KBB Industry Conference 2027
Join the KBB Industry Conference 2027 on Thursday 13 May at the The Belfry Hotel & Resort, followed by the KBSA Designer Awards in the evening. Book your tickets by Friday 2 April 2027.
The KBB Industry Conference returns on Thursday 13 May 2027, bringing the industry together for a full day of insight, discussion, and debate at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield.
Emma Crosby returns to facilitate the conference, and the much-loved Big Debate returns to the programme. Entrepreneur Sarah Willingham will deliver the keynote speech, sharing her perspective and experience with delegates.
In the evening, the conversation gives way to a celebration of design at the KBSA Designer Awards, presented by Mark Durden-Smith.
Join colleagues from across the KBB industry for a day of ideas and connection, followed by an evening celebrating outstanding design.
Bookings close on Friday 2 April 2027.
Please note: Bookings are non-refundable.
Broadcaster and journalist Emma Crosby returns as host for 2027. She played the same role throughout the last conference, including an on-stage exclusive interview with architect and TV presenter George Clarke and chairing the 2025 Big Debate, one of the standout sessions of the event. This lively session saw a panel of independent retailers and designers answer questions on charging for design, workplace culture and showroom investment in front of a packed room of delegates.
Sarah is a prominent entrepreneur and serial investor with a career spanning hospitality and consumer facing lifestyle businesses. She has been named among the Sunday Times 500 Most Influential People in Britain, City AM’s 100 Most Influential Entrepreneurs, Courvoisier’s future 500, and is listed in Who’s Who of British Business Leaders. She is widely known for her roles as a judge on BBC The Restaurant alongside Raymond Blanc and as a Dragon on BBC Dragons’ Den. Sarah co-owned the Bombay Bicycle Club group, growing it to the largest chain of Indian restaurants in the UK and founded Nightcap Group with her husband, which they floated on AIM in 2021, delivering the most successful float on AIM that year before taking it private last year; the business has since acquired the Brighton i360 and continues to expand across the country. Her early career includes senior roles at Planet Hollywood, PizzaExpress and The Clapham House Group. She is Chair of Tonkotsu and supports and number of small businesses. In 2023, she was named Business Leader of the Year at the prestigious Publican Awards and was awarded Business Weekly’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year. She continues to invest and runs a wide portfolio of investments across several sectors including The Craft Gin Club, Credit Kudos, Secret Spa, Bubble, Togather and many others. She holds three business degrees, including an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, and honorary doctorates from Staffordshire University, Oxford Brookes University, and Cranfield University. Sarah lives in Brighton with her husband Michael and their four children.
One of Britain's most experienced and sought-after presenters and TV personalities, Mark anchored Aviva Premiership Rugby, was one of ITV’s main hosts for its Rugby World Cup 2015 coverage, and has presented This Morning and ITV’s Boat Race coverage. He is also an experienced awards host, with clients including O2, Samsung, Santander, Nestlé and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.