Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants

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.

  1. Movers Shakers_ VitrA on Campus_ Redefining the Bathroom Industry for Tomorrow

    Apr 28

    Movers Shakers_ VitrA on Campus_ Redefining the Bathroom Industry for Tomorrow

    Welcome to a special edition of our podcast, coming to you live from Abingdon & Witney College. In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Davies and Steve Breen from VitrA to explore their ambitious five-week roadshow across the UK. This conversation goes beyond the surface, diving into how VitrA is addressing the industry’s growing skills gap, their innovative approach to supporting independent retailers through the Vitality Partner Program, and what the future of ‘smart’ bathrooms could look like. Join us as our guests share their vision for a more connected, sustainable, and professional future for the bathroom industry.

    29 min
  2. Movers & Shakers: Stronger Together_ Redefining the Voice of the Bathroom Industry with Daphne Doody-Green

    Mar 30

    Movers & Shakers: Stronger Together_ Redefining the Voice of the Bathroom Industry with Daphne Doody-Green

    Welcome to a very special edition of Movers & Shakers. Today, we are joined by Daphne Doody-Green, the newly appointed CEO of the Bathroom Association . Daphne brings a powerhouse of experience to the sector, having spent 24 years at the CIPD, where she championed HR leadership, change management, and people management . Now, she is pivoting that expertise toward a new mission: leading the Bathroom Association through a major rebrand and evolving it into a powerful, influential voice for the entire supply chain . In this episode, we discuss her transition into the industry, the importance of collaboration, and why the bathroom is the one room in the house we should never take for granted

    26 min
  3. Movers Shakers_ The Thomas Crapper Story -Modern Innovation Meets Victorian Heritage by Paul Dwyer

    Mar 27

    Movers Shakers_ The Thomas Crapper Story -Modern Innovation Meets Victorian Heritage by Paul Dwyer

    Welcome to a very special edition of Movers & Shakers, recorded at the NEC KBB 2026. Today, we are joined by an industry veteran who has seen it all—from his early days in DIY at age 16 to serving as a Purchasing Director and even founding a successful online retail empire. Our guest is Paul Dwyer, the man currently steering the ship at Thomas Crapper, one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the bathroom industry. Paul joins us to discuss how he is balancing a 160-year-old heritage with modern innovation, expanding into the North American market, and why he believes doing business the "old-fashioned way" is still the secret to success.

    24 min
  4. The Apprenticeship Advantage - Tom Pursglove on Closing the Skills Gap and Redefining Success

    Feb 26

    The Apprenticeship Advantage - Tom Pursglove on Closing the Skills Gap and Redefining Success

    Welcome to this special episode of Movers & Shakers, the show where we dive deep into the trends and leaders shaping our industry. Today, we are joined by a guest who has navigated the highest levels of British politics to champion the "life chances agenda." Tom Pursglove is a veteran Conservative politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Corby for nine years. Throughout his parliamentary career, he held several high-profile ministerial roles, including Minister of State for Legal Migration and the Border, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, and Minister for Crime and Policing. Having entered Parliament as the youngest Conservative MP of his cohort at age 26, Tom brings a unique, energetic perspective on social mobility and employment. Today, he joins us to discuss the holistic view of apprenticeships, the skills gap in the construction sector, and how we can better support SMEs in hiring the next generation of talent.

    40 min
  5. MoverShakers_ Festivals Fitters and the Future of Trade_ A Deep Dive with David Ventris-Field

    Feb 10

    MoverShakers_ Festivals Fitters and the Future of Trade_ A Deep Dive with David Ventris-Field

    Welcome to another episode of Movers & Shakers the show where we sit down with the leaders defining the future of our industry. I’m your host, and today we are thrilled to welcome David Ventris-Field. David is the Event Director for the Installer Show, a role he stepped into after serving as Sales Director for the event. With over 20 years of experience spanning events, exhibitions, media, and advertising, David has a proven track record of resilience—growing businesses through everything from the 2008 financial crisis to the challenges of Covid. Today, he’s the driving force behind one of the UK’s fastest-growing trade events, focused on bridging the gap between installers, retailers, and the wider construction supply chain. We’ll be discussing the ‘festival’ feel of modern trade shows, the critical need for apprenticeship signposting, and David’s personal philosophy on building trust through genuine curiosity. This episode is proudly sponsored by Installer Show New York.

    21 min
  6. Movers & Shakers From Sales Desk to Head of Gaggenau UK Ireland_ Insights with Simon Plumbridge

    Jan 30

    Movers & Shakers From Sales Desk to Head of Gaggenau UK Ireland_ Insights with Simon Plumbridge

    🎙️ New Podcast Episode | Movers & Shakers What does it really take to stand out in today’s KBB market? In our latest episode of Movers & Shakers, we’re joined by Simon Plumbridge, Head of Gaggenau UK & Ireland, who shares honest insight into: How the KBB market is changingWhy training and education are now critical to successThe role of people, culture, and leadership in premium retailWhat retailers and designers should be focusing on right nowFrom an unexpected entry into the industry to leading one of the world’s most respected luxury appliance brands, Simon’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating today’s challenging landscape. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: [link] #MoversAndShakers #KBBIndustry #Leadership #Training #RetailExcellence #Podcast

    33 min
  7. Movers & Shakers Professionalising the Industry Damian Walters on Installers Standards

    Jan 9

    Movers & Shakers Professionalising the Industry Damian Walters on Installers Standards

    Welcome to a brand-new episode of Movers & Shakers with your host, Simon Acres. Today we’re joined by Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS — the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists. Damian leads the UK’s only government-sanctioned, not-for-profit institute dedicated to raising standards across the fitted interiors industry — from installers to retailers, manufacturers and consumers alike. BIFIS represents thousands of installation businesses, works on national training and apprenticeship initiatives, and champions professionalism and compliance so homeowners can make informed choices with confidence. BIFIS+1 In this episode, Simon and Damian dive into the challenges facing the industry — from the openness of skilled tradespeople entering customer homes, through the evolving role of apprenticeships and work experience, to how we attract and develop the next generation of talent. They explore why higher standards, professional pathways and open conversations are crucial not only for installers and businesses, but also for families who trust them in their homes. Simon and Damian share a common passion: advocating apprenticeships, education and professional growth across the sector, so that individuals and companies thrive now — and into the future. So tune in, whether you’re already part of this industry or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of fitted interiors and installation. The conversation starts right now — enjoy the show!

    32 min
  8. Movers & Shakers Podcast: Exploring the World of Engineered Stone with Jonathan Stanley

    11/11/2025

    Movers & Shakers Podcast: Exploring the World of Engineered Stone with Jonathan Stanley

    We’re excited to share the latest episode of Movers and Shakers, hosted by Simon Akers, featuring Jonathan Stanley from Caesarstone UK. If you’re curious about the engineered stone industry, the evolution of premium kitchen surfaces, or professional development in the KBB sector, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    36 min
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About

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.

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