UK kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition Kbb Birmingham has revealed its latest industry research findings. The survey polled the opinions of industry professionals, including manufacturers, designers, installers and retailers, to ask about their outlook for the sector in the year ahead.

Kbb Birmingham’s new research polled respondents from across the KBB industry, with feedback from companies of all sizes, from sole traders to companies of over 500 employees, giving a snapshot of industry opinion. Kbb Birmingham Event Director Sam Fisher said:

“The research gives us important insights on what 2023 has delivered for the KBB sector and to really understand the challenges our exhibitors and visitors may be facing in the year ahead.”

A Mixed Year

The KBB sector has had mixed success in 2023, with positive revenue and growth for some and shrinking revenue and sales for others. For retailers, many had a good year. When asked about revenue and sales volume for their business in the past year, 63% reported a positive story, with either an increase (30%) or responding that revenues stayed the same (33%). Almost 1 in 5 say that they have increased the number of outlets they have. However, the majority of retailers have kept the same number of outlets.

For manufacturers, 27% have seen an increase in their revenue and sales volume, whilst 26% reported that their revenue and sales have stayed the same.

Industry Challenges

The majority of the manufacturers surveyed felt that the skills shortage was the biggest challenge facing the industry, with a lack of experienced fitters available. Other concerns mentioned by manufacturers were:

• Staff retention
• Smaller budgets leading to more ‘DIY’ projects by consumers
• Inflation and rising product/material costs
• Recovering debt from customers.

Whilst retailers felt that their biggest challenges were:

• Customers shopping online / competing with online retailers
• High rents and limited supply for showrooms
• Staffing/recruitment.

Facing the future

With ongoing challenges in the global economic landscape, the outlook is varied across the board. From a retailer perspective, when asked to look ahead, 66% expect to see some future growth, which paints a promising outlook. Manufacturers were a little less optimistic, with 38% predicting a ‘small decline’ in the year ahead. However, 24% do expect to see some growth.

Investment in digital marketing for growth

A noteworthy trend is the growth of digital marketing within the sector, with it being where most marketing investment is planned for the year ahead, with over 80% of marketers planning activity in this area.

Kbb Birmingham Event Director Sam Fisher concludes:

“With global markets facing economic uncertainty, this is reflected in the responses, which indicate some challenges ahead for the sector. We want to ensure we have opportunities for visitors to kbb Birmingham to access useful information and support, so are planning a series of drop-in clinics at the show, from financial advisors giving free advice for small businesses, to marketing experts giving digital marketing Q&A sessions.”

Kbb Birmingham returns from 3-6^th of March 2024 to the NEC and will feature over 230+ exhibiting brands from across 26 different categories. The biennial event welcomes an audience of over 15,000 visitors over the four days, attracting senior decision-makers from the residential, design, retail and contract sectors. For more information on kbb Birmingham 2024, and to register for your free visitor pass, please visit the kbb Birmingham website.

Bathroom products manufacturer, Roca Group, has invested in the world’s first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware. In an effort to decarbonise the inherent energy and carbon-intensive production of ceramic goods[1], the company has taken a decisive step towards electrifying its production processes at its Laufen plant in Gmunden (Austria) thanks to the cutting-edge technology from Keramischer OFENBAU, world technology leader in the manufacture of ceramic kilns.

The German kiln manufacturer has been focusing on sustainable innovation for over 25 years and is a market leader in energy efficient ceramic kilns, making it the ideal partner for Roca Group’s decarbonisation project. After two years of development, the first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware has successfully started production of complex ceramic pieces in Gmunden. The Laufen plant, which already uses electricity from renewable sources, was chosen for the first implementation of this pioneering technology as it is particularly conducive to the manufacture of the latest products of the highest quality. The innovation of the electric kiln has already been registered by the European Patent Office.

Given the kiln is highly efficient, decarbonised, and automated, it provides a valuable alternative to conventional production dependent on fossil fuels and is a key milestone in ensuring that Gmunden becomes the world’s first net-zero sanitaryware production facility by 2024. This investment is also central to Roca Group’s decarbonization strategy. The Group closed 2022 with a 39% reduction in direct CO2 emissions compared to the 2018 baseline, approaching its SBTi target of carbon neutrality by 2045.

The first production results of the new kiln system show great potential for the entire industry, because not only sanitaryware production can benefit from this new technology, but also other ceramic sectors such as structural and technical ceramics or tableware. This kiln proves that the complete decarbonisation of ceramic production is not only possible, but also realistic and economically feasible.  

Albert Magrans, CEO at Roca Group, said: “We have a long-term goal to decarbonise our operations and we have been working hard to find solutions that will help us achieve this. This new pan-European partnership not only helps us on our way to net-zero but is also a clear step forward for the industry as a whole”.

Günter Halex, chairman of the Advisory Board at Keramischer OFENBAU added: “This electric kiln proves once again, that our advanced technologies are fit to decarbonise even the CO₂-intensive ceramics industry. Our electrically heated kilns provide our customers with increasing independence from the energy market and allow for sustainable and economical production today and in the decades ahead. This groundbreaking and innovative project shows that our technology can maintain maximum quality in ceramic products while making a positive contribution to our planet”.

European success story for decarbonised ceramics production

With Roca Group with the headquarters based in Spain, the Laufen plant in Austria, and Keramischer OFENBAU in Germany, this joint project is truly a European success story towards a future-proof sanitary industry production in Europe and the world. Further driving the decarbonisation of the entire industry requires intensive development and bold innovation. Through Roca Group Ventures, Roca has acquired a majority stake in Keramischer OFENBAU Holding GmbH, which owns Keramischer OFENBAU GmbH, and is investing in the company’s ability to innovate for the benefit of the entire ceramics industry. The Group is also committed to supporting the company with additional funding to further develop, implement, and market this cutting-edge technology that will shape the future of the industry.  

