I can confidently say things are picking up. 

But before I get onto that, it’s worth looking at how we got here, because it’s been a pretty tough few months for many independent kitchen retailers. 

The year started well. For many businesses, Q1 was strong, carrying on the momentum we’d seen towards the end of last year. That strong start may have taken some demand out of the months that followed, but from around May onwards, things definitely became more difficult. 

And then there was the weather. 

We’ve seen it for years: sunshine is the enemy of kitchen sales. And if ever there was a summer to prove the point, this has been it. 

Last week, we were reviewing a kitchen retailer’s Google Business Profile during a conversation when we clicked into Street View. 

And all of us had exactly the same reaction. 

“Oh, dear…” 

Something we’ve long suspected about social media is becoming much clearer. 

For years, there’s been an underlying sense that content performs better when it feels human. After all, these platforms were built for people to share themselves, not for businesses to broadcast polished marketing. 

But more recently, as we’ve looked more closely at performance across both organic content and paid advertising campaigns, the gap has become far more visible. 

What if more of your ‘referrals’ were influenced by your marketing than you realise? 

Most kitchen retailers naturally separate referrals from marketing. Referrals feel personal, earned, and entirely independent of anything you’ve put out into the world. 

But the reality is a little more interesting than that. 

The Inspire KBB team is raring to go for kbb Birmingham starting Sunday.

Are you coming? If so, would you like to grab a coffee and talk kitchen marketing?

With January behind us and Q1 well underway, it feels like an ideal moment to consider where further opportunity lies for independent kitchen retailers in 2026.

We are recruiting a Customer Services Manager to take ownership of this function as a specialist role within Inspire KBB.

This is a newly defined role with clear ownership, structure, and scope to grow as the service develops.

It’s that time of year when half the industry seems to be running a promotion – and truth be told, a lot of our own clients are doing exactly that. 

We’ve encouraged it. 

Because January is noisy. Offers are flying. Everyone wants attention, and a well-positioned promotion can help you stand out just enough to start a conversation. 

But here’s the part that’s often overlooked:  

A promotion has the most impact when the customer already knows who you are. 

Last week, we wrapped up the first year of the KBB Scale Up Mastermind with a field trip to Edinburgh. 

It felt like the perfect way to close out what’s been a valuable and fulfilling journey. 

As we approach the end of 2025, one thing has become very clear:

Independent kitchen retailers are winning when they have a clearer strategy, stronger systems, and a more structured way of growing their business.

This year, we ran the first ever KBB Mastermind programme - and it has been a successful, focused, and highly practical programme for the retailers involved.

Now, we’re opening enrolment for the 2026 KBB Mastermind, and this is your opportunity to be part of it.

When you look at the level of interest people have in buying a new kitchen across a 12-month period, a very clear pattern emerges. 

Online search behaviour is the clearest window into that interest.  

It shows, almost in real time, when homeowners are actively thinking about a new kitchen - and when they’re not. 

They say the best time to invest in property - or the stock market - was 30 years ago. 

The second-best time? 

Today. 

Because whether it’s finance, fitness or your future, real growth doesn’t come from perfect timing. 

It comes from starting. 

And the same is true with your marketing. 

I’ve been exposed to the concept of charging for kitchen designs - and debating it with people from all sides - for the past couple of years. 

It’s one of those topics that keeps resurfacing - often with a mix of curiosity, uncertainty, and resistance. 

But lately, it’s becoming harder to ignore. 

At the recent KBSA Conference, the subject came up again - this time as a major talking point during the afternoon panel discussion.

Over the last decade, I’ve had the chance to work closely - on and off - with Nigel Botterill.

If you don’t know the name, Nigel is the founder of Entrepreneurs Circle, a business growth organisation that’s supported thousands of small business owners across the UK. 

Over the past couple of decades, Nigel’s built nine separate million-pound businesses. 

He knows what it takes to grow, and just as importantly, what holds most businesses back. 

I’ve learned a lot from him over the years. But this year, in particular, one message from him has really stuck with me…

When I speak to kitchen retailers and they tell me they’re “doing social,” I can usually guess what they mean. 

They’re posting organically. 

And that’s of value. 

It keeps your name in front of people, shows off your work, and builds familiarity with your brand. 

But organic on its own is limited. 

We’re nearly two-thirds of the way through the year.

Whether 2025 has been flying for you, or it’s felt like a grind, one thing is absolutely true:

The next stretch could be your strongest yet.

As we head out of the period for New Year kitchen promotions, it’s time to ask yourself:  

How are your best prospects making buying decisions in 2025?  

Are they simply chasing the lowest price - or are they searching for guidance, trust, and expertise? 

I trust 2025 is off to a positive start for you! 

A timely question: are you giving your website leads the attention they deserve?  

Those brochure downloads aren’t just casual clicks—they’re your next big customer waiting to happen. 

We recently welcomed a fantastic new client to Inspire KBB – Andrew Osborne Kitchens in Southampton.     

During one of our first onboarding calls, their Director, Matt, shared an approach they use in their showroom that really caught our attention.