KBSA | KBB Industry conference is a meeting of minds

Richard Hibbert, national chair of trade association the KBSA, shares how the KBB 2025 conference offers more than inspiration, it delivers value, encouraging retailer growth

Q: This year’s conference is themed “Design. Lead. Succeed.” How did you decide upon this and how will this be reflected through the event?

A: The theme was shaped by feedback from previous events – attendees wanted more focus on practical leadership, inspiring design and shared success stories.

While future conferences may take a looser approach to theming, Design. Lead. Succeed. felt like the perfect fit for this year.

It’s reflected across the agenda: from our leadership keynote by Elena Addison – a respected business coach and founder of ADA PTA, known for her fresh take on personal and professional growth – to our headline appearance from architect and broadcaster George Clarke, who brings a strong design perspective rooted in transformation and sustainability.

Ultimately, the theme speaks to the KBB industry’s reality: that real success comes from a mix of creative vision, effective leadership, and learning from others in the field.

Q: What made business coach and ADAPTAA founder Alina Addison the right choice as a speaker, and what key insights will she bring to the event?

A: We were drawn to Elena after reviewing her work, books and previous speaking engagements – her experience and insight stood out immediately.

We wanted a speaker who not only understands the realities of leadership but can speak to them with authenticity and impact. Elena brings exactly that.

Known for her engaging delivery and relatable approach, she offers a fresh, empowering perspective on leadership that we believe will truly resonate with our delegates.

Q: Are you able to share any further details on additional speakers and the subjects they will be addressing?

A: We’re excited to have just announced George Clarke as our headline speaker.

Rather than a traditional keynote, George will take to the stage for a conversation with broadcaster Emma Crosby, exploring his design philosophy, career highlights, and vision for the future of the KBB sector.

With his extensive experience on shows like Restoration Man and his mission to transform how Britain thinks about home design, George is set to deliver a thought-provoking and truly inspiring session.

Q: The Big Debate returns to the event, this year, what has helped inform the topics of conversation and how did you choose the participating retailers?

AA: gain, a lot of it came from feedback – both from last year’s event and from ongoing conversations within the industry.

Some of our speakers put themselves forward, which is always encouraging, while others we actively approached based on their presence at other events or coverage in the industry press.

We’re always on the lookout for people who have something meaningful to say, whether or not they have a background in public speaking.

For us, it’s less about polished presentations and more about passion, insight, and real connection to the issues that matter in KBB right now.

This year, we’re evolving the format of The Big Debate to reflect that spirit.

It’ll be more flexible, more interactive – we want the audience to play an active role in shaping the conversation.

The goal is to create space for honest dialogue, fresh thinking, and the kind of exchanges that lead to real change.

Q: What will retailers be able to learn from attending the event and how will it help them grow their business?

A: It’s really a chance to hit reset – something that’s often hard to come by for independent retailers.

When you’re deep in the day-to-day of running a showroom and juggling personal responsibilities, there’s rarely time to step back and reflect on the bigger picture.

This event is designed to give retailers that breathing space: a moment to pause, recharge, and gain fresh perspective.

Through a mix of insightful talks, peer-led discussions and practical workshops, attendees will pick up tangible ideas they can take back and apply to their businesses – whether that’s around customer experience, marketing, leadership or navigating industry change.

But just as importantly, it’s about connection. Hearing from others in the same boat, sharing challenges, and realising you’re not alone can be incredibly powerful.

Our hope is that every retailer leaves not just with useful takeaways, but with renewed confidence, energy and a sense of community that lasts well beyond the day itself.

Q: What key brands, suppliers and retail businesses, are attending and are there any structured, networking opportunities?

A: Absolutely. The evening before the main event, we’re hosting an exclusive Retailer Dinner for retail attendees and our Platinum sponsors.

It’s a relaxed, invitation-only setting that gives everyone a chance to build meaningful connections ahead of the big day.

On the day itself, we’ve been intentional with the schedule. Breaks between sessions are 45 minutes long, and we’ve set aside over an hour for lunch.

That’s not by accident – it’s designed to encourage real conversations, not just a quick coffee run.

We want to create space for networking that feels natural and genuinely valuable.

In terms of who’s attending, we’re proud to have Quooker as our Headline Sponsor, with Neff and Siemens joining us as Diamond Sponsors.

Long-standing partners like Blum are also returning, alongside a strong mix of key suppliers, forward-thinking retailers, and industry leaders.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the brands shaping the future of the KBB sector.

Q: What would you say to KBB retailers who believe it’s too costly, have seen it all before, or are too busy with day-to-day operations?

A: We completely understand the hesitation – time and money are tight, especially when you’re running a busy retail operation.

But here’s the reality: this event is heavily subsidised.

Retailers receive two nights at The Belfry, all meals, drinks, access to the full conference programme, the awards and curated networking opportunities.

In truth, it costs us more to host each retailer than the ticket price reflects.

As for the feeling that you’ve “seen it all before” – we get that too.

But none of us ever really have the time, and that’s exactly why this event matters.

Stepping away, even briefly, gives you the chance to reflect, reset and gain new perspective.

In just a day and a half, you’ll connect with people who understand your challenges, hear ideas that could shift your thinking, and return with fresh energy – not just for your business, but for your team and your future plans.

Honestly, I’d go every time. Because when you invest in yourself and your business like this, it always pays off.

Q: What is your benchmark for a successful KBB Industry Conference?

A: For us, success is simple: if retailers leave feeling energised, inspired, and better equipped to tackle their business challenges, we’ve done our job.

We don’t just measure that through formal feedback, although emails, video testimonials and post-event surveys are important.

It’s also in the real moments: those breakfast conversations where someone says, “This is exactly what I needed.”

The KBB Design Awards are another key part of the picture. They shine a spotlight on the talent and innovation in the independent sector – something we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.

Ultimately, though, it’s about creating an experience where people can take a step back, connect with others, learn something valuable and genuinely enjoy themselves. If we achieve that, we know it’s been a success.