Warm Welcomes and Innovation – Kenika Shares her KBB Show Perspective
This year’s KBB show in Birmingham has been acclaimed as the biggest in 10 years, with 320 exhibitors in 25 product categories from 20 countries, attracting more than 16,000 visitors – including many from HPP. For some, it was a well-travelled route to the NEC. But for others, it was a first-time, eye-opening experience.
It was the first visit for our Assistant Marketing Manager Kenika Gumbs, who was joined by Sales Manager Chris Essex, Midlands Area Sales Manager Carrie Essex, and Area Sales Manager for the North West, Michelle Topping (another first time visitor). Here, Kenika shares her highlights of the visit, while later on, Sales Manager Chris gives us his perspective as a KBB show veteran.
“Blum made us very welcome,” says Kenika. “The stand was probably the biggest there, the staff on it were very engaging and the products they were exhibiting were, for me, really innovative and interesting. “They had lots of new products on display, showing how versatile their hinges can be and the many different ways you can use them. “There was the REVEGO Pocket system for new space concepts, the SPACE STEP plinth storage space-maker, the top pull-out shelf locks, and the AVENTOS HKi, a concealed lift system that is completely integrated in the cabinet side. They all caught my eye.
“Of course, we have a great, long-standing relationship with Blum and their National Distribution Manager, Darren Booth, who took us around their stand, showing us the new products and explaining all about them. Other colleagues on the stand chipped in as well providing us with more information. It was very educational. “They also had an impressive section showcasing what they do for the environment and nature. Everything was really well done, but we shouldn’t be surprised, knowing Blum as we do. They have been committed to environmental protection for decades.
“It was also a good catch up with other HPP customers among the exhibitors, the guys from Sensio Lighting and ArtiCAD, which was a great networking opportunity, so thank you to them for making us so welcome.” However, Kenika was surprised to find not all exhibitors were as engaging as those such as Blum, Sensio and ArtiCAD etc. “On the one hand we had the one-to-one with Blum, which was truly educational. “I was hoping for more opportunities like this to be involved and learn more about other organisations and products” she says.
I would love to go again
“Would I go again? I would love to go again,” says Kenika. There was a great atmosphere with hundreds of products to see and learn about. I was there for about five hours, and I felt I didn’t get to really see everything there was so much.”
” Sensio showcased their lighting innovations – 3 new product patents that will soon be making an appearance in the market. It was great seeing familiar faces like Andrew Sheppard (Merchandising Manager) at the Sensio stand. With their stunning mirrors and lights all around, we had a blast taking selfies in these gorgeous mirrors and exploring their stunning range of lighting solutions. ArtiCAD has been developing their new AI design technology with eye-catching moments like demonstrations of putting a room together – windows, doors and everything else with voice controls, via AI. ArtiCAD continues to show us how they continue to develop new amazing concepts. ArtiCUT is fully integrated with their super-fast CAD software which they showed on their stand. Along with their ‘ Virtual Reality Software ‘ and their other very latest in software innovation were on display. “
“There was a great atmosphere with hundreds of products to see and learn about. I was there for about five hours, and I felt I didn’t get to really see everything there was so much.” “Despite this I felt amazed walking away from this event. It was truly remarkable and one to remember. Highly recommend! “
‘Great to catch up and network’
Whilst it was Kenika’s first visit to the KBB show, our Sales Manager, Chris Essex, jokingly says he’s been ‘once or twice’ over the years. “It was a great catch up with all of our suppliers who were there, and it was great to catch up with colleagues within the industry too,” says Chris. “Some of our customers were on show as well, particularly Lark and Larks Trade, who have been one of our customers for many, many years now. “It’s a good networking event, I spent a lot of time talking to customers who we know and deal with, and it’s great for finding new accounts.
“Overall, it was very busy, certainly compared to the last time I was there, which was just after Covid, and although we didn’t see the next pink with yellow spots board, it was still a great event.”
