Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants

Welcome to a special edition of our podcast, coming to you live from Abingdon & Witney College. In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Davies and Steve Breen from VitrA to explore their ambitious five-week roadshow across the UK. This conversation goes beyond the surface, diving into how VitrA is addressing the industry’s growing skills gap, their innovative approach to supporting independent...

Welcome to a very special edition of Movers & Shakers. Today, we are joined by Daphne Doody-Green, the newly appointed CEO of the Bathroom Association . Daphne brings a powerhouse of experience to the sector, having spent 24 years at the CIPD, where she championed HR leadership, change management, and people management . Now, she is pivoting that expertise toward a new mission: leading the Bat...

Welcome to a very special edition of Movers & Shakers, recorded at the NEC KBB 2026. Today, we are joined by an industry veteran who has seen it all—from his early days in DIY at age 16 to serving as a Purchasing Director and even founding a successful online retail empire. Our guest is Paul Dwyer, the man currently steering the ship at Thomas Crapper, one of the most iconic and recognizable b...

Welcome to this special episode of Movers & Shakers , the show where we dive deep into the trends and leaders shaping our industry. Today, we are joined by a guest who has navigated the highest levels of British politics to champion the "life chances agenda." Tom Pursglove is a veteran Conservative politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Corby for nine years. Throughout his parli...

Welcome to another episode of  Movers & Shakers the show where we sit down with the leaders defining the future of our industry. I’m your host, and today we are thrilled to welcome  David Ventris-Field . David is the  Event Director for the Installer Show , a role he stepped into after serving as Sales Director for the event. With over  20 years of experience  spanning events, exhibitions, med...

🎙️ New Podcast Episode | Movers & Shakers What does it really take to stand out in today’s KBB market? In our latest episode of Movers & Shakers, we’re joined by Simon Plumbridge, Head of Gaggenau UK & Ireland, who shares honest insight into: How the KBB market is changing Why training and education are now critical to success The role of people, culture, and leadership in premium reta...

Welcome to a brand-new episode of Movers & Shakers with your host, Simon Acres. Today we’re joined by Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS — the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists. Damian leads the UK’s only government-sanctioned, not-for-profit institute dedicated to raising standards across the fitted interiors industry — from installers to retailers, manufacturers and consumers alike...

We’re excited to share the latest episode of Movers and Shakers, hosted by Simon Akers, featuring Jonathan Stanley from Caesarstone UK. If you’re curious about the engineered stone industry, the evolution of premium kitchen surfaces, or professional development in the KBB sector, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of our podcast, we sat down with Michael Linsky, a leading figure at Sensio Group, to explore the journey of one of the UK’s most innovative lighting companies, from its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name across kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and beyond. Michael’s story is one of passion, persistence, and people, showing how the right mix of innovation and education can t...

Welcome to Movers & Shakers — the Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom, and merchant industries podcast by Simon Acres. Today, we’re very pleased to be joined by Neil Jones, Managing Director of Blanco West Europe. In this episode, Neil takes us through Blanco’s heritage and evolution, how they’re supporting retailers with showrooms and displays, the challenges and opportunities in today’s market, and t...

Welcome to the Movers & Shakers Podcast by Simon Acres. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Hyde to talk about apprenticeships in the furniture industry. Chris explains how training for apprentices under 21 is now fully subsidized, making it easier than ever to gain valuable skills. We discuss what makes a great apprenticeship experience, from learning the craft to reflecting on your work,...

Movers & Shakers Podcast: Supporting the Kitchen Industry with Aron Collins & Steve Allen In this special edition of the Movers and Shakers series from Simon Acres Group, Simon sits down in Chester with Aron Collins from Dunavox and Steve Allen to talk about the kitchen industry, the value of collaboration, and how to inspire the next generation of professionals. What is this podcast episo...

Behind the Hinges: How Blum Is Shaping the Future of the KBB Industry Insights from Andrea Hillier on the Movers & Shakers Podcast by Simon Acres GroupThe kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom (KBB) industry is evolving — and at the heart of that evolution is Blum, a name synonymous with intelligent design, user-centric innovation, and long-term industry leadership. In the latest episode of the Mover...

Legislation changes for ventilation in kitchen and bathroomsThe need for installers and retailers to be aware of new legislation relating to ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms, is highlighted in the latest Movers & Shakers film from Simon Acres Group Limited. Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres spoke with Carolyn Newton-Brown, head of UK Reseller Channel and Ian Palmer, Head of UK Specificati...

Day True Hayley Robson feature in new Movers and Shakers film from Simon AcresAward winning designer Hayley Robson at Day True is the latest designer to take part in the ‘Movers and Shakers’ series with Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres. Hayley who is Creative Director and co-founder of the business shared the ethos of the Day True difference and their approach to design, which is focused on how t...

Day True Hayley Robson feature in new Movers and Shakers film from Simon AcresAward winning designer Hayley Robson at Day True is the latest designer to take part in the ‘Movers and Shakers’ series with Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres. Hayley who is Creative Director and co-founder of the business shared the ethos of the Day True difference and their approach to design, which is focused on how t...

Breaking Down Barriers to ApprenticeshipsDuring our Careers Day events, we uncovered several barriers that deter businesses from hiring apprentices. Many of these obstacles stem from misinformation or uncertainty about where to find reliable information. The apprenticeship process can be complex and, unfortunately, is often poorly promoted. This can lead business owners to abandon their search for...

The Movers and Shakers film with Maria Stapperfenne – US-based designerKBB and merchant services provider Simon Acres Group (SAGL) has released a new film in its Movers & Shakers series, with Maria Stapperfenne, a certified kitchen and bathroom designer, and past president of the NKBA, which was filmed at the KBIS exhibition in Orlando, earlier this year. The film is the second that looks at t...

KBB industry behind “the Pond” Simon Acres interviewing Sharon L. Sherman during KBIS 2023 in Las VegasSimon Acres interviewing Sharon L. Sherman during KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas As we prepare for KBIS 2024, let’s take a moment to look back at some memorable insights from Thyme & Design’s owner, Sharon L Sherman, a true Mover and Shaker in our industry. In her first Smart tip, Sharon shares valua...

Stephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres videoStephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres video  Quooker UK MD Stephen Johnson  has called on the industry to invest in young people and address the skills crisis, in the latest Movers & Shakers film from Simon Acres Group. Johnson said that the industry needs to attract and train more young people for t...

Stephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres videoStephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up in new Simon Acres video  Quooker UK MD Stephen Johnson  has called on the industry to invest in young people and address the skills crisis, in the latest Movers & Shakers film from Simon Acres Group. Johnson said that the industry needs to attract and train more young people for t...

Breaking Barriers: The Power of Diversity in Business – I Stephanie Boyce and Janie Frampton OBEWelcome to “Breaking Barriers: The Power of Diversity in Business,” the podcast that delves deep into the transformative impact of diversity on the corporate landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic narratives, insightful conversations, and real-life stories that showcase the undeniable influence of...

Why KBB Apprentice Swap was a great idea for young employees

🔊 New Podcast Episode – A Must-Listen for KBB Professionals! 🔊 In our latest Movers & Shakers podcast, we bring you not just one, but two industry powerhouses! 🎙️ Join us as we sit down with Malcolm Scott from the KBSA and Owain Harrison from KBBG, who collectively share nearly 100 years of experience in the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry. 💡 How did they start their journeys in the...