The debate around engineered stone and silica is moving quickly. Australia has banned it, California is considering strict limits and, here in the UK, the HSE is focusing on making sure it is fabricated safely.

But what does all this mean for independent kitchen and bathroom retailers?

This week, our retailer panel discusses how much they really know about the way their worktops are fabricated, what happens when stone needs cutting or drilling on site, whether retailers should be policing their own supply chains and where responsibility ultimately lies.

And it leads to a much bigger question: with so many rules and regulations to comply with, how are independent retailers supposed to know if they're getting everything right?

Plus, a reminder that entries are now open for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2027 – but the closing date is Thursday, November 12, and there will be no extensions. Find out everything you need to know at kbbreview.com/awards.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't scroll past this one!

The very fact that you probably rolled your eyes when you saw this episode was about sustainability is at the heart of today's discussion.

Climate change is obviously an enormous issue affecting humanity and, as a result, sustainability is one of the biggest talking points among kitchen and bathroom manufacturers.

But why does no one seem to actually care when they’re buying a new kitchen or bathroom? And is that why retailers don't really seem to care either?

In this episode of the show, host Andy Davies is joined by our regular retailer panel to ask why sustainability remains such a difficult sales message. Do customers ask about it? Are retailers reluctant to bring it up? Can water-saving and energy-saving products actually sound like a compromise rather than a benefit?

And, crucially, what would have to change before sustainability became something retailers actively wanted to use to sell kitchens and bathrooms?

Don't forget! Entries are now open for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2027. For everything you need to know, go to kbbreview.com/awards

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is franchising suddenly booming in the KBB industry?

Ripples managing director Paul Crow joins Andy Davies to discuss how the bathroom franchise has almost doubled its showroom network in five years – despite an unpredictable retail market where footfall remains under pressure.

Paul explains why attitudes towards franchising have changed, why Ripples has deliberately resisted chasing growth for growth’s sake and why the company is now preparing to recruit franchisees again.

They also discuss the changing nature of independent retail, the benefits of sharing knowledge across a network and why Paul believes the relationship between retailers and some major suppliers is becoming increasingly disconnected.

And could the next generation of Ripples include existing independents converting their showrooms?

Don't forget that entries are OPEN for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2027. The closing date is November 12th and everything you need to know is at kbbreview.com/awards

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.