The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) is delighted to announce the launch BIFIS Unplugged, its official podcast channel, designed to create a platform for engaging, insightful and honest conversations with the people at the heart of the fitted interiors installation sector.
Launching this week, the first series, Industry Voices: Real Conversations from the Trade, explores the issues that matter to installers, drawing on the knowledge, experiences and perspectives of industry professionals to discuss the realities of working in the trade and running an installation business.
Hosted by BIFIS CEO Damian Walters, the series aims to get beyond the day-to-day headlines and explore the opportunities, challenges and decisions that shape the future of installation businesses, offering listeners practical insight and fresh perspectives from people who understand the industry firsthand.
Episode 1: Growing your installation business – is it worth it?
The series opens with installation stalwart Irvine Bowie, who joins Damian Walters to tackle a question many installers will face during their careers: is growing an installation business beyond a sole trader operation really worth it?
The conversation explores the different routes to business growth, the potential benefits of expanding, and the realities that come with taking that next step. From the opportunities that growth can create to the pitfalls that can catch business owners out, the episode offers an honest look at what it takes to move beyond working for yourself and build a larger operation.
The discussion considers the practicalities, pressures and rewards involved, helping installers weigh up their options and make informed decisions about the future of their businesses.
BIFIS Unplugged reflects the institute’s ongoing commitment to supporting the fitted interiors installation sector through knowledge-sharing, professional development and stronger industry collaboration.
By bringing together experienced installers, business owners and the wider fitted interiors industry, the podcast will provide a platform to discuss the subjects that matter to the trade – from business development and working with retailers to innovation, skills and the future of installation.
Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS, said “BIFIS Unplugged is about creating a space for genuine conversations with the people who know this industry best. Installers face real decisions every day, whether that’s how to grow their business, how to work more effectively with retailers or how to adapt to a changing industry. We want to explore those topics honestly, hear different perspectives and share experiences that other people in the trade can learn from. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to many of the challenges installers face, but there is real value in listening to people who have been there and done it.
BIFIS Unplugged is about exactly that – real conversations from the trade, for the trade.”
BIFIS Unplugged is available on BIFIS YouTube channel, Official BIFIS, with Episode 1 launching on Wednesday 22 October. Installers and industry professionals are encouraged to tune in, join the conversation and look out for further episodes in the series.
BIFIS is inviting installers, retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and distributors from across the fitted interiors sector to get involved in shaping future episodes of BIFIS Unplugged. Whether you have a story to share, expertise to contribute or an idea for a topic the industry needs to be talking about, BIFIS wants to hear from you. To express an interest in participating in an upcoming episode or to suggest a subject for discussion, contact comms@bifis.org.
