN SERVICE

Lifestyle department store John Lewis is relaunching its fitted kitchen service, through a network of refurbished showrooms.

The fitted kitchen showrooms will return to branches, including Oxford Street, Edinburgh, Cambridge and Bluewater, plus 25 department stores before the end of 2024.

Partnering with Omega and Symphony, the department store will supply two kitchen ranges. John Lewis Element and John Lewis Edition.

2. NOBIA PLANS CLOSURE OF UNDERPERFORMING STORES

 Parent company of Magnet, Nobia has announced it will close underperforming Magnet stores and further decentralise operations, as part of its UK business transformation.

The store closures will be considered for underperforming businesses which are up for lease renewal.

This move follows the closure of its Halifax manufacturing site, which reduced the number of its factories in the UK from five, in the first half of 2023, to two a year later.

1. WICKES PLANS TO AXE 200 KITCHEN AND BATHROOM ADVISOR ROLES

DIY retailer Wickes has put 500 staff into consultation, with plans to axe 200 kitchen and bathroom advisor roles.

However, the company is planning to increase the number of kitchen and bathroom design consultants and staff will be offered other roles in the company, which accounts for the difference between staff in consultation and redundancies.

According to the retailer, the planned reduction in kitchen and bathroom advisors will help “streamline customers’ journeys” by reducing touchpoints in a purchase.