Luxury kitchen studio, The Myers Touch are delighted to announce they have won the prestigious 'Kitchen Retailer of the Year' award at the 2021 kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. Hosted in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral on the 15th of September 2021, the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards is renowned as the biggest celebration of the year for the kitchen and bathroom industry.

Judged by the editorial team of the trade title along with guest judges, the annual award event brings the UK's finest designers, manufacturers, retailers, showrooms and KBB professionals together to celebrate excellence in the industry.

Founded by Keith and Helena Myers in 2003, their award-winning design studio was established with the vision to create truly bespoke kitchen-living spaces. Today their large, contemporary studio on the outskirts of Winchester, showcases stunning ranges of kitchen displays from kitchen manufacturer, SieMatic which are complemented by custom cabinetry designs and luxury appliances. The Myers Touch offers specialist interior, architectural and design services alongside working with leading architects to create modern and contemporary kitchen living spaces.

The Myers Touch were awarded 'Kitchen Retailer of the Year' in recognition of how their business adapted to the Covid-19 lockdown by implementing innovative internal systems for their staff and developing business initiatives that ensured their showroom business could service existing clients, and market their business whilst closed to attract new clients.

Part of their initiative throughout Covid lockdown was to develop new marketing approaches to boost further awareness and interest about their design studio. Their strategy was to create a monthly virtual design talk series that allowed them to market and communicate to potential clients who were thinking of a new kitchen in their home. Working with their expert marketing and PR team they identified key design themes that would attract local customers, for example: 'Maximising Small Kitchens and Creating Connectivity in Larger kitchen Spaces'. The online design talks proved so popular that staff were brought back from furlough early to manage the increase in business enquiries from customers contacting them about new kitchens.

Recognising market and consumer changes post the pandemic has also enabled the studio to thrive. For example, The Myers Touch learnt during the 'Design Talk' Series that consumers have increased need for 'Wellness and Connectivity' in kitchen schemes, reporting that families want kitchen designs that increase the connectivity and communication with each other, but at the same time connect with their surrounding environment to create more harmonious spaces.

The Myers Touch made operational changes to the business such as improvements to their website to make it easier for prospective clients to download kitchen design brochures and trend guides for inspiration. Investments were also made to ensure that the latest CRM technology was implemented into their internal system to ensure all client opportunities were maximised.

Helena and Keith Myers have always prided themselves on their long-term staff retention and wanted to ensure the wellbeing of their team. They developed a Friday 'catch-up' Zoom call to touch base with each member and discuss how their week had been, providing support where necessary. Each team member was provided virtual and in-person training to the new systems and initiatives, as well as having access to business coaching and mental health services throughout the pandemic.

Keith Myers, Director of The Myers Touch said: “As our business approaches 20 years in the kitchen design industry, we are thrilled to win this coveted award at the kbbreview awards. Helena and I are over the moon to win this award and we would like to thank all our clients and members of staff. Despite one of the hardest years due to the Covid-19 Lockdown with all its restrictions, we were able to navigate our way through and the business became adaptable and agile which allowed us to achieve success.”

Andrew Davies, Managing Editor of kbbreview said: “The Myers Touch has appeared as a finalist for this coveted award many times, however this year they have pushed the consumer experience and staff engagement even further during such a challenging time. From the investment in new management software, the live Design Talks, the refitted displays and team wellness programmes, they successfully negotiated the many obstacles that the pandemic and lockdowns threw at us all. It's a pleasure to see such a versatile and motivated business come through as a more determined and passionate retailer with true fire in their hearts about giving a best-in-class service and experience.”

The kbbreview award black-tie gala ceremony was hosted by TV presenter, Joel Dommett. The celebratory 1980s-themed after-party named 'The Quooker Club' took place at Camp & Furnace in Liverpool's creative district, The Baltic Triangle, and was hosted by musician and actor Martin Kemp.

Notes to editors:

The Myers Touch was founded by Keith and Helena Myers in 2003 and features a stunning range of kitchen displays in their Winchester based luxury kitchen studio. Established for over 18 years, The Myers Touch comprises a team of award-winning designers who are passionate about delivering creative design in kitchen spaces with exceptional customer service. In 2021, The Myers Touch were shortlisted as finalists for the 'Kitchen Showroom of the Year' and Winners of the 'Kitchen Retailer of the Year' 2021 KBB Review Retail & Design Awards. The Myers Touch are also Finalists at the SBID International Awards 2021 for Interior Design in the KBB Design category.

For more information please contact:
Charlotte Vaughan – Yellow Zebra PR 07817 140 174 charlotte@yellowzebrapr.co.uk
Joy McIntosh - Yellow Zebra PR 07810 442659 joy@yellowzebrapr.co.uk
29 Springvale Road | Winchester | Hampshire | SO23 7ND www.themyerstouch.co.uk

Tel:01962 600 700 Company Registration No. 5198254