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Simon Acres Group Indentifies Pillars of Growth at KBB Futures Roundtable

Specialist recruitment consultancy, and online training provider, Simon Acres Group Limited has established a powerful set of recommendations to drive resilience in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) sector, following its inaugural KBB Futures roundtable event.

Held at The Brewery in London on 4th December 2025 and sponsored by BLANCO, Caesarstone, and Sensio, the roundtable brought a broad cross-section of the KBB industry together. The expert panel shared insights, innovations and practical solutions to drive a strong and sustainable future for the sector. Chaired by Andrew Gaved, Editor at Large, Lyrical Communications, the session included a forward-looking dialogue about labour shortages, modular construction, the future of design and how SMEs can take control of their own growth.

Among the many contributions, Derek Williams, Quality Director, Achieve and Partners, emphasised that in today’s flat market, KBB specialists must focus on gaining market share through differentiation, stronger USPs and better staff training to articulate value. He also underlined the power of unified industry action, the need to reinforce incentives for hiring apprentices and coming together to lobby for specific education needs. Derek’s forward and actionable approach resonated strongly with the group, earning him a KBB Futures Outstanding Ideas recognition.

Further pillars of growth identified during the session include:

  • The growing importance of multigenerational, future-ready, inclusive design to make the home accessible and comfortable for the whole family
  • Engage directly with the rapidly growing modular housing sector, opening new supply pathways for KBB manufacturers and retailers
  • Take control of your own messaging. Personal social media reach is one of the most powerful tools
  • Use AI to support with your supply chain efficiencies through data-driven forecasting
  • Articulate the industry’s value earlier (in schools) and louder to attract young talent

Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group, comments: “Our first KBB Futures roundtable event was a huge success. The session proved that the solutions our industry needs already exist within our own community. By sharing knowledge, embracing new technologies and engaging more effectively with young people, we can build a stronger and more resilient KBB sector. A huge thank you goes to our sponsors, Andrew Gaved as our chair and all of our incredible participants. The room was full of enthusiasm and brilliant ideas, and the pillars of growth that we established give us a clear roadmap for where to focus our energy next.”

The full list of outcomes will be published on the Simon Acres Group website alongside a forum where the industry can leave comments. A series of film snippets capturing highlights from the event will also be released over the coming months. The conversation will then continue at the next KBB Futures roundtable event, which is taking place on Wednesday 24th June at InstallerSHOW at the NEC in Birmingham.

Simon adds: “We’re thrilled to be growing our collaboration with InstallerSHOW. It’s the perfect platform for the next KBB Futures roundtable and a huge opportunity to invite a wider audience to the next discussion.”

For further information on KBB Futures or Simon Acres Group, please call the team on 0203 701 6660, email info@simonacres.co.uk or visit www.simonacres.co.uk.

Ends

Image caption:
1. Simon Acres Group hosted the inaugural KBB Futures roundtable event on Thursday 4th December at The Brewery, London

About Simon Acres Group Limited:
Simon Acres Group is a specialist KBB and construction recruitment consultancy that strives to make a positive impact by nurturing talent and providing a one-stop solution of comprehensive services for businesses. In 2024, Simon Acres Group acquired Oval Deene Recruitment to strengthen its specialist recruitment services. Beyond this, the group provides accredited online training courses to help businesses thrive, as well as media production, web development and other services to support businesses. Using its experience, knowledge and the diversity of its teams’ skills, Simon Acres Group Limited can add value in recruitment, training and digital media to KBB or merchant companies, offering a range of solutions that support business growth.

For further press information and images please contact:
Tessa at jmm PR
Tel: 01536 414555
Email: tessa@jmmpr.co.uk

15th December 2025

About jmm PR:
jmm PR is an award-winning kitchens and bathrooms PR agency that offers a range of bespoke and innovative marketing services that can make a real difference to your business.

With decades of experience and proven success in raising the profiles and awareness of brands and businesses, jmm PR has extensive public relations and commercial knowledge, which can effectively contribute to the growth of your business. In addition, services include writing press releases, proof reading and copywriting, plus campaign and event support, social media and influencer planning and marketing.

jmm PR offers solutions for businesses of all sizes, including PR packages designed to support SMEs in addition to annual press office management to complement marketing plans of larger organisations.

For more information, please visit the website www.jmmpr.co.uk or contact the team on 01536 414555 or contact@jmmpr.co.uk

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