The managing director of the KBBG (Der Kreis UK) reports on how its supplier showcase successfully attracted current and new members to its stand which was shared for the first time with the KBSA

“For the 40th anniversary of the show, we wanted to create a real sense of community at KBB Birmingham” says Owain Harrison, managing director of the KBBG, the UK arm of Der Kreis, following the four-day expo. “We were constantly busy every day, which resulted in many introductions and new independent retailer members, while our current members came to view the numerous kitchen furniture and appliances, lighting, bathroom, shower room and seating products that our supplier partners were featuring on the stand.

For 2026, the KBBG maximised its presence by sharing its branded stand with the KBSA. Harrison says: “It made sense to do so because if independent retailers choose to join the KBSA, they can automatically become a member of the KBBG. This means they can either join us separately, or access the various benefits provided from both industry trade bodies, while earning an annual rebate on all supplier products purchased through the Der Kreis buying group.”

Owain continues: “We had significant press interest, not only from our supportive trade media but also from consumer journalists who came to visit to find out more about the supplier partners being showcased on the stand. Partners included AEG, Austen Group, Blackheath Products, Franke, Liebherr, Miele, Nobilia, Nook, Novy, Schuller, Sycamore Lighting and Utopia Bathrooms.

Owain adds: “Many of our advisory board members also gave up their time to represent the KBBG during the show, and special thanks go to Trevor Scott, CEO of RFK, Kristian Tolbod, managing director of Premier Klasse Kitchens & Bathrooms, Richard Hibberd, managing director of KSL and chairman of the KBSA, together with Darren Taylor, managing director of Searle & Taylor. All were on-hand to provide information and advice to independent retailers during the show alongside the KBSA’s own board members.”

The KBBG invited supplier representatives to its stand, who were all able to use the space to have meetings with their key buyers, irrespective of whether they were members. The stand’s layout had various seating areas, allowing for other activities, including more than one podcast to be recorded during the show. One of those was the third episode of the KBBG podcast, where Owain Harrison and Darren Taylor covered subjects ranging from the standout stands at KBB Birmingham, the supplier showcase, and the latest new suppliers to the KBBG buying group.

Of KBB Birmingham and its success for the KBBG, Owain says: “We set goals and we achieved them. As the UK arm of Europe’s leading buying group, we wanted to make a statement of intent at the most important bi-annual trade show for the sector, and I believe that we succeeded in that mission. Most of all, we wanted independent retailers to understand that by joining with us they are joining a club of like-minded businesses, one that is always going to be stronger together than apart.”