The Kbsa has helped two third year students complete their final year of the Foundation Degree in “Kitchen Design” at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), by providing funding after their original sponsorship was reduced just before graduation.

Helen Gunby, a director at family business Connells Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms Ltd and Clare Welman from Buildbase in Oxford, both received £1,000 towards their final year fees after approaching the Kbsa for help. TKET has also provided additional funding to both students.

Helen said, “We are so grateful to the Kbsa for responding so quickly to our request for help. The fee for the final year came at the end of the academic year rather than the beginning, and the sponsorship we thought we had was no longer available.

“The £1,000 contribution means a lot as my business has to make up the difference, and Clare has to fund it herself.

“We have both learnt so much on the Kitchen Design course, the guest speakers and tutors were so knowledgeable, it is a shame that it will not continue. 

“I will be taking over the running of the family business from my father over the next few years and the course has prepared me well to take this on with confidence.”

Richard Hibbert, national chair at the Kbsa said, “We are pleased that we were able to support Helen and Clare, and allow them to graduate.  We remain committed to training and education within the industry, and whilst we are saddened that the course is being terminated, we are pleased to be collaborating with TKET and the University to secure the continuation of studies for the remaining students.”