Episodios

  • Movers Shakers Legislation changes for ventilation in kitchen and bathrooms

    Movers Shakers Legislation changes for ventilation in kitchen and bathrooms
    Jul 16 2025
    Legislation changes for ventilation in kitchen and bathroomsThe need for installers and retailers to be aware of new legislation relating to ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms, is highlighted in the latest Movers & Shakers film from Simon Acres Group Limited.Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres spoke with Carolyn Newton-Brown, head of UK Reseller Channel and Ian Palmer, Head of UK Specification at Airflow to discuss how they can help the industry understand the legislation and ensure projects are compliant.“We are committed to providing knowledge, education and training to allow retailers and installers to select the right product, install it correctly and carry out the necessary testing,” said Carolyn.“There is new legislation that relates to ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms that requires products to be tested and fit for purpose. Checks will be carried out by Local Authority Building Control, and fines could be imposed if installations do not meet the new regulations.


    “Whilst it is the owner of the building that is liable, professional installers have a responsibility and duty of care to ensure that the customer understands what is required and that the regulations have been met.”Ian explained that the Airflow website has a wealth of information. He says, “The knowledge centre includes the most up to date regulations and the ‘product selector’ function can identify the most appropriate product based on the criteria selected.“We also offer training both on-line and at our training facility in High Wycombe that is certified by CIBSE, NICEIC and the RIBA.“The state-of-the-art Air Academy training facility and experience is open to any KBB retailer or installer that wants to come and understand more about the products available, as well as to undertake training. We offer the NICEIC Ventilation Installer Training Scheme, from the centre. This course lasts two days and is modestly priced. Making it affordable and accessible to all.”
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    52 m
  • Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors - Part 2

    Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors - Part 2
    Jul 16 2025
    Day True Hayley Robson feature in new Movers and Shakers film from Simon AcresAward winning designer Hayley Robson at Day True is the latest designer to take part in the ‘Movers and Shakers’ series with Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres.Hayley who is Creative Director and co-founder of the business shared the ethos of the Day True difference and their approach to design, which is focused on how to solve problems, reveal potential and improve lives.Hayley explained how each and every customer is different and that the process begins by taking a real interest in their lives, as knowing how they live is what enables the creation of designs that make life better.Increasingly projects extend beyond the kitchen and the bathroom into the rest of the home, which allows the concept of a complete living space to be explored.Hayley says: ” We love getting to know our customers. They often come to us having done their own research and having an idea of what they want. We always start by listening but then we like to question and suggest, enabling us to offer solutions that optimise the space available, and provide designs that make homes which are easy to live in, productive, joyous and relaxing.”Hayley acknowledged that having the best team of people is crucial to the successful running of their business and that they look to employ those who have the right attitude towards customer care and a passion for design.“We want to employ those that are looking to inspire and ready to learn,” says Hayley.“Experience can be gained and skills can be taught but we are a people business so finding the right people is essential.”
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    28 m
  • Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors Part 1

    Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors Part 1
    Jul 16 2025
    Day True Hayley Robson feature in new Movers and Shakers film from Simon AcresAward winning designer Hayley Robson at Day True is the latest designer to take part in the ‘Movers and Shakers’ series with Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres.Hayley who is Creative Director and co-founder of the business shared the ethos of the Day True difference and their approach to design, which is focused on how to solve problems, reveal potential and improve lives.Hayley explained how each and every customer is different and that the process begins by taking a real interest in their lives, as knowing how they live is what enables the creation of designs that make life better.Increasingly projects extend beyond the kitchen and the bathroom into the rest of the home, which allows the concept of a complete living space to be explored.Hayley says: ” We love getting to know our customers. They often come to us having done their own research and having an idea of what they want. We always start by listening but then we like to question and suggest, enabling us to offer solutions that optimise the space available, and provide designs that make homes which are easy to live in, productive, joyous and relaxing.”Hayley acknowledged that having the best team of people is crucial to the successful running of their business and that they look to employ those who have the right attitude towards customer care and a passion for design.“We want to employ those that are looking to inspire and ready to learn,” says Hayley.“Experience can be gained and skills can be taught but we are a people business so finding the right people is essential.”
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    17 m
  • Movers and Shakers with Angela Borman

    Movers and Shakers with Angela Borman
    Jul 16 2025
    Breaking Down Barriers to ApprenticeshipsDuring our Careers Day events, we uncovered several barriers that deter businesses from hiring apprentices. Many of these obstacles stem from misinformation or uncertainty about where to find reliable information.The apprenticeship process can be complex and, unfortunately, is often poorly promoted. This can lead business owners to abandon their search for answers prematurely.We were fortunate to meet Angela Borman, Chair of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, who shared valuable insights on addressing these challenges.If you’re considering hiring an apprentice, we highly recommend watching the full interview. Angela not only addresses the common barriers but also provides answers to key questions and shares links to resources that can guide you in implementing an apprenticeship program in your business.Useful Links from the Interview:
    • Understanding Jargon – Find a glossary of apprenticeship terms:

      Apprenticeship Glossary | UCAS
    • How to Hire an Apprentice – Learn about the process and where to start:

      Recruiting an Apprentice | apprenticeships.gov.uk
    • Costs and Grants – Understand funding, who pays what, and when:

      Get Funding for Apprenticeship Training | GOV.UK
    • Wage Brackets – Find details about the National Minimum Wage:

      The National Minimum Wage in 2023 | GOV.UK
    By addressing these barriers and accessing the right resources, your business can successfully embark on the apprenticeship journey.
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    44 m
  • Movers and shakers with Maria Stapperfenne Orlando

