The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (iKBBI) has recently announced that retail giant B&Q have pledged support to the Installation Standards Partnership – an initiative that was launched in 2012.
B&Q, the largest UK home improvement retailer, has joined the 5-stage initiative, which has an objective to define best practice and create the UK’s first independent industry standard for the installation of Kitchen,Bedroom and Bathroom products.
Speaking on behalf of B&Q, Justin Adgar, B&Q Homefit National Operations Manager, commented on the announcement by saying: ‘At B&Q we are absolutely committed to offering our customers the best possible experience. B&Q will work in partnership with the iKBBI and share the common purpose of raising the skills, value and perception of the professional installer’.
Launched in 2007, The iKBBI, which is a not-for-profit registered and government sanctioned institute dedicated to the Kitchen Bedroom and Bathroom industry, has an objective to define and raise installation standards, whilst supporting reputable installation businesses and providing the UK consumer with an informed choice.
The Installation Standards Partnership will involve those participating retailers joining forces for the first time to address the wider perspective issue of installation standards, whilst leading change and supporting their respective installer populous.
The first stage involves the independent accreditation of the participating retailers’ installer population against a set foundation criteria which covers the basics including their compliance to gas & electrical regulation, their insurance credentials and their history within the industry. This criteria, over time, will be developed to meet the needs of the ever changing regulation that relates to property development.
The combined working of some of the UK’s leading Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom brands will form a truly unique approach to the challenge of reducing the number of KBB installation related complaints, which was reported at a staggering £69m in 2011-12.
iKBBI director Damian Walters said: “I’m delighted that B&Q has committed to positive change together with Tesco and John Lewis. This provides a great platform to start the process of defining standards to the benefit of the entire industry. The fact that these businesses have stepped up and committed is quite admirable and I hope that others will soon follow to support the task of positive change.”
For more details on the iKBBI or the Installations Standards Partnership go to
www.ikbbi.org.uk or call 6th Jun 2017