The 2018 Bathroom and Kitchen Business Conference, delivered by the BMA, was hailed as a huge success by delegates.  The event took places at the Vale Hotel and Resort, in the Vale of Glamorgan, on 16 October.

One hundred and seventy delegates attended and enjoyed the line-up of speakers that focused on the theme of ‘building a new future’.

Key note speaker Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford, explained why he thought that leaving the European Union could be good for the UK, he believes it will open up new worldwide trade opportunities.

His speech provoked a lively debate from the floor led by conference facilitator, financial journalist Sally Bundock.

Behavioural therapist William Higham from The Next Big Thing provided insights into how businesses can track changes, influences, attitudes and consumers’ needs, this enables businesses to adapt and create new revenue streams.

James Lawrence (pictured right) founder and owner of successful YouTube channel and brand Plumberparts.co.uk talked about how to harness the success of YouTube.

Claire Curtis-Thomas, the CEO of construction product industry certification body British Board of Agrément – BBA, gave a presentation about how the government’s attitude to compliance is in the process of change.

Mark Berrisford-Smith, head of economics for HSBC UK commercial banking, explained how businesses can prepare for economic changes both in the run-up to Brexit and following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Inspirational speaker Richard McCann closed the conference with an emotional talk on overcoming adversity. He spoke about the murder of his mother by Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe when he was just five years old. He explained to the audience how his ‘I can’ attitude helped him overcome adversity in life and led him to achieving so much more than he ever imagined.

The BMA also announced the final results from the recent consumer research, ‘Behind the Bathroom Door’. The study, a first for the industry, looked at real time behaviour in the bathroom and analysed factors that influence consumers when purchasing a new bathroom.

Yvonne Orgill, BMA CEO, also announced her intention to step down from the full time role as CEO, this will take place in 12 months’ time. Yvonne said, “I am grateful to all of our speakers for providing such timely and informative insights into the most important issues of the day.

“Once again the conference has proved to be an unmissable opportunity, the feedback has been extremely positive with some wanting to book places for next year already.”