KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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Busy month for BiKBBI

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has had an exceptional December, with a number of new signings….

Buildbase and The Range have become the latest high profile retailers to adopt the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk platform for their retail kitchen and bathroom operations - an installation service with a number of unique features to protect both installers and their customers.

ProtectMyInstall.co.uk is a free to use service for retailers, allowing them to focus on designing and selling kitchens and bathrooms, without the complexity of installation. The service includes a number of beneficial elements for both the installer and their customer, to include protected payments, Trading Standards approved contracts, itemised quotes and an insurance backed guarantee for workmanship. The service also includes a pathway for Alternative Dispute Resolution for added peace of mind. www.protectmyinstall.co.uk

Acquired by The Grafton Group in 1997, Buildbase operates its retail kitchen and bathroom proposition from over 50 showrooms across the UK, previously offering a supply only service to its customers. The new relationship will allow Buildbase to signpost its customers to a national network of independently accredited installers, forming independent relationships between these installers and their customers for the installation element of the project. "We've been absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown by both the senior and showroom team at Buildbase,” says ProtectMyInstall.co.uk’s operations director Chris Parry (pictured). “This is a business that is embracing industry change and proactive in the protection of its customers and those installers they engage." Andrew Arnold, national showrooms manager at Buildbase adds: "We're focused on providing our customers with a robust and innovative installation offering that provides a service that both meets customer expectations and protects the relationship. Adopting the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk initiative was simple for us." www.buildbase.co.uk

With a fast growing network of over 180 stores across the UK and Ireland, The Range introduced its exclusive Jonas & James luxury kitchen brand in 2019 and will introduce its customers to the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk service from January 1st 2021. Speaking on behalf of BiKBBI, CEO Damian Walters says: "I'm delighted that The Range is supporting the institute and the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk initiative. This has been a fairly straightforward plug in-and-play solution for the company and our members are excited to be working with it." www.jonasandjames.co.uk

The BiKBBI has also announced a new partnership with electricals retailer, AO. Operating across the UK and Germany, AO has over 20 years' experience selling, delivering, and installing household appliances for the public, as well as offering its proposition to B2B clients through AO Business. AO's sponsorship plays an integral role in the support of the institute's objectives, including the development of industry apprenticeships, something the organisation is focusing on over the next three years. Says Anthony Sant, managing director at AO Business: "We're so proud to have come on board as a sponsor of the British Institute of KBB Installation. At AO Business, we offer a unique proposition to customers, with our trained delivery fleet equipped to install any appliance we sell into customers' homes. Whether we're delivering to a vulnerable customer through our supported living team or installing 100s of appliances into new build homes with our house builder team, we truly understand the art of installation. Our proposition ensures all deliveries are hassle free for customers and we'll even remove old appliances for safe recycling at AO's plant in Telford!"
BiKBBI’s Damian Walters, says: "We're working with some amazing businesses and we're proud that leading brands continue to support our objectives via Corporate Sponsorship. AO is another example of a robust, reputable industry relevant business that understands the importance of installation and the work we do to make the industry a better place for all stakeholders. I am bowled over by AO's support and I welcome them into the BiKBBI family with open arms!" www.ao-business.com

My-Bathrooms has become the latest retailer to support BiKBBI’s objectives, by becoming a Corporate Sponsor. Via its network of approved installation partners, My-Bathrooms provide a turnkey supply and fit service to consumers via its website and is looking to connect with installation businesses to promote partnership benefits. The tie in with BiKBBI is a vehicle to connect the online business with a network of independently accredited institute members. BiKBBI Corporate Sponsors support the organisation to promote education, high standards of professionalism and compliance, all areas that My-Bathrooms are passionate about. Says My-Bathrooms managing director Justin Adgar: "BIKBBI is at the forefront of professional standards and it's important that industry businesses like ours support them to do so. We're particularly impressed by their approach to Apprenticeships and the obvious industry benefits that will follow. Our national network of installation Trading Partners undertake comprehensive training on our product and installation method, which is currently achieved by in-house training supported by our suppliers; However, we understand that the topic of education is much wider than our own approach and we won't be able to influence mass change on our own... this is where our collaboration with BiKBBI will help." Damian Walters, BiKBBI Chief Executive stated: "It's great to be working with a familiar face in Justin and a business that shares our values, especially on the subject of education. We look forward to developing this partnership over time and are thankful to My Bathrooms for their support."

www.my-bathrooms.co.uk | www.bikbbi.org.uk

22nd December 2020