The KBSA and corporate member Quooker has launched a unique £250,000 support package for kitchen retailers, designed to encourage people back to the high street and into independent showrooms across the country.

Quooker are supporting the KBSA by investing their skills and expertise in a marketing campaign aimed at driving consumers into a high street kitchen showroom. The campaign has already begun with a full colour advert, which appeared in the Daily Telegraph newspaper on 08 October. Further key positions have been secured in the national press, such as the Sunday Times and the Guardian, as well as kitchen magazines and all well-known home interest titles such as Homes & Gardens and Ideal Home. These will be supported by a targeted direct mail and digital campaign that will run until the end of November.

Stephen Johnson, managing director at Quooker said: “The Covid crisis and resultant financial pressures have shaken independent businesses nationwide, forcing us through some of the toughest trading conditions this industry has ever had to face. Having grown up in the KBB industry and as a longstanding supporter of the independent kitchen retail sector, I passionately believe we have a responsibility to support wherever possible. I knew I had to respond when I saw a post made by Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert, at the height of the Covid pandemic, calling on the industry to help the independent kitchen dealer network”.

KBSA national chair Richard Hibbert said, “This major package, which will benefit not only Kbsa members but a global audience of independent retailers, will reach a massive audience and provide a huge boost to business”.

“We are immensely grateful to Quooker for kick-starting this initiative and hope that others will join them in coming forward, to work in partnership with us, and support our campaign, during these challenging times.

“This is the beginning of a long–term commitment by the Kbsa to fulfil our aims of protecting, supporting and promoting independent showrooms, and the environment in which they operate. Working together we know that can encourage people back to the high street and into independent showrooms across the country.”

The Kbsa is the only trade association operating specifically for kbb industry, and represents independent kbb specialists. It was founded in 1978. Over 100 brands supplying the industry support the Association and its key objective of promoting the professionalism and excellence available from the independent specialist retailer.