The pair proudly crossed the finish line side by side in an official time of 48 minutes, mixing power walking with bursts of running while encouraging each other every step of the way.

One of the biggest highlights of the day came courtesy of Neil Diamond. As 'Sweet Caroline' blasted from Kenika's mobile phone along the route, the pair sang, danced and laughed their way around the course, giving themselves an extra boost of motivation when they needed it most.

This year's event marked Kenika's third Race for Life. Although she had been feeling unwell the day before, there was never any doubt she would be taking part.

Carole agreed the day was one to remember: "I really enjoyed it. Kenika was by my side the whole way, we had a laugh, and even danced to Neil Diamond while going down the pathway."

This year's race was especially significant for Carole, who celebrated an incredible milestone - 25 years of taking part in Race for Life.

Reflecting on the achievement, she said: "I didn't think I'd still be able to do it, but I can still do it. It's great, and it's all for a great cause."

And will she be back next year? "I hope so-definitely! It'll be another big year."

The weather, however, certainly provided an extra challenge. Heavy rain at the start of the event, combined with a chilly breeze, left parts of the course slippery. Organisers placed hazard signs around uneven areas to remind participants to take extra care.

Kenika almost became one of those hazards herself: "I nearly fell at the beginning. My foot went into a ditch, but thankfully I managed to catch myself before falling. After that we were both extra careful because there were quite a few uneven patches and holes along the route."

There was still time for plenty of humour along the way. As the finish line approached, Kenika jokingly told Carole that Neil Diamond was waiting for her at the end of the course-a comment that immediately sparked an extra burst of speed to the finish.

Looking ahead, Kenika already knows she'll be returning: "I'll definitely be doing it again next year."

For both women, however, Race for Life is about much more than completing five kilometres. Kenika takes part every year in memory of her best friend, Lenisha Richardson, who sadly died from cancer, and her great-grandad, who passed away from pancreatic cancer.

Their story is a reminder that while the race may only last 5 kilometres, the reason for taking part goes much further. As Kenika puts it: "The finish line is only the end of the race-the reason we run stays with us forever."

A career built from the factory floor up

David's journey in the KBB industry began when he was just 19 years old, working on the factory floor at Haden Design.

"I've been in the kitchen industry for 32 years now," he says. "I started out building cabinets and operating machinery before moving into CNC manufacturing."

After gaining hands-on manufacturing experience, David continued developing his skills at PM Products before joining Bowood Cabinets, later known as XY Made. It was there that his career took a new direction as he moved into an office-based role, processing orders, supporting customers and working closely with the sales team.

His next move saw him spend 16 years at Getley UK, where he progressed through a variety of departments including sales order processing, CAD, transport and outbound sales.

"Working across so many different areas has given me a great understanding of the industry, from manufacturing right through to customer-facing sales."

Why HPP?

Although David wasn't actively looking for a new opportunity, HPP was always a company that stood out.

"What really appealed to me was the size and professionalism of the business," he explains. "From my first visit, there was a real family feel about HPP, and I could see there were genuine opportunities to grow. It just felt like the right place."

The opportunity itself came through long-standing relationships within the industry.

"I've known Kevin for around 20 years and Gareth for around 15. After catching up with Kevin earlier this year, he later got in touch about the role and invited me to come and meet the team. Once I'd seen what HPP was all about, it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down."

A changing industry

Having spent his entire career in kitchens, David has seen the KBB sector evolve significantly.

"Customers want much more than just kitchen cabinets now. They're looking for complete solutions, with internal storage, accessories and products that maximise space and functionality."

He also believes the industry has never offered more choice.

"There's a place for every budget, from entry-level German kitchens right through to high-end bespoke cabinetry. That's one of the things that makes this industry so exciting."

Growing opportunities

When asked what sets HPP apart, David is quick to point to the company's extensive product portfolio.

"We have such a broad range of products that we can offer kitchen retailers almost everything they need from one supplier. That gives customers a real advantage and creates plenty of opportunities for growth."

As he settles into his new role, David's first priority is reconnecting with existing customers.

"I already know many of them from previous roles, so it'll be great to get back out on the road and catch up."

