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In this special live episode from the Installer Show, Kevin D. Bannister is joined by Tom Baldwin, owner of Signature Projects & Paragon Design, to uncover the powerful story behind one of the UK’s most forward-thinking installation businesses.

Tom shares how he transitioned from being a hands-on tradesman to leading a high-performing installation and retail showroom business. He opens up about navigating business growth, the challenges of Covid, and the steep learning curve of launching a retail showroom, all while staying committed to quality and client care.

A major highlight of the conversation is Tom's achievement in gaining AIM accreditation, a rigorous certification focused on installation excellence and operational standards. You’ll learn how this milestone sets his business apart and what it means for the future of the industry.

Whether you're a trade business owner, retailer, or just passionate about raising standards in the home improvement sector, this is a must-listen.

Tune in to get inspired by Tom’s journey and see why being ‘just good enough’ is never good enough.

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

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Join us for a special episode recorded live from the InstallerShow, featuring an insightful conversation with Clifford, the visionary inventor behind Space Plug. A former handyman, Cliff shares his remarkable 12-year journey into invention, culminating in the creation of his "little orange widget". Discover how he organically built his business from the ground up, achieving impressive sales of over 14 million Space Plugs, consistently earning 5-star reviews from fitters worldwide.

Cliff recounts his experience at the show, describing it as "exciting" and one of the "maddest" and most "vibrant" he's ever attended, complete with unique mascots. A highlight of the episode is Clifford's proud announcement of

Space Plug's victory over Samsung in the prestigious KBB Innovation Awards 2024, a testament to the product's ingenuity and impact on the kitchen industry.

Dive deep into the problem Space Plug solves: eliminating the traditional "service void" in kitchen units that leads to material waste and installation headaches. Clifford explains how Space Plug allows manufacturers to save significant material (up to a kilo per standard install, potentially 1 million square meters globally). For kitchen fitters, Space Plug offers a revolutionary solution, making unit installation up to six times faster and using 10% less material, while ensuring screw accessibility for future maintenance.

Cliff shares the "light bulb moment" that sparked the invention, rooted in his own frustrations with traditional L-brackets as a young carpenter. Learn about the practical steps he took, from securing a patent with his father's support to finding plastics development consultants and manufacturers. He also reveals how early engagement with online forums provided crucial "proof of concept" and confidence from experienced professionals.

Looking ahead, Cliff teases the future of Space Plug, including its evolution into a "leg for the wall" and other product extensions, with the goal of making "datum pegs" and "Space Plug evolution" an industry standard. He embraces new competition, believing it will ultimately expand the market for innovative kitchen fitting solutions.

Relevant Keywords: Space Plug, kitchen innovation, kitchen fitting

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

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In this special live edition of the podcast, Kevin D Bannister sits down with Mark Conacher, a respected industry advocate, to talk about how the Installer Show is evolving, the importance of apprenticeships, and the power of being more than “just an installer.”

Mark shares his journey from tradesman to voice for change, his work with SENSTEC and the BIKBBI, and his insights into the value of building a real business rather than staying stuck on the tools. From installation quality to personal branding, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful perspective.

What We Discuss:

• Mark’s first impressions of the Installer Show 2025
• Why installers need to invest in attending live events
• The power of community and face-to-face conversations
• The story behind Mark’s involvement with BIKBBI
• The truth about apprenticeships and the industry’s skills gap
• Why more installers need to think like business owners
• SENSTEC’s innovative shower safety tech
• How small hinges can open big doors in your business

Key Quote:
"You can’t blame the gym because of your stomach—and you can’t blame your industry if you’re not showing up to be part of it." – Mark Conacher

Special Thanks To:

• Mark Conacher for his industry insight and advocacy
• SENSTEC for sponsoring these live episodes
• Nick Stokes from Classic Marble for behind-the-scenes production support
• Our show sponsor KBN – Kitchens & Bathrooms News

Links & Resources:

• BIKBBI
• Senstec USA
• Senstec UK
• Installer Show
• KBN – Kitchens & Bathrooms News

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

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Trade shows can be so much more than a day out of the business or a chance to browse new tools. When approached with the right mindset, they become powerful opportunities to level up your business, make strategic connections, and walk away with real ideas that drive profit and growth.

In this episode, Kevin breaks down exactly how to work any trade show like a business owner, not just an installer or someone in sales. You’ll learn how to prepare with purpose, ask smarter questions, network with intention, and follow up in a way that turns casual chats into cash-generating partnerships.

Whether it’s a major industry event or a local supplier showcase, this framework will help you make every minute count. And with the Installer Show just around the corner, there’s no better time to sharpen your approach and show up like a true CEO of your business.

If you’re tired of going to events and coming home with nothing but sore feet and a few freebies, this episode will give you the plan, focus, and confidence to make trade shows a serious growth tool for your business.

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

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In this value-packed episode, we break down what the 2025 Spending Review means for small business owners, especially those in the trade, construction, and installation sectors. If you’ve been wondering how government spending plans actually impact your business, this episode is your go-to guide.

