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The kbbreview Podcast
The verdict on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026
Season 16, Ep. 11
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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.
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Insights 2026: David Hance, Bathroom Brands
15:17||Season 16In 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.
BONUS: Rising Star 2026 - Max Hitchcox
17:55||Season 16]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.
AWARDS 2026 BONUS: Meet Richard Sloan from Sonas Bathrooms
14:40||Season 16In this special awards edition of The kbbreview Podcast, host Matt Baker kicks off the countdown to the 2026 kbbreview Retail & Design Awards.Entries have officially closed and judging is under way, with the all-important finalists reveal coming right here on the podcast before Christmas.Before that, we’re shining a spotlight on our 2026 Awards Podcast Partner Sonas Bathrooms. Matt sits down with CEO Richard Sloan for a brisk “how’s business?” catch-up and a look at the real conversations happening with retailers as Sonas hits the road across the UK.With bonus awards episodes coming thick and fast between now and the big night on March 2nd, this is your perfect warm-up...
BONUS: Rising Star 2026 - Holly Magee
16:11||Season 16Meet Rising Star finalist Holly Magee — the creative newcomer shaking things up at Elysee Kitchens and Interiors in Ascot.In this episode of The kbbreview Podcast, host George Dean continues our special mini-series celebrating the bright young talents shortlisted for the Rising Star category in the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026.Holly may have only been with Elysee for a year, but she’s already made a remarkable impact — juggling projects, driving creativity, and proving exactly why the future of the KBB industry is in safe, and very capable, hands.We’ve once again partnered with Blum to shine a spotlight on the next generation of retail and design leaders, and Holly’s story is one you won’t want to miss.
10. What do you do when products fail and who's responsible for picking up the bill?
32:17||Season 16, Ep. 10This week on The kbbreview Podcast, host Andy Davies is back (slightly croaky but fighting on!) alongside our full expert panel — Trevor Scott from RFK, Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens, Justine Bullock from The Tap End and Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington — for a brilliantly lively and brutally honest discussion.We’re diving into one of the industry’s biggest headaches: what really happens when products fail on site or deliveries turn up damaged.Is it actually possible to check goods properly under the time pressures suppliers give you? Do you get the support you need when things go wrong — or does it feel like no one believes you? And the big one… who should pick up the cost when disaster strikes?If you’ve ever lost hours of your life wrestling with faulty products, replacement claims or damaged deliveries, this episode is for you. Packed with real-world insight, practical frustrations, and a few laughs along the way, it’s a must-listen for anyone in the kitchen and bathroom industry.Hit play and join the conversation!
9. Why should retailers bother entering KBB industry awards?
29:48||Season 16, Ep. 9This week on The kbbreview Podcast, we’re rolling out the red carpet and tearing open the gold envelopes because it’s all about awards.Host Andy Davies is joined by his all-star panel of retailers - Trevor Scott from RFK in Rugby, Justine Bullock from The Tap End near Cardiff, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington in Macclesfield and Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens in Milton KeynesAnd they’re digging into the big questions:Why should you bother entering awards in the first place?How do you craft a winning entry that stands out?And once you’ve won (or even just been shortlisted), how do you turn that into a prime marketing advantage?Of course, it’s also a shameless plug for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2026 because entries close at 5pm on Thursday November 13th! and you can check out all the categories and enter now at kbbreview.com/awards.This episode is proudly supported by our 2026 Awards Podcast Partner Sonas Bathrooms and you can find them at sonasbathrooms.com.
BONUS: Jorge Hernandez, Bathroom Brands
20:21||Season 16What makes a bathroom brand truly stand out? Andy Davies talks to Jorge Hernandez, Head of Design at Bathroom Brands, about how the power of differentiating by design drives the look and feel of Crosswater, Burlington, Britton, Clearwater, and the recently added Showerwall. They explore why great design at every price point isn’t just about style, it’s about helping retailers stand apart too.This episode is sponsored content
8. Are supplier trips worth the time away from the showroom?
37:51||Season 16, Ep. 8Pack your wheelie case and dig out that itinerary — this week on The kbbreview Podcast, host Andy Davies is joined by regulars Trevor Scott from RFK, Justine Bullock from The Tap End near Cardiff, Nick Warrington from Stuart J Warrington in Macclesfield and Liz Pantling-Jones from Lima Kitchens in Milton Keynes to talk all things supplier trips.Are these factory visits and overseas events really worth the time away from the business? Do they actually change how you see a brand — or are they just thinly disguised jollies and perks of the job?The team share the moments that genuinely changed their perception of a supplier, and their tips for making these trips truly worthwhile.And, what you all really want to hear, we hear their best, and worst, experiences - strategically shaved reps in Germany, dancing bears in Russia, soggy feet in Venice and getting gout from over-indulgence in Spain, we cover a LOT of ground in this one!It’s all here in another lively, honest and slightly sleep-deprived episode of The kbbreview Podcast.