Alongside strengthening existing relationships, he'll also be focused on introducing HPP to new customers and developing partnerships with complementary businesses across the KBB sector.

Experience that makes a difference

With over three decades in the industry, David believes his biggest strengths are the knowledge and relationships he's built over the years.

"I've spent my whole career in KBB, so I've developed a strong network of contacts and a good understanding of what customers need. I'm looking forward to using that experience to support our customers and help grow the business over the coming years."

Outside the office

Away from work, David enjoys spending time with his family and travelling whenever he gets the chance. He also admits to being a former golfer.

"I used to enjoy playing golf, although I wasn't very good at it! These days I don't get much time to play."

Looking ahead

David is excited about what lies ahead at HPP.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting all of our existing customers, reconnecting with familiar faces and building relationships with new ones across the region. It's an exciting opportunity, and I believe there's a bright future ahead for both me and HPP."

With his extensive industry experience, customer-first approach and passion for the KBB sector, we're delighted to welcome David to the HPP team and wish him every success in his new role!

Dan Smashes Sub-45 Minute Goal

Dan Mounsey (Marketing & Business Development Director) took on the AJ Bell Great Manchester 10K to support a charity that has become increasingly important to HPP through previous fundraising initiatives and challenges.

Although he had previously completed the AJ Bell Half Marathon, this year's event marked his first organised 10K race. After dedicating time to training, Dan set himself the ambitious target of finishing in under 45 minutes.

Despite warm temperatures making conditions tougher than expected, he achieved his goal in impressive fashion, crossing the finish line in an official chip time of 44:53, averaging a pace of 7:13 per mile.

"The support from spectators around the course really helped keep me going during the final stages," said Dan.

Running first became part of Dan's life during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and he has continued to challenge himself ever since.

Ellis Achieves Personal Target

Maintenance engineer Ellis Smith also represented HPP in the AJ Bell Great Manchester 10K, taking on the challenge in aid of Maggie's Oldham.

Participating in the event for the first time, Ellis achieved the target time he had set himself, recording an official finish time of 53:31 and an average pace of 8:36 per mile.

The heat and humidity proved to be some of the toughest aspects of the race, but Ellis thoroughly enjoyed the experience and said he would gladly take part again.

His running journey reignited following HPP's annual World Cancer Day 5K Challenge in February, which inspired him to push himself further and take on longer distances. Having originally started running simply as a way to stay active, he now sees it as an important part of his routine.

Looking ahead, Ellis is already considering taking on the Manchester Half Marathon in October.

Kenika Sets a Personal Best

For Marketing Manager Kenika Gumbs, this year's AJ Bell Great Manchester 10K was a particularly memorable achievement.

Taking part in the event for the first time, she recorded a personal best on Strava of 1:17:29 and completed the race in an official chip time of 1:19:11, averaging 12:44 per mile.

Kenika played a key role in encouraging participation across HPP, helping to bring staff together for the event after successfully organising the company's annual World Cancer Day 5K Challenge earlier this year.

When choosing a charity to support, she selected Maggie's because of the exceptional work the organisation does for people affected by cancer and their families.

"The difference Maggie's makes locally is remarkable," she said. "Supporting their work through fundraising and events such as the Great Manchester Run is a meaningful way to give back and help ensure those services remain available to those who need them most."

Ciaran's Inspirational Return to Running

Ciaran Chadwick's return to running began earlier this year during HPP's World Cancer Day 5K Challenge.

Having not run for a considerable period due to undergoing multiple surgeries, the challenge marked an important milestone in his journey back to fitness.

Inspired by the experience and determined to continue building on his progress, Ciaran joined Manchester-based running club MadeRunning shortly after completing the 5K challenge. The support and motivation provided by the club helped him regain confidence and encouraged him to take on new goals.

In an impressive achievement, Ciaran completed both the 10K and Half Marathon events during the Great Manchester Run weekend. And to add to this, he's since achieved his first 20 minute 5K distance - no mean feat!

