Opinion: AiMing for a brighter future

Damian Walters, CEO, British Institute of Kitchen Bedroom and Bathroom Installation.

With the lofty ambition of redefining standards for the whole KBB installation industry, BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters, says its new AiM Initiative is ‘mission critical’…

In the dynamic world of home improvement and construction, staying ahead of the game is not just beneficial – it’s mission critical.

The newly launched AiM (Accredited Installation Methods) initiative is poised to transform installation standards, and I cannot emphasise enough the significance of this accreditation for businesses and the broader industry.

For nearly two decades, we have developed a robust system through registration, enabling installation businesses to distinguish themselves and enhance their services.

However, despite our collaborations with retailers and manufacturers, we lacked a tool to assess and support the specific needs of businesses working with installers to deliver an installed proposition.

AiM changes that. This initiative is not only beneficial for participating businesses but also for the broader industry and those installers operating within it. AiM encompasses a wide range of criteria, extending far beyond onsite standards.

It scrutinises how businesses of all sizes deliver their installed services, whether they are independent retail showrooms, regional or national brands, manufacturers, or merchants.

The accreditation process delves deeply into policies and procedures, aiming to develop and strengthen the operational delivery of KBB products. It is designed not to criticise but to collaborate with and support businesses in fortifying their operations.

AiM helps businesses attract and retain skilled installers

Damian Walters, CEO, BiKBBI

Beyond the obvious benefits of accreditation for businesses that achieve AiM status, we anticipate the mark being utilised by installers – SMEs eager to collaborate with retailers or manufacturers. Installers can be confident that businesses with AiM accreditation are ‘installer friendly,’ a crucial assurance in this era of national labour shortages.

The introduction of AiM is timely, given the current challenges in the industry, particularly the shortage of skilled labour. By setting high standards and providing a framework for continuous improvement, AiM helps businesses attract and retain skilled installers.

This, in turn, ensures that consumers receive the best possible service and without delay that could prove costly to the entire industry.

Moreover, AiM fosters a culture of excellence and accountability. Businesses that achieve AiM accreditation demonstrate their commitment to quality and their willingness to invest in their operations and workforce.

This not only enhances their reputation but also builds trust with consumers and partners. The AiM initiative represents a significant step forward for the home improvement and construction industry. It offers a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving installation standards, supporting businesses in their growth, and ensuring that installers have the backing they need.

As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like AiM will be crucial in maintaining high standards and fostering a culture of excellence.

For businesses, achieving AiM accreditation is not just a mark of distinction, it’s a commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and support for installers. In an industry facing numerous challenges, AiM provides a pathway to success and sustainability for installation.

Why AiM matters

The AiM initiative is a game-changer for several reasons:

1. Enhanced standards: AiM sets a new benchmark for installation standards, ensuring businesses adhere to best practices and deliver high-quality services.

2. Comprehensive criteria: The accreditation covers a broad spectrum of criteria, from onsite standards to business policies and procedures, providing a holistic assessment of a business’ capabilities.

3. Support and development: AiM is not about finding faults but about supporting businesses in their growth and development. It offers a framework for continuous improvement.

4. Industry-wide benefits: These extend beyond individual businesses. The entire industry stands to gain from higher standards and more reliable services.

5. Installer assurance: AiM is a mark of trust, signifying that a business is committed to supporting installers and maintaining high standards.

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