🎙️ Introducing Industry Legends: Insights from the Best in the Business 🚀
We are delighted to launch an exciting new initiative—Industry Legends, a series of films designed to share the thoughts, experiences, and advice of some of the most successful professionals in the KBB and construction industries.
Through in-depth conversations with industry pioneers, business leaders, and expert recruiters, this series will uncover the real stories behind their success. From navigating business challenges to building strong teams, each episode will provide valuable insights that can inspire both seasoned professionals and those just starting their journey.
💡 What to expect?
🔹 First-hand experiences from industry veterans
🔹 Practical advice for business growth and career development
🔹 Stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership
🔹 A behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the KBB and construction sectors
At Simon Acres Group, we believe that People Build Businesses. This series is our way of giving back to the industry by sharing the knowledge and expertise of those who have shaped it.
Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, expert insights, and inspiring success stories!
Industry Legends Selling Lifestyles Not Commodities_ Tony Nicholas on High-End Retail Success
In the latest episode of the Industry Legends Podcast, we go behind the scenes at the iconic Wigmore Street studio in London to speak with Tony Nicholas, Managing Director of Nicholas Anthony. With a heritage spanning more than 60 years, Nicholas Anthony has become a defining benchmark for luxury kitchens and bathrooms in the UK.
30 Jan 2026
Combined Industry Legends and Movers Shakers recorded at the iconic Chrice Bence and Paul Bence
Welcome to a very special episode of Combined Industry Legends and Movers & Shakers, recorded at the iconic George Bence & Sons in Cheltenham. In this episode, Paul Bence and Chris Bence — representing over 170 years of independent merchant heritage — come together to share their experience, insight, and hard-earned wisdom with the industry. From navigating the toughest trading conditions in decades, to leadership in family business, people retention, diversification, cash flow, and the future of independent merchants, this is an open and honest conversation packed with practical lessons and real-world perspective. This episode is proudly sponsored by BKU Magazine — one of the UK’s leading trade publications for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) industry, delivering trusted industry news, expert commentary, market insight, and supplier-led innovation to professionals across the sector. If you’re an independent merchant, supplier, or industry leader looking for clarity, reassurance, and inspiration during challenging times, this is an episode not to miss.
8 Jan 2026
Industry Legends Simon Taylor
Simon Taylor of Simon Taylor Furniture discusses blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design in bespoke home interiors, providing insights into project management and the future of furniture making in an interview.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends Graham Hayden - Training Expert
Training expert Graham Hayden discusses his decision to merge training programs with Acres Consultancy and continue championing training within the KBB industry in an interview with Simon Acres.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends - Mark Rosenhaus New York kitchen designer
New York kitchen designer Mark Rosenhaus shares insights on the fast-paced design scene and creating sculptural kitchens using the golden ratio in this interview.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends Director Peter Bird
Peter Bird from Anglian Interiors shares his decades-long journey in the KBB industry, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and investing in expertise, in this interview episode.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends - Andy Gamble Experienced Company Director - Coach, Mentor and Business Consultant
Andy Gamble, an experienced company director, discusses diverse roles and career opportunities within the merchanting industry, highlighting the potential for young professionals in this interview.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends - Director Bernard Miel
Director Bernard Miel shares insights on adapting to changing customer expectations, building trust through honesty, and embracing technology in the kitchen industry during this interview.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends Les Martin Senior Designer - John Nicholls Banbury
Senior Designer Les Martin speaks with Simon Acres about his 38-year kitchen design career, emphasizing honesty and hand-drawn plans for building client connections in this interview.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends - Bill Miller Managing Director at DER KREIS UK
Bill Miller, Managing Director at DER KREIS UK, shares his expertise on navigating challenges in the KBB industry, including buying groups and repositioning in the premium market in this interview.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends - Phil Beechinor MD at Alexander
Phil Beechinor, Managing Director at Alexander Kitchens, shares insights on attracting installers, delivering customer service, and standing out as a family-run business in the KBB industry in this interview.
16 Jul 2025
Industry Legends Part 3 - Ray Isted
Royce Isted recounts his extensive career in the kitchen and appliance industry, highlighting the evolution of kitchen design and technology in an interview.
14 Feb 2025
Recipe for success - Industry Legends podcast with Richard Flower founder of Ashford Kitchens and Interiors
Recipe for success – Industry Legends podcast with Richard Flower founder of Ashford Kitchens and Interiors
🎙️ The Secret to 40 Years of Success in the KBB Industry! 🚀
What does it take to build and sustain a thriving KBB business for over four decades? In the latest episode of Industry Legends, we sit down with Richard Flower of Ashford Kitchens & Interiors, a man whose journey through the industry spans 50 years! From selling kitchens in the early ’70s to establishing a second-generation family business, Richard’s story is packed with invaluable insights.
💡 Why should you listen?
🔹 Lessons from the past: Richard recalls the early days of the industry when “kitchens were generally sold by hardware stores and builders’ merchants,” and how he spotted the opportunity for specialist retailers.
🔹 Advice for new business owners: “You have to be resilient, love working with people, and be prepared to take risks.” Would you have what it takes?
🔹 The key to longevity in business: According to Richard, “We invest well in people. We get good people on board and really try to keep them.”
🔹 Family business values: Ashford’s success is built on local connections. “We promote ourselves as a second-generation family business, and people love that.”
This conversation is a masterclass in business growth, adapting to industry changes, and creating a brand that stands the test of time.
Don’t miss this episode—watch it now and let us know your thoughts!
Who has been a guest on Industry Legends
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Simon Taylor
Graham Hayden
Mark Rosenhaus
Peter Bird
Andy Gamble
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
15
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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