European home improvement giants B&Q join the Installation Standards Partnership as hundreds of their installers become supported and accredited by the iKBBI. This was a significant milestone for the iKBBI. B&Q making the decision to fund the accreditation of their installers was a first for the initiative and demonstrated their support to their installers. The restructured Bathstore joined the iKBBI and accreditation of their installation population commenced.

The international brand of Laura Ashley and UK department store Debenhams joined the iSP initiative this year as they developed a new bathroom product for their customers. National waste solutions giant HIPPO became sponsors and the iKBBI worked with them and their members to provide robust and environmentally sound solutions to the KBB industry.

As part of the May Design Series, we exhibited our work at The London ExCeL, attracting many consumer and trade visitors including celebrity designer Linda Barker. We met our latest sponsor FESTOOL (the German tool manufacturing giant) and our relationship grew later this year. iKBBI co-founder Andrew Carter stepped down as Director. Member of Parliament Stephen Metcalfe pledges support of the iKBBI as our second Patron, joining the Right-Honourable MP. Stephen is an SME activist and local MP for the area in which the iKBBI head office is based (Thurrock, Essex).

The iKBBI’s relationship with the BMA strengthened as the institute promotes the association’s diploma in bathroom studies. The iKBBI members receive access to specific asbestos awareness training via a new partnership with a UKATA approved provider.