Tell us about your company
BA Components is one of the UK’s leading kitchen, bedroom, bathroom doors and accessories manufacturer. With headquarters firmly based at Cookstown Co. Tyrone and a second factory at Doncaster South Yorkshire, BA has grown steadily to become a major player in the KBB industry by manufacturing over 55,000 doors a week and exporting to 30 countries worldwide.
More recently, we expanded the business in 2016 with the establishment of a new sister company, BA Clic Components with a new purpose prepared factory in Rotherham to manufacture ClicBox here in the UK. This unique flatpack cabinet solution that is so easy to assemble requiring no tools or screws is simply as good as a rigid cabinet in a box and sure to revolutionise the cabinet sector.
Investing in new people and manufacturing processes has resulted in strong leadership, high-quality products, a broad product range and strong customer service, winning many industry and business awards along the way.
With seven brands in our portfolio, BA offer one of the widest ranges in the market today. Each brand offers choice of colours, style and finishes to suit every budget. To complement our growth plan a renewed focus on new markets with its potential has seen BA Components even more engaged and open for new opportunities. All of which requires creative thinking to realise our exciting business ambitions and continue to drive growth in the KBB sector.
Why have you decided to sponsor an award again this year?
BA Components are delighted to be associated with the prestigious BKU Awards 2018 for the 3rd year in a row. As an established manufacturer for over 27 years in the KBB industry, we believe that sponsoring the “New Kitchen Retailer of the Year” award category reflects the spirit and success required in a tough industry. It’s exciting to witness new entrepreneurs and their vision for the future. These new kitchen retailers are demonstrating a high degree of entrepreneurship by beginning a journey that will require outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination, as well as robust management practices in a competitive market.
Here at BA, we appreciate seeing the amazing kitchens completed by both our current and new kitchen dealers. We often encourage them to share their creations with us so we can raise their profile on our website and social media platforms. It is important for us to assist all our dealers and help them grow their business alongside ours with content-rich marketing and brand awareness.
How important is it to have an industry event like the BKU Awards?
The BKU Awards is all about people, passion and pride in our industry. Attending this event allows us all to spend an evening with some of the industry’s leaders, build new connections and celebrate the success of KBB’s finest. Businesses of all shapes and sizes need recognition and there is no better way to do so than with a glitzy award ceremony.
What are some of the challenges facing the sector this year?
The uncertainty that exists around Brexit has left some reluctance to spend in the marketplace, but by launching new ranges, colours and products we offer choices to all economic budgets whatever that uncertainty and as a result, sales are continuing to increase. There’s also the concern about the weak pound, which has been a double-edged sword for us all, the cost of raw materials has risen but on the other hand our exports have risen. Positivity in the sector has been borne out by our own experience, has seen demand for bespoke quality British products showing no slow down.
Where do you see opportunities for your company in 2018?
We are looking forward to revealing our biggest and best stand yet at this years KBB Show in March where we will be showcasing all our latest product and inviting dealers to join the BA Diamond Club with VIP treatment at our stand.
By giving our trusted dealers the right support with high-quality marketing materials, listening to their need and nurturing them to grow with us. Year on year, BA are showing good growth and our dealer network has grown by 5% in 2017. We aim to grow our dealer network even more in 2018 and we also have lots of other big plans for the year ahead, which are currently under wraps!
If you could choose a commercial highlight from 2017, what would it be?
2017 was truly a magnificent year for BA Components. Celebrating our 7 brands and also scooping 7 business awards was an all time high for BA as this is the most award wins we have ever collected in the space of 12 months. It shows our dedication to the business development, our loyal customers and our great staff. We will continue to invest in the business and grow to unprecedented levels.
What are the big trends in kitchen and bathroom retailing coming up in 2018?
We predicted back in September the on-going growth for Blue in the kitchen which includes many different shades. Behind the scenes at the beginning of 2017, we were working very hard on our new colours and styles and bringing blue to the forefront for 2017/2018. Our new Zurfiz Baltic Blue has certainly set tongues wagging and our Denim Blue is already selling at a fast pace. We noted that consumers still have a love for the traditional look and this is why we brought them our new Aldridge style door. A twist on the Shaker door, the Aldridge door is certainly going to increase our sales of shaker styles, which already increased 16% in 2017 Vs the previous year.
We’ve also introduced another colour in our Handle-less rail option; we now stock Satin Chrome and Satin Black all of which is very easy to install in both vertical and horizontal positions.
BA’s mix of striking solid colours and woodgrains will continue to prove popular and it is important as a manufacturer to keep up with these demands and trends. Whilst more industrial finishes like our London concrete will sit alongside these styles that will create the wow factor in any kitchen. Our BA dealer network are increasingly looking for more variety for their customers who are being braver in their style and colour choices. After all variety is the spice of life.
To find out about more about the BKU Awards visit http://bkuawards.co.uk/
