BATHROOM PODS
A SECTOR IN CONSTANT MOTION
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is a government sanctioned, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to improving standards within the industry. Chief Executive Damian Walters spoke to us about where ‘pod technology‘ fits into what they provide?
1 Launched in 2006, the Institute represents the installation sector in the UK and works with professional installers, retailers and manufacturers, whilst providing consumers access to free practical advice and an informed choice. Representing the largest network of independently accredited kitchen and bathroom installation specialists, BiKBBI delivers across three core pillars – education, standards and support. “Working with enormous volume, with experience working with several retailers, it was clear back in 2006 that there was a need for an association to support the sector,” says Damian. “No barriers to entry, little compliance, no real routes to education – either
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for newcomers via apprenticeships or for the time served installer – and an unacceptable level of consumer complaints that rose each year, led me to explore an organisation that could address these topics.” Away from the retail consumer sector, the growth in offsite construction has seen the kitchen and bathroom pod manufacture and supply base expand across a range of sectors from healthcare and education to student accommodation. Arguably, it is currently one of the aspects of offsite manufacture where some of the greatest efficiencies rest. How is the Institute grappling with the changes in production and consumption?
WWW.OFFSITEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY/AUGUST 2020
“Simply speaking, the industry has a responsibility to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the market and our environment,” says Damian. “We must all explore new ways of working with a view to continually improve the service we deliver, especially considering the environmental impacts that ‘tradition’ brings, coupled with the very real challenge of the widening skills gap crisis we’re experiencing globally. “If we can reduce our carbon footprint, relieve some of the reliance for on-site assembly from a shrinking workforce and do so whilst ensuring quality is maintained, then BiKBBI is more that supportive of the prospect of offsite construction – be that from
