46. Budget Special with Damian Walters & Richard Hibbert
Thu Nov 27 2025
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Budget Special: What This Budget Really Means for Home Improvement Business Owners
In this Budget Special, Kevin D Bannister breaks down what the latest Budget actually means for home improvement business owners. Whether you run a fitting team, a KBB showroom, a renovation firm or a wider trades business, this episode cuts through the noise and focuses on the real impact on your income, your staff and your customers.
Kevin is joined by two major industry voices: Damian Walters (BIFIS/BiS) and Richard Hibbert (KBSA). Together, they unpack rising taxes, higher workforce costs, stalled consumer confidence and the lack of targeted support for the renovation and home improvement sector.
What we cover:
• Dividend, savings and property taxes all rising by 2%
• Salary sacrifice changes increasing employer costs
• No VAT relief or incentives to stimulate renovation demand
• How consumer confidence may dip at the worst possible time
• Why small businesses feel overlooked despite being "the backbone"
• The real question: absorb new costs or raise prices
Damian warns the Budget will not reassure working people or spending households, sharing:
"It is not good for spend and customer confidence."
Richard highlights ongoing frustration:
"Every year they're taking a little bit more away."
Despite the challenges, both guests emphasise the resilience of independent trades and home improvement firms. These are the businesses that continue to "crack on" and keep the industry moving.
If you want a straight talking, business owner view of the Budget and what it means for your next 12 months, this episode tells you exactly where you stand.
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:
Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today… 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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Send us a text Budget Special: What This Budget Really Means for Home Improvement Business Owners In this Budget Special, Kevin D Bannister breaks down what the latest Budget actually means for home improvement business owners. Whether you run a fitting team, a KBB showroom, a renovation firm or a wider trades business, this episode cuts through the noise and focuses on the real impact on your income, your staff and your customers. Kevin is joined by two major industry voices: Damian Walters (BIFIS/BiS) and Richard Hibbert (KBSA). Together, they unpack rising taxes, higher workforce costs, stalled consumer confidence and the lack of targeted support for the renovation and home improvement sector. What we cover: • Dividend, savings and property taxes all rising by 2% • Salary sacrifice changes increasing employer costs • No VAT relief or incentives to stimulate renovation demand • How consumer confidence may dip at the worst possible time • Why small businesses feel overlooked despite being "the backbone" • The real question: absorb new costs or raise prices Damian warns the Budget will not reassure working people or spending households, sharing: "It is not good for spend and customer confidence." Richard highlights ongoing frustration: "Every year they're taking a little bit more away." Despite the challenges, both guests emphasise the resilience of independent trades and home improvement firms. These are the businesses that continue to "crack on" and keep the industry moving. If you want a straight talking, business owner view of the Budget and what it means for your next 12 months, this episode tells you exactly where you stand. 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: Join our workshop on How To Become An Unstoppable Business Owner. Download "The KBB Unstoppable Guide" and put an end to being overworked, low fees, and finally be paid what you’re worth, starting today… 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...