Richard Hibbert chaired his third Kbsa AGM Conference and Awards Ceremony last week. Attended by 30% more attendees than last year, the 2019 Conference was hailed to be a resounding success.
The Kbsa AGM has got increasingly bigger and better since KSL’s Managing Director Richard Hibbert took over the position of Kbsa’s National Chair in 2017. This year’s Conference, held at The Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford upon Avon was the best and most well attended one yet.
As per previous years there was an itinerary that was full of engaging and insightful workshops, a fantastic line-up of speakers and star-studded guests including Toby Rhodes, Baroness Michelle Mone OBE and Kevin Keegan.
This year was particularly special for KSL as our very own Designer, Rebecca Brown, was shortlisted for two awards: Kitchens £25k – £50k and Bathroom Designer. With the largest number of entries since 2012, and the standard being extremely high, it was a real achievement that Rebecca’s work was recognised by the Industry.
“I am delighted that the Kbsa conference is still improving every year.” said Richard Hibbert. “This year’s theme was ‘staying ahead’. We focused on presenting topics that would help retailers stay ahead, despite the challenging trading conditions.”
At the exclusive retailer dinner the night before the conference, a presentation from entrepreneur Toby Rhodes was given on ‘the lost art of conversation’. Toby’s talk was well received by the audience as an entertaining look at the value of personal communication and how it can have a positive impact on business.
Baroness Michelle Mone OBE, gave an inspiring keynote speech that looked at the setbacks she encountered as well as the successes in building the Ultimo Lingerie business. She also talked about the personal challenges she overcame and said that hard work and determination can bring results.
The fantastic Kevin Keegan was the after-dinner speaker, he gave a highly entertaining speech with plenty of laughs and amazing stories. The England football legend also joined Richard to present the awards to the winners.
It is no surprise that the Kbsa conference has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. Here’s what some of the members and attendees said about the event:
“It was a great evening and Kevin was a true legend on the night too. Congrats to all the winners and all those shortlisted too. See you all again next year.”
“It was a phenomenal Kbsa Conference. As well as brilliant networking with retailers and manufacturers, meeting the likes of Kevin Keegan and Michelle Mone – two absolute inspirations – has really left an impression. Can’t thank the team enough!”
Kitchens & Bathrooms News said: “It was a great event and well done to the entire team at the Kbsa.“
Richard reflects on the success of event. “What a conference! I enjoyed every minute. Thanks to everyone for coming and a great team effort for putting on such a great event.”
The KBSA is the only trade association operating specifically for the KBB industry, and represents independent KBB specialists. It was founded in 1978. Over 100 brands supplying the industry support the Association and its key objective of promoting the professionalism and excellence available from the independent specialist retailer. www.kbsa.org.uk