Corporate member announces name change

Corporate member The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (iKBBI) has  been granted permission by the Secretary of State to change its name with immediate effect to The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI).

The announcement comes as the government-sanctioned organisation celebrates its 10th anniversary, which was marked by a Parliamentary event in July attended by a host of industry dignitaries.

The change is hugely significant, as the introduction of the word ‘British’ will better reflect the institute’s ascendancy and acceptance within Great Britain, since its inception ten years ago. Along with the word ‘Institute’, the word ‘British’ is a protected term within UK Law with use restricted only to those organisations that represent their industry at the very highest level.

While the organisation is now operating under its new legal entity, it announced that it would launch the new brand on 1  January 2017.

“The introduction of the word ‘British’ demonstrates pre-eminence and will offer enormous marketing opportunities to both the organisation and importantly its members. A new logo is expected to incorporate a British theme,” according to communications manager Denise Mayell.

The second change is the replacement of the word ‘Installers’ in the title to ‘Installation’.

The change to ‘installation’ more accurately reflects the organisation’s engagement with the wider industry, to include manufacturers, distributors and retailers of KBB product – many of whom support the institute via corporate membership and sponsorship already.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said: “This is a landmark moment in the history of the organisation and one that will propel us and our members into the next decade. I am incredibly excited to be leading this phase of evolution, especially considering our current initiatives, which include the development of educational pathways for both industry newcomers and indeed time served professionals.”

Damian added: “The new brand will incorporate a very British feel, one that I’m confident our 4,500 plus members will be proud to associate themselves with and that I’m sure consumers will identify with too. With a plethora of badges in the marketplace, I’m positive our new status and branding will further allow us, and our members, to separate from the others.”

Members will have access to free rebranding support, vehicle signage and digital downloads to help them prepare for the New Year change. The current branding will be phased out throughout the remainder of 2016, ready for the changeover on 1 January.

Damian added: “Despite our rapid growth and recognition throughout the industry, we feel that whilst the iKBBI as a brand has served us well, it has reached a point where the organisation now requires a more accurate brand image. We are really excited as this change represents the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.”