We asked a cross-section of KBB people why they go to kbb Birmingham.
The responses we recieved confirms that kbb Birmingham has a broad appeal across the market as a whole, with architects, interior designers, merchants, superstore managers and retailers saying that time spent at the show was good for their business.
Matt Thomas, Buyer for Fitted Furniture, John Lewis: “I will be at kbb Birmingham in March and probably spending a day and a half at the show. One of my main reasons for going is to see the main trends in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sectors as John Lewis is active in all three areas. I will also be looking at the new products on display to see if there are any that we should be adding to our current list of suppliers.”
Oliver Heath, Oliver Heath Design: It’s very important for designers to come to the show to see the launches and what’s being talked about. It gives us the chance to see future products that may not be quite out there yet but that give an idea of what trends there are to come and what we may be seeing in say the next two-to-five years.
Shaun Clarkson, Shaun Clarkson ID Ltd: kbb Birmingham like all trade shows is great for people like me, because I can see all I need to see in a very short space of time. I can spend a day or two days and catch up with all the latest trends.
Matt Rawlinson, Raw Design (also featured on kbbTV): Trade shows [like kbb Birmingham] are massively important because you can pick up on new trends and see new products which you can weave these into your own designs.
Thing Liu, Architect, Landmark Architecture Ltd: “The event is very important because we tend to find good suppliers and designs. When I design living spaces for private clients I do like to specify kitchen and bathroom design as well.”
Vanessa Brady, President, SBID: “kbb is an essential area of every interior. It’s one of the few sectors in contract, residential and retail that every designer and architect must be knowledgeable of. Every interior has at least one bathroom and so the kbb show, dedicated specifically to new products, industry challenges and compliance issues is a targeted show that must not be missed.”
Ray Andes, Independent Retail Director, Plumb Inn Merchants: “I come to kbb to find new products we can pass onto our customers because it’s important to offer them choice.”
Osmond Mehmet, Owner, Bathrooms Beyond and Waterloo Plumbing: I like kbb – It is important to see it. It’s a very impressive show – I get lots of new ideas by visiting kbb.
Charmaine Warner, Assistant Buyer, Homebase: “I come to kbb Birmingham to see new products and discover new brands. We picked up CDA(Kitchen appliances) after seeing them at kbb. If it were not for shows like kbb we would be reliant on brands or suppliers contacting us.”
Michelle Brady, Pipeline Merchants: “I come to see what new products are available in the market. I like to find products that are different to fill my showroom. We stock over 1,000 radiators in our showroom in Shropshire, and we spend anything from £1,000 to £10,000 on products at the show.”
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