January saw international components giant Häfele become a Corporate Sponsor, as well as the launch of BiKBBI Insurance Services – a relationship with United Insurance Brokers (UIB).

BiKBBI also hosted its Annual Stakeholder Event late in January – attended by a number of high profile delegates, members, sponsors and strategic partners.

In February BiKBBI appointed its first Education Officer as Stephanie Gray joined the team to head up our Apprenticeship programme.

Global payment processing specialist WorldPay partners BiKBBI in March, providing payment processing solutions for members. BiKBBI also hosted the new Installation Zone at KBB Birmingham 2018.

April saw another great Corporate Member addition – this time in the form of Turkish based bathroom manufacturer VitrA. Tech firm New Way International joined the Corporate ranks and introduced mobile hardware to members for the first time.

Work surface fabricator Sheridan became a BiKBBI Installation Standards Partner in May, with all installers becoming independent members of the organisation.

Big news in May, as BiKBBI became an approved organisation with HMRC meaning that members could claim a rebate against membership fees. A luges milestone for BiKBBI and a great benefit for members.

In June B&Q announced the closure of its Homefit operation. The department responsible for kitchen & bathroom installation. Despite this being big news, B&Q & BiKBBI work together to create opportunities for staff, installers and future customers. Also in June saw the arrival of our second Brand Ambassador. Experienced KBB specialist Alan Grant joins the team.

Shayne O’Brien joined the organisation in June as Inspection Officer as part of our impressive inspection service growth.

July saw the arrival of another high-profile Corporate Sponsor – Apelson (MyAppliances.com) joined, providing members with access to discounted online appliances.

In a strategic move to promote installation opportunities to different demographics, BiKBBI announced a partnership with Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club in August. The partnership will see BiKBBI engage hundreds of female players, many of whom are at school leaving age, with a view to promote its Apprenticeship programme.

Caroline Sommerville joined the Head Office team as Compliance Officer.

September saw a historic moment as BiKBBI launched its Apprenticeship programme at PROCAT in South Essex. The first of its kind, BiKBBI plan a national roll out over the next 5 years. Coincidentally, BiKBBI also published its first printed Standards & Guidelines document, sponsored by founder sponsor Classi.

BiKBBI confirmed that it would be holding its Annual Stakeholder Event at The House of Commons in January 2019.

Anna-Marie Belton joined the team in September with an objective to focus on Special Projects. Her first job was to onboard B&Q installers as part of our Homefit closedown support.

In October, BiKBBI shortlisted finalists for the prestigious Installer of the Year Award – part of the ek&bbusiness Awards 2018 – the third year the organisation has supported the awards process.

Again in October, BiKBBI welcomed waste removal specialist Clearabee as its latest Corporate Sponsor and BiKBBI launched its third generation members website.

November saw the arrival of Michael Burke, BiKBBI’s Apprenticeship Ambassador. BiKBBI also judged the third ek&bbusiness Awards & Review and pleased to announce the winner of the prestigious Installer of the Year Award 2018 as Liberty Fitting Services of Dundee, Scotland. A BiKBBI member for a decade!

With Christmas fast approaching, BiKBBI continued its busy year in December with the announcement that it was planning an “extraordinary” Annual Conference, which will be held at The Houses of Parliament in January.

With just a week before Christmas, BiKBBI had one last announcement for 2018 – A new commercial funding solution for members, powered by Funder Finder.

2018 has been an amazing year for BiKBBI – But 2019 will be bigger and better… WATCH THIS SPACE!