Acres has a KBB career spanning 30 years, working for brands including Omega PLC, John Lewis PLC, and The PJH Group before founding the Simon Acres Group, a specialist consultancy supporting KBB businesses with recruitment, training, apprenticeships and media production.

He also serves as a committee member for the training and education committee at the Worshipful Furniture Makers Company and is an active member of the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network (AAN).

The BiKBBI Strategic Advisory Board, which is compiled of experts from all areas of the sector including Yvonne Orgill, Billy Quinn, Mark Conacher and Hayley Robson, exists to ensure balance and perspective in the decision-making process and strategic direction of the government sanctioned organisation.

Damian Walters, BIKBBI CEO said ‘BiKBBI’s success over the past two decades has been dependent on relationships, partnerships and collaboration.

“We have crossed paths with Simon, in his various roles, consistently over the past twenty years and we are delighted to formalise the relationship. Simon has vast experience of the industry and will be able to provide a unique point of view to the advisory board. We are thrilled to have Simon involved.”

Simon Acres said: “It’s the responsibility of the industry to support each other, and the Simon Acres Group working more closely with BiKBBI is a natural step to help achieve our common objectives.”