5 Minutes with Damian Walters

During last year’s Installer Show, I had the opportunity to sit down with Damian Walters, Founder and CEO of the British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI).

Over our 30-minute conversation, I was struck by his energy and passion for the industry. It quickly became clear why he’s regarded as a genuine thought leader in the sector.

So, when the opportunity arose to meet up with him again and build on our conversation, I jumped at the chance.

Here’s what they discussed:

Mark: In our previous chat, Damian, you mentioned that you cut your teeth in the industry working at MFI. You managed over 70,000 KBB installations annually, with your role primarily focused on improving standards and reducing costs across the subcontractors used. What fundamental principles did you apply, and over the years, how have you seen the industry adopt better practices?

Damian: The quick win for us at MFI was that we shifted our business approach to installation from one of a bolt-on service offered by a retailer at the end of the retail buying process, to one of a fully integrated service. We brought installation (and installers) into the proposition from the very beginning, which shifted the business’s opinion of installation. This had an incredible impact, not only on the bottom line, but crucially the overall product that consumers invested in. By ensuring installation was an integrated part of the sales process, we managed to reduce overall remedial costs, increase SKU sales and build an award winning and leading service.

Mark: Understandably, a lot has been said about how industry and government need to work more closely to make apprenticeships successful. In recent months, what work has BiKBBI been doing with the government to increase interest and improve follow-through in such schemes?

Damian: We’re leading a cross industry piece on core competencies within the fitted interiors industry, which includes work on the content for future apprenticeships. Whilst it’s worth celebrating the fact our industry does have an apprenticeship proposition, we know that it needs development and as such we’re working with a cross-section of industry businesses to identify the required changes. This will directly feed into government over the next 12-months. Simultaneously, BiKBBI has been working on a schools engagement programme to continue driving interest in our industry from those in the process of deciding their future career.

Mark: There’s also been plenty of talk in the industry about getting children and parents more engaged. For years, we’ve said that construction and building products aren’t seen as appealing career paths for young people. But there does seem to be a shift happening. What’s your take on this?

Damian: I think there’s been a real shift in student (& parent) appetite in vocational careers. I think the next generation are becoming wise to the fact that a four year degree and associated costs may not land that dream job and that there is a nation of young people with meaningless degree qualifications, working in unrelated careers. I’m not anti-degree or academia (at all), but I don’t think success solely comes in the form of a degree certificate… Did COVID play a part in this attitude shift? Possibly… but I do think that young people are simply waking up to the fact that a career in the trade can be equally, if not more rewarding for someone choosing their future.

Mark: The BiKBBI is currently working closely with manufacturers and installers to upskill workforces through CPDs. With the lack of new blood coming into the industry - and KBB manufacturers pushing innovation - what risks does this pose, and how are you tackling them?

Damian: We operate in a largely unregulated industry sadly. Subsequently and unlike many professions, this means that CPD is not mandatory and therefore many don’t bother. However, ensuring skills are refreshed and new products, procedures and legislation is learned reduces risk to the industry (and the tradespeople), increases financial potential and ensures our industry delivers a robust service (that sells itself)! At the moment, this CPD is led by us, supported by manufacturers in the main, but without a mandatory requirement, CPD will only be adopted by the good guys – those that already pose the least risk to industry reputation and the customers they serve… the real challenge is bringing ‘the rest’ in – which will need legislation to dictate.

Mark: The wider building products industry often gets a bad rap for lacking innovation. Given your work with KBB manufacturers, what’s your perspective on this?

Damian: I don’t think that our industry lacks innovation. In fact, KBB manufacturers are leading the way when it comes to innovation. My concern is the competency of those individuals and businesses that specify and install – because these people really do dictate these days. Our work with the Super Sector Competency Review will introduce change over the coming months and years, so I think we’re much closer than ever to ensuring that a Grenfell Tower incident doesn’t reoccur. Quite frankly it’s disgusting that change will only come about following such tragedy – the price paid for change is unacceptable, so we must all ensure that a repeat isn’t had by not only ensuring products are safe, but that those specialist tradespeople on thr front line are competent, compliant and leading the way.

Mark: And that brings us to the fact that today’s world is increasingly driven by legislation. How is the BiKBBI working with the industry to ensure everyone stays up to speed, or even ahead of the curve?

Damian: Since our launch in 2006 we have focused on the competence and compliance of those tradespeople delivering their service in customers homes and on building sites across the country. However, in 2024, we introduced AiM – Accredited Installation Methods Certification. For the first time we focused support on main contractors and those retailers who offer an installation service – regardless of whether it’s a service delivered by an employed or sub-contracted workforce. AiM will deliver advice, guidance and support for main contractors and retailers on their installation service – not just on-site, but the mechanics of delivering such a service. AiM will become a beacon for installers and customers, reassuring them that certified businesses meet and maintain a standard that the industry can be proud of. We welcome interest from any business wanting more information – visit the BiKBBI website for more information.

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