Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants

About Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants

The Movers and Shakers project is an initiative designed by Simon Acres Group to highlight and celebrate emerging talent within the Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom (KBB) and Merchants industry. It aims to showcase the individuals who are making a significant impact—whether they are young professionals, apprentices, or those who have recently joined the sector and are driving innovation and excellence. Through a series of interviews, case studies, and media features, Movers and Shakers provides a platform for these rising stars to share their experiences, career journeys, and insights into the industry. The project also aims to inspire others to consider a career in KBB by demonstrating the diverse opportunities available, from design and sales to installation and manufacturing. By engaging industry leaders, businesses, and trade associations, Movers and Shakers helps create visibility for fresh talent and encourages companies to invest in the next generation of professionals. The project underscores the importance of apprenticeships, training, and career development within the KBB sector, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the industry.

Publisher

Simon Acres & Kordian Pach

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Mar 2025

Latest episode

18 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

26 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Sept 2026

   Movers Shakers Lorraine and Claire - Bridging the Construction Skills Gap

   Bridging the Construction Skills Gap How South Midlands Careers Hub Helps SMEs Harness Early Talent and Apprenticeships With an ageing workforce and an urgent need to bring fresh talent into the construction and wider business sectors, connecting education directly with employers has never been more vital. In the latest episode of the Movers and Shakers podcast, host Simon Acres (https://simonacres.co.uk/simon-acres-group-managing-director/) speaks with Claire Coles and Lorraine Emerton from the South Midlands Careers Hub (https://careershub.southmidlands.org.uk/) to discuss how businesses of all sizes can engage with schools, overcome common hiring misconceptions, and help build a resilient future workforce.

2. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Movers and Shakers_ More Than Just Stone_ Building a Better Business by Alex Jennings

   Stone Fabrication Industry Adapts to New Era of Silica Safety and Automation The UK stone fabrication industry is entering a new phase as businesses respond to tighter Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on silica dust exposure while continuing to invest in automation, training and safer working practices. Speaking on the latest episode of the Movers & Shakers by Simon Acres podcast, Alex Jennings of Algarve Granite shared first-hand insight into how professional fabricators are adapting to evolving legislation, changing customer expectations and ongoing skills shortages.

3. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Movers Shakers_ VitrA on Campus_ Redefining the Bathroom Industry for Tomorrow

   Welcome to a special edition of our podcast, coming to you live from Abingdon & Witney College. In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Davies and Steve Breen from VitrA to explore their ambitious five-week roadshow across the UK. This conversation goes beyond the surface, diving into how VitrA is addressing the industry’s growing skills gap, their innovative approach to supporting independent retailers through the Vitality Partner Program, and what the future of ‘smart’ bathrooms could look like. Join us as our guests share their vision for a more connected, sustainable, and professional future for the bathroom industry.

Contact Movers & Shakers - KBB and Merchants

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.