Behind the Scenes: An Interview with Our Sales & Marketing Director

The kitchen industry is constantly evolving, to give you an inside look, we sat down with Tom Clews, our Sales & Marketing Director, to talk about the latest industry trends and what makes our carcasses a trusted choice.

Tell us a little bit about your experience in the KBB industry?

I first stepped into the KBB world back in 2010 as an Area Sales Manager for a supplier that pretty much did it all, MFC boards, fittings, doors, the lot. It was the perfect start because I got to see every stage of the journey, from concept to installation. I threw myself into learning the ropes and along the way built some great relationships, some of which are still going strong over 15 years later! I realised pretty quickly that this industry was where I belonged and I haven’t looked back since. After working with a few other well-known businesses, I eventually joined Lamtek 2019 and worked my way up to Sales and Marketing Director.

Can you tell us more about the different sectors we supply kitchen cabinets to, and how their needs differ?

We love working within lots of different sectors and the variety of jobs that come with that. For builders’ merchants, it’s all about keeping prices sharp, handling large volumes and making sure everything lands into their depots when it’s supposed to. With e-commerce retailers, it’s more about flexibility - special sizes, bespoke requests and plenty of adapting to what their customers want online. One thing our distributors really like is that we can give them a ‘white sleeve’ product they can brand as their own. More recently, we’ve been working with developers on large scale new build kitchen projects. They appreciate our flexibility, whether that’s holding their orders until they're needed or helping them find clever, money-saving solutions. Basically, whatever the sector, we like to be more than just a supplier, we’re a partner.

What trends are you seeing right now in kitchen cabinet colours and finishes and how is our range keeping up?

Right now, Light Grey and Davenport Oak are still the crowd-pleasers. But at the higher end, Lincoln Walnut is starting to steal the show, especially paired with painted doors, which are hugely popular. We keep our ear to the ground by attending EGGER’s yearly trend conference, and of course, by listening to our customers. If there’s a colour or finish people are crying out for, we’ll make sure it’s in our range. No crystal ball needed, just good listening skills!

Why is choosing the right kitchen cabinet finish so important for both trade professionals and homeowners?

For trade professionals, the finish is everything. They need a product that not only looks good but also performs under pressure. A kitchen is a high-traffic space and durability is non-negotiable. That’s why we build our carcasses to last a lifetime, so in reality you’d only need to swap out the doors if you fancy a style change. For homeowners, that means peace of mind and saving money down the line. And let’s be honest, choosing a finish like Davenport Oak doesn’t just give you durability, it adds a little bit of luxury to the heart of your home. Who doesn’t like a touch of class with their morning coffee?

What sets our kitchen cabinets apart from other suppliers in terms of quality, service and flexibility?

Where do I start? Our Rapid Cab system is definitely a showstopper. Pre-inserted cams, pins and dowels mean you can build a unit in less than two minutes. Yes, really! We get quite competitive in the factory seeing who can beat the record, so far it is Rich our supervisor with an impressive 1 minute and 7 seconds! We only use high-quality MFC, which is why we can confidently offer a 20-year warranty on our carcasses. On top of that, we’ve got an incredible team whose combined experience adds up to over 350 years in the industry. They’re passionate, detail-driven and they genuinely care about making every order spot on. And if loyalty’s a measure of success, some of our customers have been with us since day one… which says more than I ever could.

Can you share how we support trade partners in keeping projects on time and within budget?

Speed is one of our biggest strengths. Standard orders go out in just five days and bespoke ones in two weeks. That’s lightning fast in this industry and it helps keep projects moving without costly delays. As for budgets, we’re always competitive but never at the expense of quality. Our team is also great at suggesting ways to keep costs down, so our trade partners don’t just get what they want, they get the best value for money. Basically, we’re like the kitchen industry’s version of a reliable sat-nav: quick, efficient and always finding the best route!

Sustainability has become a key focus across many industries, including manufacturing. How is our business working to reduce its environmental impact and embrace more sustainable practices?

Sustainability is built into how we work. For starters, all three of our factories are heated using offcuts from production. Nothing goes to landfill if we can help it, even chipboard particles get captured and fed into our wood-waste burners to create heat. So not only are we reducing waste, but we’re also keeping the office nice and toasty! On top of that, we only source FSC-certified chipboard, which supports sustainable forestry. And we’re about to take another big step by installing solar panels across our factories. That means generating clean, renewable energy and cutting down on fossil fuels. And that’s just the start, there are more initiatives in the pipeline, so watch this space!

Looking ahead, how do you see the kitchen carcass market evolving in the next few years?

I believe the market is entering a really exciting period. More than ever, people are seeking products made here in the UK. There’s a growing awareness of where things come from, coupled with a real sense of pride in supporting local manufacturing and that plays directly to our strengths. Looking at design trends, I predict we’ll see a continued rise in open-plan layouts in new builds and extensions. These spaces are already becoming more popular, often featuring bespoke pantry units, drinks cabinets, and dressers. With customisable options trending across social media, I expect these touches of luxury to become even more in demand. When it comes to finishes, I see more customers moving away from plain carcass designs and leaning towards more structured woodgrain options, investing in details that elevate the overall look and feel of their homes. All in all, I’d say we’re heading for steady, sustained growth. And the most exciting part is that we’re in a fantastic position to lead the way.

With a passion for quality, a knack for listening to customers and more than a few friendly factory competitions along the way, Tom highlights why we continue to prove why our cabinets are the trusted choice across every sector.

🌐www.lamtek.co.uk

📧sales@lamtek.co.uk

📲01623759856