We simplify the complex. From tax pressures on the horizon to new opportunities through housing development, infrastructure investment, skills funding, and energy projects, we translate high-level policy into practical steps you can take today. You'll hear how changes to business rates relief could affect your outgoings, why it’s important to stress-test your pricing now, and where to look for potential growth through public sector tenders and apprenticeship support.

This isn’t just politics or numbers talk. This is about how national decisions can shape your margins, your workforce, and your path to scaling sustainably. Whether you're still on the tools or working your way out of day-to-day operations, understanding the Spending Review gives you an edge.

If you want to protect your profits, boost your visibility, and position your business to benefit from billions in government investment, this episode is for you.

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

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In this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast, host Kevin D. Bannister tackles a crucial question: Are you charging enough? Many business owners fall into the trap of under pricing, believing it will attract more customers. However, this often leads to thin profit margins, cash flow struggles, and business instability. Kevin breaks down why this happens and introduces a three-step model, The Top Margin, to help you set prices that reflect your true value and ensure profitability.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The real consequences of underpricing your products or services
✅ Why setting prices based on competitors can be a costly mistake
✅ How to calculate your true costs, including hidden expenses
✅ The critical difference between markup and margin—and why it matters
✅ How to position your value instead of competing on price
✅ Why pricing should be an ongoing strategy, not a one-time decision
✅ Practical steps to adjust and reinforce a profitable pricing model

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

Send us a text

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

Send us a text

In this episode, host Kevin D Bannister explores the critical impact of neglecting continuous learning as a business owner.

Using his own experiences—from a reflective train ride to upcoming speaking engagements in London and Berlin, Kevin dives into the pitfalls of relying solely on outdated strategies. He outlines both the short-term and long-term costs, including operational inefficiencies, reduced employee morale, and the risk of business stagnation.

Listeners are introduced to a powerful three-step model—Assess, Adapt, and Action—that provides a clear roadmap for identifying learning gaps, crafting a targeted development strategy, and implementing change.

Drawing on research insights from the Federation of Small Businesses, Kevin underscores that continuous learning isn’t just beneficial; it’s a necessity for staying competitive in today’s fast-evolving market.

Tune in to learn practical tips, gain valuable insights, and discover how investing in your growth today can steer your business toward tomorrow’s success. 

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

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In this compelling episode, host Kevin D Bannister dives into the challenge that nearly every business owner faces, a revenue plateau. Using a mix of personal anecdotes, industry insights, and the proven BREAK Model, Kevin explains why your business might be stuck despite all the hard work and innovative ideas. The episode explores UK market trends, highlighting that 40-45% of SMEs experience this issue, and explains how to overcome it through strategic benchmarking, refocusing your offerings, elevating your marketing strategy, automating operations, and maintaining a scaling mindset. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these actionable insights are designed to help you break through the plateau and build lasting momentum for long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

• Recognize the Plateau:
  Understand that hitting a revenue plateau is a common signal that your current strategy needs a refresh.
• Implement the BREAK Model:
  Use the five-step framework—Benchmark, Refocus, Elevate, Automate, and Keep Scaling—to identify issues and unlock growth.
• Data-Driven Decisions:
  Leverage analytics and UK market insights to make informed decisions about your business strategy.
• Adapt and Innovate:
  Don’t settle for short-term fixes; instead, adopt a scaling mindset for sustainable long-term growth.
• Actionable Steps:
  Focus on refining your offerings, upgrading marketing strategies, and optimizing operations to break through revenue limitations. 

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...

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In this high-octane episode of the KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast, host Kevin D Bannister reveals the secret to staying ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape with the innovative PIT Stop Model. Inspired by the precision of F1 pit stops, the episode explains how to Probe your business by gathering crucial data, Implement swift and decisive changes, and Tune operations continuously for optimal performance. Kevin breaks down how clinging to outdated strategies can slow you down and why agile pivots are essential for avoiding competitive lag.

Key Takeaways

• Probe Your Business: Conduct regular data scouting, market analysis, and feedback loops to understand your current performance.
• Implement with Precision: Embrace rapid decision-making and resource reallocation—treat each strategic change like a swift, well-coordinated pit stop.
• Tune for Continuous Improvement: Monitor results closely, make iterative adjustments, and scale successful strategies for ongoing success.
• Agility is Essential: Just as F1 teams pivot to win races, your business must adapt quickly to stay ahead of the competition.

The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner podcast is sponsored by KBN - Kitchens & Bathrooms News THE business magazine for kitchen and bathroom professionals.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The KBB Unstoppable Business Owner Podcast! If you found it valuable, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favourite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the word!

How to Leave a Review:

• Apple Podcasts: Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, tap "Write a Review," select your rating, and write your feedback.
• Spotify: Tap the star icon under the podcast title on the main show page.

When you are ready here are 3 ways you can get more help/support:

1. Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner.
2. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today…
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn - send me a message and say hi, I would love to find out more about you and what kind of support you may need. Connect...