kbb Birmingham started life as KBB Tradex, bringing together kitchen, bedroom and bathroom professionals for the very first time. A small but ambitious gathering that laid the foundations for the UK's leading KBB event.

Through the 1990's, kbb Tradex at Alexandra Palace grew steadily in size and influence. By the late 1990's, tens of thousands of trade visitors were attending to see the latest KBB products and innovations under one roof.

By the mid 1990's the exhibition was staged in conjunction with larger furniture exhibitions (such as The Furntuire Show) and began to call the NEC Birmingham home.

Growing from a modest 8,500 visitors in 1997 to 13,000 in 1998 shows a rapid expansion as the show found its feet at the much larger venue of the NEC Birmingham.

Across the 2000's and 2010's the event consolidated its place as the UK's leading KBB trade event - building stronger exhibitor lineups, launching on-floor features and becoming an essential date in the diary for retailers, designers, manufacturers and specifiers.

kbb Birmingham introduced the 'Innovation Awards', in partnership with Blum, becoming not just a sourcing show but a platform for foreward thinking and product recognition.

After the pandemic shook the whole industry, kbb Birmingham saw a strong recovery; being widely recognised as the meeting place for the industry. The 2024 edition saw over 17,000 visitors, including 7,000+ retailers and around 320 exhibitors - the highest turnout in a decade.

kbb Birmingham celebrates 40 years of industry-leading innovation with its 2026 show. Still the place to meet suppliers, spot trends and be inspired by the creativity and craftmanship that define the KBB sector.