Content consultant for InstallerSHOW Andy Bishop explains why the exhibition is an event for the entire KBB industry 

The delivery of kitchens and bathrooms to end users has evolved over recent years with more places to buy products than ever before – giving both consumers and installers more choice of where to source.

As homeowners are becoming savvier and more price conscious, they work harder to seek out the best possible value for their home improvements.

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Because of this, installers now play a more an important role in the creation of kitchens and bathrooms than ever before –  and have increasingly become part of the decision-making process.

Recent research by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association highlights installers supply two-thirds of their customers with products as well as fitting them, and have a significant influence over product choice.

Retailers and designers can no longer rely on selling directly to consumers, 100% of the time, and should be looking to engage more with installers.

With its origins in plumbing and heating, historically InstallerSHOW may not have been on the radar of KBB retailers.

However, the addition of Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms to the event has changed this significantly.

The bathrooms element of the show has already seen huge success, and same is set to happen with kitchens – all built out of the wants and needs of attendees.

With a visitor base that spans the building trades, housebuilders, developers, and more, there’s plenty of crossover on projects – so it’s a natural step to widen the variety of products under one roof.

Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms

The heart of Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms will be award-winning designer and author Johnny Grey’s 4Gen kitchen, described as the world’s most intelligent kitchen by Newcastle Helix.

It was originally installed at the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing to demonstrate a future of multigenerational households using the kitchen, for a multitude of reasons, not just for cooking.

Adjacent to this will be a full programme of talks and presentations by leading experts to represent many aspects of kitchen design and installation.

Highlights include detailed consumer research by Unhooked Communications as to ‘What consumers want in 2024’, Magnet Kitchens’ head of design Jen Nash will give her vision of the future of kitchen design, while category expert Adam Thomas will discuss ‘Universal Access – designing kitchens for all’

Hayley Simmons of KBB Marketing will be joined by Nicky Holmes of Zebra Square to discuss how installers and retailers can work together to drive sales.

The programme will also feature a splash of celebrity with The Observer’s Jay Rayner talking about ‘nights out at home’ while Channel 5’s Mark Millar presents some of his recent building projects.

Not to be missed will be the BiKBBI CEO Breakfast Session where Damian Walters will provide an insight into how manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers can collaborate on the challenges and maximise opportunities within the KBB installation sector.

A separate bathroom talks programme will be curated by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and will include sessions on banishing rogue traders, boosting business with social media, apprenticeships, bathroom trends and product pitches.

Chief executive of the BMA Tom Reynolds will also conduct Q&A sessions with Scottish property developer Kerr Drummond and interior designer Linda Barker.

InstallerSHOW 2024 will offer more than ever before to 20,000 professionals from across the UK. Key exhibitors include Samsung, Häfele, Waterline, Aquabella, Vitra, Qettle, Wickes/Symphony, Hansgrohe and Neolith.

InstallerSHOW offers a unique opportunity for suppliers to reach the installer audience to create market awareness and build new contacts.