Quooker and Foyne Jones join to support kbb workers facing redundancy

The Covid crisis has undoubtedly shaken the kitchen industry - with thousands of showrooms and manufacturing plants shut, staff placed on furlough and resultant redundancies, the sector has undergone some of the toughest trading conditions it has ever had to face.

Having seen first hand how the strain the crisis has placed on the industry has affected smaller, independent retailers and how changing consumer habits have dramatically impacted sales, kbb recruitment specialist Foyne Jones and high-end tapmaker Quooker have joined forces to support industry workers affected by redundancy.

From career coaching and mentoring, employability webinars with Foyne Jones founder Peter Jones, podcasts involving employers and industry influencers and weekly talent video showcases, the partnerships seeks to make a real difference.

Designed to help those who need it most, Quooker’s sponsorship ensures this unprecedented level of specialist recruitment support is delivered completely free-of-charge.

Stephen Johnson, Quooker MD says: 'During these difficult times, brands are faced with two choices. To shrivel up and remain inward focused, or to work together sharing expertise and resources, to help the industry re-build, recover and thrive. If help isn’t given, I perceive a significant problem.'

He continues: 'I’m acutely aware how tough financial conditions have forced many companies to retreat and therefore redundancies are natural. But I believe it’s vital we strive to keep and continue to grow the skills we have, by supporting those who’ve lost their jobs because of the crisis. It’s all of our roles to get those affected back into employment.'

In March, Quooker launched the KBB helpline, which sought to partner struggling retailers with industry heavyweights to share resources and expertise. It then introduced the ‘COVID-19: Quooker Support for Businesses’ scheme which offered dealers the ability to freeze accounts for a period of up to 3 months.

Quooker has also pledged 100k media spend to support the wider kitchen industry, encouraging consumers to return to the high street and driving footfall to showrooms.

For more information on any of these initiatives, please contact quooker@hillgatepr.co.uk