It’s the next special bonus episode of our Rising Star series, in association with Blum.

Host George Dean meets Laila Kamiabi, business manager at Haus of Design, who is already gaining hands-on experience across operations, marketing, HR and project management as she prepares to one day take over the business from her father.

Laila shares how she’s embraced a “learn by doing” approach, from running the studio’s social media and YouTube channel to understanding every aspect of the company’s day-to-day operations.

She also reflects on building confidence in front of the camera, expanding her skillset into design, and taking proactive steps to prepare for leading the studio in the future — a fascinating insight into the making of one of KBB retail’s rising stars.

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Welcome to The kbbreview Podcast, and yes this week it's the obligatory episode all about A.I.

It's the technology that everyone is talking about, and it's very quickly permeating all aspects of our lives but what do our panel of kbb retailers think about it?

They may not be experts but do the possibilities scare them or excite them? From what they know, how could it be useful in their day-to-day business and how urgently do they think they need to learn more?

And, probably most importantly, are there any parts of their business where they wouldn’t want AI involved?

It's a snapshot of opinions, concerns and revelations from our regulars Trevor, Nick and Liz.

And if you're looking for the link to Nick's A.I. Bootcamp course then here it is...

Or more nationwide information is available here

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It's another special episode dedicated to the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026!

And this time, host Matt Baker is out and about at the judging days for the design categories - where the finalists get to present their shortlisted projects to the judges in person..

So you'll hear from both kitchen and bathroom design judges as they explain why this stage is so important, what they take away from the experience and what their top tips are for anyone who wants to enter next year.

As always, a HUGE thank you to our 2026 Awards Podcast Partner, Sonas Bathrooms for all their support.

And if you haven't booked your tickets yet for the legendary kbbreview Retail & Design Awards event then get a move on or you'll be too late! It's on March 2nd at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole - that's the Monday night of kbb Birmingham - and you can book directly at kbbreview.com/awards.

See you there!

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This week on The kbbreview Podcast we're talking about the relentless battle every retailer faces with unexpected problems that pop up at exactly the worst possible moment - when time is tight, pressure is high, and the margin for error is basically zero.

Yes, we're all about firefighting today.

Host Andy Davies is joined by regular retailers Trevor, Justine, Nick and Liz, who come armed with their best stories (and by best, we obviously mean the worst). Together, they dig into the reality of constant crisis management: the toll it takes on even the best-laid plans, how much contingency you really need to build into projects, and how to keep clients calm when things start unravelling.

If you’ve ever felt like retail is one long emergency, this one’s for you. 🔥

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It’s the next special bonus episode of our Rising Star series, in association with our very good friends at Blum.

Host George Dean meets Mariam Susan Joseph, a former architect who has risen rapidly through the ranks at Simply Bathrooms, earning two promotions in just her first year.

Mariam shares how her architectural training, attention to detail and hunger to learn helped her transition into bathroom design after relocating to the UK, as well as her role in producing highly technical designs and contributing to the business’s recent rebrand. A brilliant insight into the mindset behind one of the KBB industry’s emerging talents.

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We all want more sales – but in the world of independent KBB retailing, is “sales” still a dirty word?

In this episode, Andy Davies asks whether retailers are too quick to badge themselves as designers rather than salespeople, and whether that mindset is helping or hindering business performance. Design may be the most creative and rewarding part of the job, but does it sometimes get in the way of closing deals, protecting margin, and making the business truly profitable?

Joined by regular panelists Trevor Scott, Liz Pantling-Jones, Nick Warrington and Justine Bullock, we're diving into whether sales techniques should carry the same weight as design skills, how creativity can be a genuine sales USP, and whether independents have unfairly distanced themselves from “sales” thanks to the tactics of the multiples.

• Do some retailers prioritise design theory over commercial reality?
• How do you measure the true success of a designer?
• Are time, value and margin are really being managed as well as they should be?

Sales or design? The panel gets properly stuck into where the balance really lies.

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In this special bonus episode of The kbbreview Podcast, host Matt Baker goes behind the scenes of judging for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026, with an exclusive look at what really goes on in the business categories.

Sponsored by our awards Podcast Partner 2026 Sonas Bathrooms, this episode is part of our run-up to the awards ceremony on Monday, March 2 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Between now and the big night, we’ll be bringing you more bonus episodes that dig into the awards and celebrate the very best talent our industry has to offer.

This month, we’re lifting the curtain on the famously robust judging process as Matt is joined by two judges from the business categories:

• Helen Lord, Co-founder and director of Rehome
• Mike Lloyd, Managing director of Wetrooms Online
• 
  

They share their personal approach to judging, what really makes an entry stand out, and practical tips for anyone thinking of entering the awards in the future. If you’ve ever wondered how winners are decided, this one’s for you.

Tickets are still available for the awards night! If you’re already heading to kbb Birmingham, why not go all in and join the industry’s biggest party?

👉 Find out more and book tables or seats at kbbreview.com/awards

👉 Learn more about our podcast sponsor at sonasbathrooms.com

Now, on with the show. 🎙️

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Season 17 of The kbbreview Podcast continues with a big question and an even bigger hypothetical.

Host Andy Davies is joined by the retailer Fantastic Four for their first episode of 2026 - Trevor Scott from RFK, Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington and Justine Bullock from The Tap End

They're diving straight into the fundamentals most small business owners know they should focus on, but rarely get time to - strategy, growth and investment.

So here’s the challenge. If someone handed you £100,000 for your KBB retail business tomorrow, what would you actually do with it?

People, marketing, technology, expansion… or finally fixing that leaky roof? We all say we want money to invest, but how much thought do we really give to how we’d spend it?

Have you booked your tickets for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026? Find out more at kbbreview.com/awards

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