    Movers and shakers with Maria Stapperfenne Orlando
    Jul 16 2025
    The Movers and Shakers film with Maria Stapperfenne – US-based designerKBB and merchant services provider Simon Acres Group (SAGL) has released a new film in its Movers & Shakers series, with Maria Stapperfenne, a certified kitchen and bathroom designer, and past president of the NKBA, which was filmed at the KBIS exhibition in Orlando, earlier this year.The film is the second that looks at the differences between the KBB market in the US and the UK, the first being with award-winning New York-based designer Mark Rosenhaus.The launch of this film also marks the Simon Acres Group commitment to The NKBA Global Connect programme, established to foster opportunities in the North American kitchen and bathroom sectors for British companies.The Maria Stapperfenne film explores some of differences in how people begin and progress their careers in the KBB industry in the US and the UK, Maria’s business tips and views on how best to engage with customers and secure sales, and a look at the most popular design trends in the American market.Simon Acres Group MD Simon Acres said: “It was fascinating to hear how the business model in the USA is different to that in the UK. Understanding more about the market, will be beneficial to those companies that want to learn new ideas or expand into the US.“The US market offers superb potential for growth, for our business and many other that we work with. We have a strong partnership internationally with 2020 Fusion Live training and have already booked our place at the next KBIS in 2024, which will be held in Las Vegas.”
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    31 m
  • Movers Shakers Sharon L Sherman

    Movers Shakers Sharon L Sherman
    Jul 16 2025
    KBB industry behind “the Pond” Simon Acres interviewing Sharon L. Sherman during KBIS 2023 in Las VegasSimon Acres interviewing Sharon L. Sherman during KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas As we prepare for KBIS 2024, let’s take a moment to look back at some memorable insights from Thyme & Design’s owner, Sharon L Sherman, a true Mover and Shaker in our industry. In her first Smart tip, Sharon shares valuable advice on effectively communicating how a product will be delivered to your customers, ultimately enhancing their experience. Furthermore, she discusses an innovative approach to sales – being social, dressing the part, and embracing influencer marketing. Sharon also highlights the benefits of accessing the trade association NKBA’s Training Platform content. Discover the social media platforms that have played a pivotal role in supporting Sharon’s business, her experiences with the apprenticeship journey in the North American market, and the vital role of installers. Sharon offers valuable insights on hiring the best talent based on attitude and shares why the North American consumer has a penchant for British heritage. Explore the advantages of considering a new, vibrant, and growing market.
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    14 m
  • Movers Shakers Stephen Johnson part2

    Movers Shakers Stephen Johnson part2
    Jul 16 2025
    Stephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres videoStephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres video Quooker UK MD Stephen Johnson has called on the industry to invest in young people and address the skills crisis, in the latest Movers & Shakers film from Simon Acres Group.Johnson said that the industry needs to attract and train more young people for the collective benefit, in conversation with Simon Acres Group MD Simon Acres.“We must work together to improve the routes into industry, promote the rewards that are on offer, and support young people with first-class training and support. We developed our own in-house training scheme because of the lack of focused schemes available and have found that bringing young people into the business brings huge benefits to us.“Young people bring a fresh energy and new ideas. When partnered with a mentor they learn quickly and absorb the business culture and heritage. It provides a solid commercial return when a business invests in their staff in this way, as they gain a happy, motived and productive employee that wants to stay and build a long term career.“As a company we are working with others, such as the BiKBBI, to support the development of the new apprenticeship scheme, and the Kbsa to grow their retailer membership and build a stronger voice for the retailer. Everyone recognises that the skills shortage is a real threat to our future, there is no more time to keep talking about this, and we must all take action and do what we can to address the problem,” he said.Johnson added: “It is for all of these reasons that I supported the Simon Acres Careers Day by taking part in the live panel discussion. By sharing good practice, demystify procedures and addressing the ‘How to Hire’ questions, we can break down obstacles, increase knowledge and move forward to success.”
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    44 m
  • Movers Shakers Stephen Johnson Quooker part 01

    Movers Shakers Stephen Johnson Quooker part 01
    Jul 16 2025
    Stephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres videoStephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres video Quooker UK MD Stephen Johnson has called on the industry to invest in young people and address the skills crisis, in the latest Movers & Shakers film from Simon Acres Group.Johnson said that the industry needs to attract and train more young people for the collective benefit, in conversation with Simon Acres Group MD Simon Acres.“We must work together to improve the routes into industry, promote the rewards that are on offer, and support young people with first-class training and support. We developed our own in-house training scheme because of the lack of focused schemes available and have found that bringing young people into the business brings huge benefits to us.“Young people bring a fresh energy and new ideas. When partnered with a mentor they learn quickly and absorb the business culture and heritage. It provides a solid commercial return when a business invests in their staff in this way, as they gain a happy, motived and productive employee that wants to stay and build a long term career.“As a company we are working with others, such as the BiKBBI, to support the development of the new apprenticeship scheme, and the Kbsa to grow their retailer membership and build a stronger voice for the retailer. Everyone recognises that the skills shortage is a real threat to our future, there is no more time to keep talking about this, and we must all take action and do what we can to address the problem,” he said.Johnson added: “It is for all of these reasons that I supported the Simon Acres Careers Day by taking part in the live panel discussion. By sharing good practice, demystify procedures and addressing the ‘How to Hire’ questions, we can break down obstacles, increase knowledge and move forward to success.”
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    23 m