The kbbreview Podcast

This is the last of our very special Insights 2026 series of daily episodes where we talk to leaders at some of the biggest brands in the kitchen and bathroom industry.We're getting their candid evaluations and conclusions for business in 2025 and seeing what their thoughts, predictions and plans are for 2026 - a proper snapshot of where the sector is as we head into a new year.And we're finishing up with one of the most well-known names in the kitchen industry - Aga Rangemaster. It is going through a resurgence under new MD Dominic Worsley thanks to a focus on the power of the brand and what it really means for customers - and that's a lesson even the smallest retailer can learn from.So what plans does Dominic have for 2026, what are his thoughts on an unpredictable and crowded appliance market, and just how important are independent kitchen studios?We actually did a full profile interview episode with Dominic a couple of months ago so if you want to find out more about his plans we really recommend going back to listen to that - you can find all the links here.It's all in this final Insights 2026 episode and if you've missed any of the others, I really do recommend going back and having a listen. You can find them at kbbreview.com/podcast or simply search 'kbbreview' wherever you get your podcasts.And, of course, you find out more about Aga Rangemaster at agarangemaster.com.

Host Andy Davies continues the daily Insight 2026 series of deep-dives with leaders from some of the biggest brands in the UK kitchen and bathroom market uncovering their honest assessments of 2025 and their expectations, predictions and plans for the year ahead.In this episode, Wes McKenna, group sales and marketing director at Uform, joins the conversation. After a challenging and unpredictable 2025, Wes shares why he believes steady recovery, meaningful innovation and standout service will define 2026 - and why those themes matter for every business, big or small.It's a focused, top-level snapshot of where the market is heading as we approach a new year so don't miss it!Find out more about Uform at uform.co.uk

In this episode, host Andy Davies explores the big design shifts of 2025 and the emerging trends for 2026 with Aimee Fletcher, product and development manager at Egger UK.From textures to tones to the tactile details influencing future furniture design, Aimee lifts the lid on how Egger helps steer the industry’s creative direction and what retailers and designers should be ready for next year.Find out more about Egger at egger.com

Host Andrew Davies sits down with Danny Lay from Caple for an in-depth discussion on 2025 and what’s ahead in 2026, focusing on appliances, distribution, and the trends shaping the kitchen sector.With decades of experience at the forefront of both industries, Danny shares invaluable insights and practical perspectives that every business can learn from.Learn more about Caple at caple.co.uk

In this double-header episode of our continuing Insight 2026 series, host Andrew Davies chats with MD Steve Breen and marketing director Ruth Davies from VitrA, for a frank look at 2025 and the company’s ambitious plans for 2026.From market realities to big-picture strategy, this candid conversation offers a unique snapshot of a leading global brand in the UK kitchen and bathroom sector - with a surprising personal twist about Christmas presents you won’t see coming.Discover more about VitrA at vitra.co.uk

Host Andrew Davies sits down with Simeon Gabriel, UK managing director of Hettich, for a sharp look at how 2025 has played out and what the industry should prepare for in 2026.With Hettich’s worldwide perspective - and Simeon’s knack for cutting through the noise - this episode delivers practical, thought-provoking takeaways for businesses of every size. A clear, top-level view of where the sector stands as we move into a new year.You can find out more about Hettich here.

In this first episode of our special of Insights 2026 series of episodes, Andy Davies sits down with industry leaders for their frank take on their evaluation of 2025 and what’s on the horizon for 2026.We start with Dave Hance from Bathroom Brands. After a turbulent year, he and co-founder Pat Riley are back at the helm, injecting fresh energy into one of the UK’s most influential bathroom suppliers. Dave offers a candid, honest look at the company’s reset, its ambitions, and where the business goes next.A sharp, top-level snapshot of the sector as we head into a new year.Find out more about Bathroom Brands at bathroombrands.com.This is sponsored content.

It’s the final full episode of 2025 and host Andy Davies is joined by our resident retailers Trevor Scott from RFK, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington and Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens to unpack last week's budget, ask whether 2025 was really as bad as it felt, and look ahead to what 2026 might have in store.There might also be a cheeky Christmas quiz at the end...But fear not, kbbreview podcast fans, this isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of something special. We’re launching a daily run of bonus episodes featuring leaders from some of the biggest brands in the industry, giving their verdict on 2025 and predictions for 2026. The first drops TOMORROW (Friday, December 5th), then every weekday through to Monday, December 15th.And then comes the big one: on Tuesday, December 16th we reveal the finalists for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026.Think of it as your kbbreview podcast advent calendar… kicking off right now.And don’t forget, tickets are on sale now for the legendary kbbreview Retail & Design Awards on March 2nd at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole - that's the Monday night of the KBB show. Join around 900 of the industry’s top retailers, designers, suppliers and influencers… and Andy.Everything you need to know is at kbbreview.com/awards.

]Meet Rising Star Max Hitchcox of Point 5 Kitchens in London.In this latest instalment of our special Rising Star mini-series, George Dean introduces you to another young name set to shape the future of the KBB industry. This week’s guest is Max Hitchcox, the articulate designer helping drive the growth of Point 5 Kitchens - the retailer many of you may remember from our “Adopted Retailer” journey as it opened its second showroom.Think of this as a backdoor sequel to that story, as Max reveals how his role is woven into the day-to-day running of the new space and what fuels his ambition as one of this year’s Rising Star finalists.Proudly supported by Blum, we’re shining a light on the next generation of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom talent — and Max is absolutely one to watch.We'll be revealing the overall winner at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 event on March 2nd at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole - that's the Mon day night of the KBB show. The make sure you don't miss out on the biggest night in the kbb calendar, book your tickets now at kbbreview.com/awards.