Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants Podcast By Simon Acres & Kordian Pach cover art

Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants

Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants

By: Simon Acres & Kordian Pach
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The Movers and Shakers project is an initiative designed by Simon Acres Group to highlight and celebrate emerging talent within the Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom (KBB) and Merchants industry.

It aims to showcase the individuals who are making a significant impact—whether they are young professionals, apprentices, or those who have recently joined the sector and are driving innovation and excellence.

Through a series of interviews, case studies, and media features, Movers and Shakers provides a platform for these rising stars to share their experiences, career journeys, and insights into the industry.

The project also aims to inspire others to consider a career in KBB by demonstrating the diverse opportunities available, from design and sales to installation and manufacturing.

By engaging industry leaders, businesses, and trade associations, Movers and Shakers helps create visibility for fresh talent and encourages companies to invest in the next generation of professionals. The project underscores the importance of apprenticeships, training, and career development within the KBB sector, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the industry.Copyright Simon Acres & Kordian Pach
Episodes
  • Movers Shakers Legislation changes for ventilation in kitchen and bathrooms

    Movers Shakers Legislation changes for ventilation in kitchen and bathrooms
    Jul 16 2025
    Legislation changes for ventilation in kitchen and bathroomsThe need for installers and retailers to be aware of new legislation relating to ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms, is highlighted in the latest Movers & Shakers film from Simon Acres Group Limited.Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres spoke with Carolyn Newton-Brown, head of UK Reseller Channel and Ian Palmer, Head of UK Specification at Airflow to discuss how they can help the industry understand the legislation and ensure projects are compliant.“We are committed to providing knowledge, education and training to allow retailers and installers to select the right product, install it correctly and carry out the necessary testing,” said Carolyn.“There is new legislation that relates to ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms that requires products to be tested and fit for purpose. Checks will be carried out by Local Authority Building Control, and fines could be imposed if installations do not meet the new regulations.


    “Whilst it is the owner of the building that is liable, professional installers have a responsibility and duty of care to ensure that the customer understands what is required and that the regulations have been met.”Ian explained that the Airflow website has a wealth of information. He says, “The knowledge centre includes the most up to date regulations and the ‘product selector’ function can identify the most appropriate product based on the criteria selected.“We also offer training both on-line and at our training facility in High Wycombe that is certified by CIBSE, NICEIC and the RIBA.“The state-of-the-art Air Academy training facility and experience is open to any KBB retailer or installer that wants to come and understand more about the products available, as well as to undertake training. We offer the NICEIC Ventilation Installer Training Scheme, from the centre. This course lasts two days and is modestly priced. Making it affordable and accessible to all.”
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    52 mins
  • Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors - Part 2

    Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors - Part 2
    Jul 16 2025
    Day True Hayley Robson feature in new Movers and Shakers film from Simon AcresAward winning designer Hayley Robson at Day True is the latest designer to take part in the ‘Movers and Shakers’ series with Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres.Hayley who is Creative Director and co-founder of the business shared the ethos of the Day True difference and their approach to design, which is focused on how to solve problems, reveal potential and improve lives.Hayley explained how each and every customer is different and that the process begins by taking a real interest in their lives, as knowing how they live is what enables the creation of designs that make life better.Increasingly projects extend beyond the kitchen and the bathroom into the rest of the home, which allows the concept of a complete living space to be explored.Hayley says: ” We love getting to know our customers. They often come to us having done their own research and having an idea of what they want. We always start by listening but then we like to question and suggest, enabling us to offer solutions that optimise the space available, and provide designs that make homes which are easy to live in, productive, joyous and relaxing.”Hayley acknowledged that having the best team of people is crucial to the successful running of their business and that they look to employ those who have the right attitude towards customer care and a passion for design.“We want to employ those that are looking to inspire and ready to learn,” says Hayley.“Experience can be gained and skills can be taught but we are a people business so finding the right people is essential.”
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    28 mins
  • Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors Part 1

    Movers Shakers with Hayley Robson Creative Director at Day True Architectural Interiors Part 1
    Jul 16 2025
    Day True Hayley Robson feature in new Movers and Shakers film from Simon AcresAward winning designer Hayley Robson at Day True is the latest designer to take part in the ‘Movers and Shakers’ series with Simon Acres Group MD, Simon Acres.Hayley who is Creative Director and co-founder of the business shared the ethos of the Day True difference and their approach to design, which is focused on how to solve problems, reveal potential and improve lives.Hayley explained how each and every customer is different and that the process begins by taking a real interest in their lives, as knowing how they live is what enables the creation of designs that make life better.Increasingly projects extend beyond the kitchen and the bathroom into the rest of the home, which allows the concept of a complete living space to be explored.Hayley says: ” We love getting to know our customers. They often come to us having done their own research and having an idea of what they want. We always start by listening but then we like to question and suggest, enabling us to offer solutions that optimise the space available, and provide designs that make homes which are easy to live in, productive, joyous and relaxing.”Hayley acknowledged that having the best team of people is crucial to the successful running of their business and that they look to employ those who have the right attitude towards customer care and a passion for design.“We want to employ those that are looking to inspire and ready to learn,” says Hayley.“Experience can be gained and skills can be taught but we are a people business so finding the right people is essential.”
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    17 mins
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