The British Institute of Fitted Interior Specialists (BIFIS) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) are proud to announce the development of their strategic partnership, which is aimed at further strengthening collaboration between the fitted interiors and plumbing and heating sectors. This renewed strategic alliance will continue to promote professional standards, enhance training opportunities and improve outcomes for consumers across the built environment. The partnership will also expand opportunities to influence policy, support apprenticeship pathways, and provide clearer guidance for homeowners seeking reliable and accredited tradespeople.
By combining their respective influence, BIFIS and CIPHE will accelerate their work together to support professionals involved in kitchen, bathroom and fitted interior installations – areas where precision, safety, and coordination are essential. The partnership will focus on developing joint guidance, sharing best practices, and fostering a culture of continuing professional development during a time that is unarguably navigating change for the home improvement and construction industries
Damian Walters, BIFIS CEO, said “The development of our partnership represents a great opportunity for both organisations and the wider industries we serve – clearly there are synergies between the two organisations, and we should rightly collaborate to achieve our shared vision. By working closely with CIPHE, we can ensure that professionals across both disciplines are better aligned, better trained, and better equipped to meet the evolving demands of modern homes, buildings and consumers during a fast-moving landscape.”
Damian continued: “Kevin and I have been driving our respective organisations for decades; we share the same passion for our respective industries and are both focused on collaboration. It makes perfect sense to be working more closely with each other on topics of key importance, and we are both open to sharing ideas and using our collective influence to drive positive change.”
Kevin Wellman, CEO of CIPHE, said “Collaboration is essential if we are to raise standards, strengthen skills, and support the future needs of the built environment. By working more closely with BIFIS, we can share expertise, align our efforts, and help ensure that professionals across our sectors are better equipped to deliver safe, high-quality outcomes for consumers.”
Kevin continued: As an educational charity we want to provide public benefit so that installations are carried out efficiently and effectively by qualified and experienced professionals. This strategic alliance with Damian and BIFIS will improve consumer confidence and result in safer and high-quality installations.
ABOUT BIFIS
The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) is the UK’s first and only Government sanctioned institute dedicated to the fitted interiors sector, formally known as The British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) – The name change was made in October 2025. The organisation works with professional tradespeople, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of fitted interiors product to define industry standards, support skills development and provide the industry with a national and collaborative voice.
BIFIS accredited national registration comprises of 5,000+ trade businesses, together with a network of local, regional, and national specialist retailers and a growing number of major national and international manufacturers and suppliers.
Thanks to this the organisation is able to provide consumers with reassurance of compliance, while representing the shared interests of sole traders, SMEs and major national and international businesses working in one of the most important parts of the UK economy.