BiKBBI: 50% Of KBB Fitters Ready To Quit The Industry

An industry survey carried out by The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has shown  that thousands of installers could leave the sector in 2023 with a knock on effect on wider industry, consumers and the UK job market.

KBB installers have shared a bleak view with deep concerns for their livelihoods. The survey has highlighted that:

• Over 60% of the industry are concerned about their business this year

•  Over half are thinking about leaving the industry

•  Over 80% think the Government isn’t doing enough to support  small businesses like theirs

When questioned, 59% of KBB installers said they would consider leaving the KBB industry for other sectors with better opportunity; this could have huge knock-on effects in the UK.  Their loss would be catastrophic in a sector where retail and consumer demand continues to outweigh the supply of skilled installers. This issue, alongside an ageing workforce, only adds to the national skills gap, creating significant issues for retailers and consumers in accessing skilled KBB professionals. Limited access to skilled professionals increases consumer risk, as opportunistic,  unskilled traders could take advantage of consumer needs. 

As KBB businesses face these stark challenges, BiKBBI continues its work to represent their views and the industry as a whole. BiKBBI calls on the government to urgently address the skills gap in the UK and support the KBB businesses who provide a vital service to retailers and consumers. 

Damian Walters, Chief Executive of BiKBBI, said: ‘The results of this survey are truly concerning.  The fact that over 50% of KBB installers surveyed are thinking about leaving the industry should be a wake-up call to the wider industry and government, and this coming at a time of incredible challenge as we struggle to fill the already existing skills gap.

These small businesses are operating  in a hugely difficult economic period, providing a vital, skilled service and training the workforce of the future across the UK. The government must do more to protect businesses, retailers and consumers as the skills gap widens. In 2023 retailers and consumers will continue to face long waits for skilled fitters, or face an increased risk from opportunistic traders, the results of this survey illustrate the true extent of the issue.’

Source : BiKBBI

Image : photovs / iStockphoto.com (1128522986)

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