Design Buy Build Issue 30 2018 | Page 28

A world of innovation for a world of change Celebrating an impressive 32 years, kbb The Innovation Awards, in partnership with Birmingham, the UK’s largest and most established blum, aim to discover brands that are producing kitchen, bedroom and bathroom event, returns to products, methods and ideas to help shape the the NEC, Birmingham from 4th – 7th March 2018. future of the industry. The award entries will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges including Following the success of last year’s theme, Future, kbb’s Brand Director, Joel Butler - winners will be kbb continues to forecast forthcoming trends announced at the show. and challenges facing the UK kbb community, identified by content partner, AMA research. This year’s kbb Retail and Design conference will Bringing you a world of innovation for a world of provide practical advice to grow businesses in a change. The four trends are: world of change. Combining topics such as; How to... survive a recession and come out stronger, 1. Society: Evolving customer behaviours alter How to… design the 4G bathroom, How to… keep the meaning of lifestyle design, e.g. DIY up with the latest materials and colours, plus much conscious early adopters outsource cutting more. edge design and smart space innovations 2. 3. fuelling the installer skills shortage Kbb Birmingham 2018 sees the return of great Smart technology: Be it future or fad, ‘smart’ British companies along with new international is creating new possibilities for those on exhibitors including, Smeg, Sensio, Perrin & Rowe, both sides of the debate, e.g. virtual reality Villeroy & Boch, Crosswater, Karonia, Caple, transforms showroom buying behaviours and Franke, Nolte, Blanco, Samsung, Dansani and voice recognition modifies our use of space Blum. Disruption as opportunity: ‘Disruptors’ change the construction landscape, heralding new design opportunities, e.g. uncertainty surrounding Brexit stimulates house price stagnation driving a growing refurbishment market fuelled by mature, equity-rich homeowners undertaking big ticket kitchen and bathroom projects 4. Materiality: UK consumers demand higher Brand Director at kbb, Joel Butler commented, “I’m really looking forward to another successful year at kbb Birmingham, and particularly how the community will explore and learn from this year’s theme. We’re welcoming a range of new and returning exhibitors, all of which will showcase a high calibre of products, methods and ideas. I would recommend visitors try and spend more than one day at the show.” quality products and materials, e.g. worktops continue to dominate the kitchen furniture Join the conversation with 16,000 industry market driving innovation and diversification buyers. Visit www.kbb.co.uk for further in the surfaces sector information. 28