What really makes a KBB business unique?

In this week’s episode Andy Davies is joined by Justine, Nick, Trevor and Liz to get to grips with differentiation – how you define it, why it matters, and whether those USPs you recite are genuinely unique.

Is it all part of a carefully mapped-out strategy, or something that develops more naturally over time? How do you know if your USPs are really unique and how do you keep them fresh as the market evolves?

We're getting to the heart of what sets one business apart from another in such a competitive industry.

And don't forget about the ultimate USP – winning a kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. Entries for 2026 are now open! Go to kbbreview.com/awards for everything you need to know.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Building an Award-Winning Entry’

The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 are officially open for entries — but what does it really take to catch the judges’ eye? In this special episode, host Matt Baker is joined by Andy Davies to break down everything you need to know about entering.

We cover:

The full line-up of categories (designers, retailers, showrooms, newcomers, installers, suppliers and the brand-new Unsung Hero Award).

Our Top 10 Tips for writing a standout entry.

Why it’s totally free to enter — and how shortlists come with free tickets to the big night.

Whether you’re a seasoned contender or a first-time entrant, this episode is packed with insider advice to give your submission the best possible chance of success.

👉 Entries close Thursday, November 13, 2025 — no extensions!

👉 Head to kbbreview.com/awards for EVERYTHING you need to know about entering, categories, tickets, and more.

A huge thank you to our Awards Podcast Partner for 2026 — Sonas Bathrooms. With nearly 50 years in the sector, Sonas offers a complete collection of bathroom solutions. Find out more at sonasbathrooms.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the third and final part of our look at how the industry has changed in the five years since Covid and we're doing it by looking at the relationships between retailers and the three vital groups of people without whom they wouldn't have a business.

In the first two parts we talked about the consumer and the supplier and now, to round it all off we're looking at installers. How has that interaction changed? How much harder is it to find good ones? Can you afford good ones? and what role should and do retailers have in solving the skills crisis in installation. The full gang of Justine, Nick, Trevor and Liz are all here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The kbbreview Rising Star is back and we've termed up with out good friends at Blum to shine a spotlight on the industry leaders of tomorrow.

, and we're sitting down with apprentice cabinetmaker Lorenzo Dell’Aquila from Simon Taylor Furniture, whose skills are more than learned – they’re inherited. With a father who once crafted high-end office furniture (and was even asked to furnish the BBC), Lorenzo’s journey into cabinetry blends family tradition with his own passion for maths, art, and design.

He shares how a bold phone call landed him a spot at the company, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how – just a few years in – he’s already helping shape a special limited-edition collection for the company’s 40th anniversary. We also talk mentorship, mastering craft at a young age, and what it means to build a career where precision meets creativity.

You can find out more about Blum here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How have kitchen and bathroom suppliers changed in the last five years?

The kbbreview Podcast is back with Andy Davies and our panel of regular retailers – Justine Bullock, Liz Pantling-Jones, Trevor Scott and Nick Warrington.

Last week we explored how the consumer has changed since Covid, and this time we’re flipping the focus: how have suppliers changed?

From pricing and terms to service, support, marketing and partnerships, we dig into the shifts shaping today’s market – and yes, expect a little healthy friction along the way.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

✨ The Rising Star 2026 mini-series kicks off! ✨

In this special episode of The kbbreview Podcast, news and features writer George Dean takes the mic to introduce the very first finalist in our 2026 Rising Star Awards – Rachelle Hawes from Et Lorem in Beaconsfield. We’ve teamed up with Blum to shine a spotlight on the brightest young talent in independent KBB retail, and over the coming months you’ll meet all eight inspiring finalists. Want to know how Rachel found her way into the industry in one of the most unusual ways we’ve ever heard? Hit play and find out.

If you want to nominate a Rising Star from your business or, indeed, nominate yourself, simply go to kbbreview.com/awards and head for the categories page.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New season, new format!

The kbbreview Podcast is back for Season 16 and we’re shaking things up. For the first time, host Andy Davies is joined by a regular panel of top retailers - Justine Bullock, Liz Pantling-Jones, Trevor Scott and Nick Warrington - bringing you weekly, frontline insights from the world of independent KBB retail.

We’re kicking off with a three-part series on how the industry has transformed since Covid. First up: the consumer. What do today’s customers really want? How have their expectations shifted? Do they understand the true cost of a kitchen or bathroom - and how should you communicate with them?

Plus, don’t miss your chance to shine, the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 are now open for entries. It’s free, it’s huge, and it could be you lifting one of those famous trophies. All the info you need is at kbbreview.com/awards

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We catch up with Katie to talk Showerwall, product development and life at its new home Bathroom Brands...

Welcome to a very special bonus episode of The kbbreview Podcast, your host is Andy Davies and he met up with Katie Cope, Showerwall's current head, at the recent InstallerSHOW.

This is a really interesting conversation for a couple of reasons - wall panelling is a proper growth area in the bathroom so where does she think it is and where it's going?And how is Showerwall doing since it was acquired by Bathroom Brands from IDS after that company went into administration?

It was a big move for Bathroom Brands but wall panels are a growing market so you can see why it wanted to bring in a name like Showerwall to add to its already impressive portfolio.

You can find out more about Showerwall at showerwall.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.