kbb Birmingham, the UK’s leading kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition, has marked its 40th anniversary with a dynamic edition at the NEC from 1–4 March. The four-day event welcomed almost 16,000 visitors, including retailers, designers, developers and installers, exploring displays from 320 exhibitors across 26 categories.
Jon Johnston, kbb Birmingham sales director, commented: “What an incredible celebration of our industry this special, 40th edition has been. A huge thank you to all our colleagues in the KBB community, whose support made this year’s event such an outstanding success. We were delighted to have welcomed such a strong mix of returning exhibitors, new brands making their debuts, together with a diverse international representation from over 20 countries, all showcasing the very best in KBB design and innovation.”
Show-stopping stands
The kbb Birmingham 2026 Stand Awards were announced on day one, recognising creative use of space and materials. Winners included:
Best Kitchen over 30sqm – Rotpunkt
Best Kitchen under 30sqm – Daniel George Kitchens
Best Bathroom over 30sqm – Ca’Pietra
Best Bathroom under 30sqm – Bonavit
Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, said: “2026 marked our 14th consecutive year at kbb Birmingham. The show is a fantastic networking environment, and winning Best Kitchen Stand is a proud achievement for the brand and our new 2026 collection.”
innovation in focus
House of Rohl UK and Aqualisa returned with smart showers, Victoria + Albert’s Lussari baths, and Vetralla basins. Michael Bennett, head of commercialisation, said: “kbb Birmingham has been a brilliant platform to showcase our latest innovations and connect with both new and longstanding partners.”
inSinkErator highlighted its COMPOST CADDY EASY strategy and instant hot water taps, alongside the LEDefense sink flange. Ashley Munden, managing director EMEA, said: “This year’s event was full of energy and provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the industry… it is a key moment in our calendar which we look forward to each time it comes around.”
2026 Innovation Awards
The People’s Choice Award went to Sensio Lighting’s Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting System. The Judge’s Choice was Flova UK’s DripFree® Rainshower. The Sustainability Award was won by Finsa for its Fimapan Bio BDecor. Ben Hughes, UK sales director at Finsa, commented: “Topping it all off by winning the Sustainability prize was a truly proud moment for the Finsa team.”
Forty rubber ducks were hidden across the show floor to celebrate four decades, offering visitors prizes from Ca’Pietra, Smeg, Bidbury & Co, Rangemaster, Abode and more. Sam Fisher, kbb Birmingham event director, also presented the inaugural Andy Bishop Award posthumously. He said: “I’m so proud to be celebrating four decades of kbb Birmingham as the industry’s meeting place… the stands reflected the creativity and dedication of our exhibitors and partners.”
kbb Birmingham returns to the NEC from 5–8 March 2028.