In January, BiKBBI agree a Strategic Partnership with AgeUK – the charity working with the elderly in Great Britain. The partnership will see BiKBBI working with AgeUK’s partners, improving standards and protecting the best interests of those elderly consumers who are adapting their living conditions to meet their changing needs.

Also in January, industry work surface manufacturer Wilsonart become BiKBBI Corporate Sponsors.

On Valentines Day in February, BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters confirms their support of Apprenticeships, forming a working group made up from their retail partners. For the first time, these retailers assemble to work on a collaborative approach to training and development.

In April, CEO Damian Walters heads off to China in an attempt to raise funds for The Furniture Makers Company by climbing Mount Everest. Whilst his summit attempt is cut painfully short due to adverse weather, he deoes raise over £35,000 for charity and much needed awareness for the industry’s charity.

In July, British shower manufacturer Aqualisa become Corporate Sponsors, adding to an impressive line up of industry supporters. Also in July, BiKBBI confirm their support of The Ideal Home Show in 2018 – The premier consumer event being held at London Olympia.

In October, BiKBBI launch consumer and member financial protection in the form of a strategic partnership with Transpact.com and the provision of escrow payment services. This is a landmark moment as the organisation finds a solution for genuine problem faced by its members and consumers generally.

Later in October and as Armitage Shanks celebrates its 200th birthday, parent company Ideal Standard become the latest industry heavyweight to support BiKBBI’s objectives. Clear demonstration that the organisation is capturing the attention of the industry.

In what was a busy month for the organisation, October also saw the relaunch of bikbbi.org.uk – a modern and respopnsive website that represented the organisation internationally.

In November, Angela Smith is appointed as the first BiKBBI Brand Ambassador – responsible to engaging communities and introducing the organisation to potential stragegic partners. Angela brings a new dynamic to the senior team.

In December, LSI Interiors were announced as Installer of the Year 2017.