While both businesses will remain fully independent, this long-term collaboration will strengthen the innovation capabilities of both companies towards their respective decarbonisation goals with a common goal: the sustainable ceramics industry of the future.

[1] According to Cerame Unie, total emissions from the European ceramic industry amount to 19 million tonnes of CO2 annually, which is roughly 1% of Europe’s total industrial emissions covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Sanitaryware industry represent only 2,7% of the total above. https://www.ceramicroadmap2050.eu/chapters/continuing-our-path-towards-climate-neutrality/  

Fresh data from nationwide research shows smart home devices are being used by the majority of Brits on a daily basis and some are leaning on smart technology at least once an hour of their day to manage their homes. Insights reveal the top priorities and suggest that savvy shoppers are turning to trusted media sources to help guide their choices.

A third (37 per cent) of UK households reported owning at least one smart home device designed to support and manage everyday tasks such as lighting, security, heating, and kitchen appliances.

One in ten (10 per cent) people said they have between four to five smart home technology devices set up in their homes, showed the YouGov research of 2000 adults by the digital reading app Readly.

Six in ten (65 per cent) smart home device owners interact with their technology on a daily basis, whereas almost one in ten (9 per cent) use their devices every hour, indicating a shift towards a more connected home lifestyle.

Smart TVs are the most common device in the home, with 62 per cent of Brits watching them at least once a week. Smart hub assistants such as Google Nest and Alexa are the second most popular with fifty percent of people using them on a weekly basis.

Smart devices for listening to music such as speakers are used by 42 per cent of people and are most popular amongst those aged 30-39 (49 per cent), whereas for the over 60s they are used by just 32 per cent.

Home security is also being managed by smart technology with security systems such as video doorbells being used by 33 percent of people.

Health tech continues to be popular with 32 per cent of respondents using fitness trackers and smart watches on a weekly basis.

When it comes to which smart home devices people will invest in this year, the top priorities amongst Brits were reported to be:

1. Security
2. Heating
3. Entertainment
4. Lighting
5. Health monitoring

Chris Couchman, Head of Content at Readly said, “Our subscribers want to read about topics that affect, inspire or enhance their everyday lifestyle and smart-home devices are appearing in the top searches this year. From in-depth features on the latest video doorbells to reviews of the latest fitness tracker and airfryer, to cost efficient, lifestyle enhancing expert tips, it is a popular topic to read around as consumers look to make an informed choice”.

Whilst over half (54%) of respondents reported researching online for their home smart tech information, one in four (40 per cent) said they put their trust in government sites, and a third (35 per cent) look for guidance from the not-for-profit sector. 

28 per cent are turning to friends and family for information on the latest smart home products, and one in ten (9 per cent) are reading up on the latest reviews and recommendations in tech magazines.

  “Tech magazines have long been a trusted source of in-depth analyses, user tips, and the latest updates to keep technology enthusiasts ahead of the curve. This season sees interest in smart home technology peak, and people are doing their research to ensure they get the best fit for their tech spending,” adds Chris

Readly has over 7,000 titles on its platform, including many tech magazines and in-depth articles to stay informed on the latest tech and smart home developments.

Bathroom manufacturer Roca Group is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the UK. Roca UK was founded in 1993 with a small team of just seven people and has gone from strength to strength over the past three decades.

Roca UK began with a focus solely on local merchants, but this soon expanded to include distributors and national merchants, then later into retail and specification. In 1999, Alan Dodds was appointed as the new UK managing director. This same year, Roca Group acquired Swiss sanitaryware brand LAUFEN, a significant moment for the Roca Group as a whole, as it solidified its position as one of the most influential and largest names in the bathroom industry.

Alan was a pivotal figure in shaping Roca UK into the company it is today. Under his leadership, Roca UK consistently achieved year-on-year market growth, driven by an unwavering commitment to quality design, innovation, sustainability and wellbeing. Notable accomplishments during Alan’s tenure include the uniting of Laufen and Roca UK operations and opening the dedicated Roca office, showroom and distribution centre in Ireland. Furthermore, the iconic Roca London Gallery, an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid which also featured the brand-new Armani/Roca Collection, was opened in 2011. Plus, sales of vitreous china exceeded one million pieces for the first time ever in the UK in 2014.

Roca UK has had to weather significant storms too over the years, not least in 2001, when a fire started in the warehouse one July night and completely burned down the office and warehouse facility in Coalville. Undaunted, the team set up a temporary working office in a local hotel, sourced alternative warehousing and were back up and delivering within just one week! Brand new offices and warehouses were built and ready for use the following year, though multiple expansions in the years that followed meant purpose-built larger facilities were ultimately needed.

In 2019, Roca UK relocated to a spacious 145,000 square feet facility in Bardon. This offered substantial advantages, such as a warehouse with 150% more pallet locations compared to its previous site, meeting and conferencing facilities, and expansive showrooms for all the Roca Group brands. In addition, the expanded storage capacity enabled Roca UK to deliver an even more efficient and prompt service to its extensive network of distributors, merchants and retailers across the nation.

In 2022, Alan Dodds (pictured) adopted the new role of Chairman for Roca UK and Ireland, and, in turn, promoted
Rashpal Sidhu to assume the role of managing director and ensure the continued success and growth of Roca UK.

“When I look back at everything that we’ve achieved over the last 30 years, I couldn’t be more proud,” says Alan Dodds, Chairman of Roca UK and Ireland. “From our modest beginnings to today, what defines our business is
our people. Roca UK really does have a family culture, which probably explains why our staff retention is high and
we have a significant number of people who’ve been here for over 20 years, even one person for 30 years, here since day one! I’m excited to see what the future brings. Here’s to the next 30 years!”