Providing an opportunity for UK and US based trade professionals to learn from one another, Simon Acres is hosting a panel discussion at InstallerSHOW New York. Taking place on the InstallerPLAZA stage on 19^th March 2026, the discussion will be broadcast live on Simon Acres Group’s YouTube channel, bringing the action directly to UK installers from across the pond.

The live discussion will take place at 4pm (GMT) and will focus on comparing the skills gap in the UK and US markets. Managing Director of Simon Acres Group, a specialist KBB and construction recruitment consultancy, Simon Acres will host the session with the aim of drawing practical solutions from the expert panellists to help address the current shortage of skilled installers across both markets.

Alongside Simon, the panel will consist of four exceptionally knowledgeable industry leaders:

• Sharon L. Sherman: An award-winning interior designer, certified kitchen designer, and founder of Thyme & Place Design. Based in New Jersey, Sharon is a stalwart of the design community and a respected member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Her expertise bridges design excellence with real-world installation considerations, offering a must-hear perspective for anyone working on projects that demand both beautiful design and flawless execution.
• Mark Rosenhaus: An established New York-based designer with a strong background in interior architecture, as well as kitchen and bathroom design. A long-time contributor to the NKBA community and owner of Rosenhaus Design Group, Mark brings a practical design perspective to discussions around installations, client expectations, and how installers and designers can work together more effectively.
• Mark Conacher: A highly experienced leader with more than 30 years in the KBB industry, Mark is the CEO of KBB Momentum, a consultancy service for installers. Having built his career on both sides of the Atlantic, he combines practical installation experience with a deep understanding of marketing, branding, and business development. A long-time advocate for the skilled trades, Mark serves as an Executive Advisor to the British Institute of Fitted Interior Specialists (BIFIS) and is passionate about helping installers and installation companies build stronger, more sustainable businesses.
• Eric Marshall: Serving as a Global Connect Advisor for the NKBA, Eric is a prominent figure in the US storage and closet industry and co-founder of the Closet Training Institute. His role with the NKBA is to assist manufacturers in navigating the complexities of entering the North American kitchen and bath market. The Global Connect initiative aligns with the NKBA’s broader mission to inspire, educate and lead the US kitchen and bath industry.

Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group, comments: “We are delighted to be involved in the first ever InstallerSHOW in New York. Following the huge success of InstallerSHOW in the UK, the New York exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for UK and US installers to connect, share insights, and learn from one another. To help enable this, we wanted to ensure that content from the show is easily accessible to UK installers, which is why our panel discussion will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel. By bringing together leading industry experts, we hope to explore practical solutions to the challenges facing installers today and inspire change across both markets.”

In addition to the panel discussion, Simon Acres will host a presentation with Mark Conacher on the Technical Theatre stage. Taking place on 18^th March at 11:30am (EST), the session will explore the UK apprentice model and how it compares to the trade career routes in North America. Furthermore, Simon Acres Group will be filming other exclusive content at the exhibition, including interviews with industry professionals to inspire installers back in the UK.

For further information on the panel discussion that Simon Acres is hosting at InstallerSHOW New York, please visit: www.simonacres.co.uk/installer-show-new-york/. For any recruitment or training enquiries, 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 is hosting a panel discussion at InstallerSHOW New York. Left to right: Mark Conacher, Eric Marshall, Simon Acres, Sharon L. Sherman and Mark Rosenhaus

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

16^th February 2026

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