Training and recruitment consultancy, Simon Acres Group Limited, has established a powerful set of recommendations to drive resilience in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) sector, following its inaugural KBB Futures roundtable event.

Held at The Brewery in London on 4^th December 2025 and sponsored by BLANCO, Caesarstone, and Sensio, the roundtable brought a broad cross-section of the KBB industry together. The expert panel shared insights, innovations and practical solutions to drive a strong and sustainable future for the sector. Chaired by Andrew Gaved, Editor at Large, Lyrical Communications, the session included a forward-looking dialogue about labour shortages, modular construction, the future of design and how SMEs can take control of their own growth.

Among the many contributions, Derek Williams, Quality Director, Achieve and Partners, emphasised that in today’s flat market, KBB specialists must focus on gaining market share through differentiation, stronger USPs and better staff training to articulate value. He also underlined the power of unified industry action, the need to reinforce incentives for hiring apprentices and coming together to lobby for specific education needs. Derek’s forward and actionable approach resonated strongly with the group, earning him a KBB Futures Outstanding Ideas recognition.

Further pillars of growth identified during the session include:

• The growing importance of multigenerational, future-ready, inclusive design to make the home accessible and comfortable for the whole family
• Engage directly with the rapidly growing modular housing sector, opening new supply pathways for KBB manufacturers and retailers
• Take control of your own messaging. Personal social media reach is one of the most powerful tools
• Use AI to support with your supply chain efficiencies through data-driven forecasting
• Articulate the industry’s value earlier (in schools) and louder to attract young talent

Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group, comments: “Our first KBB Futures roundtable event was a huge success. The session proved that the solutions our industry needs already exist within our own community. By sharing knowledge, embracing new technologies and engaging more effectively with young people, we can build a stronger and more resilient KBB sector. A huge thank you goes to our sponsors, Andrew Gaved as our chair and all of our incredible participants. The room was full of enthusiasm and brilliant ideas, and the pillars of growth that we established give us a clear roadmap for where to focus our energy next.”

The full list of outcomes will be published on the Simon Acres Group website alongside a forum where the industry can leave comments. A series of film snippets capturing highlights from the event will also be released over the coming months. The conversation will then continue at the next KBB Futures roundtable event, which is taking place on Wednesday 24^th June at InstallerSHOW at the NEC in Birmingham.

Simon adds: “We’re thrilled to be growing our collaboration with InstallerSHOW. It’s the perfect platform for the next KBB Futures roundtable and a huge opportunity to invite a wider audience to the next discussion.”

For further information on KBB Futures or Simon Acres Group, please call the team on 0203 701 6660, email info@simonacres.co.uk or visit www.simonacres.co.uk.