The managing director of kitchen retailer Roundhouse has spoken out in defence of UK kitchen design and denied that it lags behind Italian and German competitors. Designer Craig Matson was responding to allegations from some kitchen companies attending kbb LDN last week, who claimed lack of investment and an over-cautious attitude were holding back kitchen innovation in the UK. He has also urged UK companies and the government to support innovation in UK kitchen design. I believe it is possible to achieve a substantial manufacturing base in the UK and become a market leader, Matson said. The large German and Italian companies tend to produce generic designs, initially for their own home markets but with an eye on the international market. I doubt they have much design consideration for the UK market, which is clearly an area British manufacturers should be taking advantage of. The British design ethos of quality and crafted design, using natural materials, is a way of differentiating ourselves from the European style of kitchen furniture. Being different has got to be a good thing. Maston, who was judging this years kbbreview Industry Awards, said he had been struck by the design and craft innovation from the shortlisted entrants and added that creativity was more to do with positive thinking than financial investment. The genesis of imaginative design is ideas, he said. Putting ideas into manufacture might cost money in terms of investment in RD and displays, but ideas and progression are an attitude of mind. What generates success is developing these ideas with a common purpose. It is worth the effort. If you cannot differentiate yourself from your competitors you are going to find it much harder to compete successfully. Matson called on UK businesses to support British manufacturing and the government to increase its backing. The UK kitchen industry continues to develop its own innovative, dynamic bespoke design, something it is already recognised for, he said. We should be optimistic for the future, promoting a positive attitude to design development thus encouraging investment. We should be developing a long-term business attitude and lobbying the government to support manufacturing.