Fastest HPP Finisher & Running Newbie, Luke

Leading the way for HPP was Luke Pilkington (Doors Production), who produced an outstanding performance in the 10K, recording the team's fastest official chip time of 43:03 and averaging an impressive pace of 6:55 per mile.

Luke only took up running in April and it would seem he's a natural runner. He's looking forward to his next race, the Fleetwood Half Marathon in August, and already has his sights on the Great Manchester Run 2027!

Collectively, the HPP team not only challenged themselves physically but also raised vital funds for Maggie's Oldham, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to supporting important local causes.

Well done to all involved!

More than 500 visitors from businesses large and small attended HPX 2023, which boasted an illustrious line-up of stands showcasing the latest developments and products from some of the industry's biggest names.

This year's event will emulate that same format but with more exhibition space and featuring more partners and products when we return to the Village Hotel Manchester on Friday 25th September.

And following feedback from exhibitors and visitors last time round, this year's event will feature minibus excursions to our production plant and other facilities in nearby Oldham, from where we have been making and supplying board, doors, fittings and accessories for the fitted furniture market for over 35 years.

Our exhibitors will again include Blum, one of the world's leading manufacturers of fittings for high-quality kitchens and furniture, chipboard producers Kronospan and EGGER, Sensio Lighting, Reginox sinks and taps, the ArtiCAD visualisation platform and VIBO wireworks and storage solutions.

Joining them this time are Karndean luxury flooring, our newest trading partner, valued long term partner Decorative Panels, TruBlue cloud-based software providers for the KBB industry, and the Soudal Group, the largest independent European manufacturer of sealants, adhesives and polyurethane foams, whose team will be giving product demonstrations.

KBN Weekly will be there too as our official media partner. The digital platform has evolved from the print publication Kitchens & Bathrooms News to provide KBB retailers, designers and manufacturers with a faster, more responsive source for industry updates, product trends, and business advice.

Also exhibiting again is Cornerstone Design & Marketing, the full-service creative agency based in Lees, which has been our marketing and PR partner since 2011 whose collaborations with us over the years have benefited every area of our business.

Our charity partner this year is Maggie's Cancer Centre in Oldham - part of a national network giving support and information to cancer patients, their families and friends - and a regular beneficiary of charitable activities here at HPP.

We'll be asking exhibitors and visitors alike to support a charity auction to raise funds towards Maggie's services that include practical advice about money worries, nutrition, exercise, wills and legacies, while emotional support includes dealing with a diagnosis, handling treatment, and dealing with the associated stress.

Dan Mounsey, our Marketing and Business Development Director, says: "Those who attended HPX 2023 will know it was a great success, and we are confident that HPX 2026 will be even bigger and better.

"Our thanks go to all our exhibitors - old and new - and to KBN Weekly for their support. Our unique position in the market allows us to curate a collection of our industry's leading brands, all under one roof - giving them the ideal platform to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted and relevant audience.

"It's hard to believe it's been three years since the last HPX, and what a period it's been. Few would argue that it's been a challenging time for our industry, set against a backdrop of reduced consumer confidence and suppressed activity. But we remain strong, optimistic and we hope HPX 2026 will deliver a feel-good factor that better times lay ahead."

To book tickets for HPX 2026, visit our dedicated page here.

All four trucks are 18-tonne, twin-axle, curtain-sided Scanias boasting the latest Euro 6 diesel engines, meaning their exhaust emissions are as environmentally compliant as possible.

Most obvious of all however is they are the first 18-tonne vehicles to be kitted out with our new company branding. We've had new door vans recently and they've been given the new branding 'glow-up' but these trucks are very different, being fully coloured with liveried curtains, rear doors and cabs. After 14 years of the 'old' branding, these new trucks with their updated livery certainly stand out, making for a significant presence on the roads.

Since 1992, new vehicles have had to meet a certain Euro emissions standard when they are made, as part of the global strategy to improve air quality. As the name suggests, Euro 6 is the sixth - and latest - directive to help reduce the level of harmful pollutants produced by vehicles powered with diesel and petrol engines, and hybrids using petrol or diesel alongside an electric power unit.

Director Andy Evans, our fleet decision-maker, explains more: "Even though the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone scheme with traffic charging has now been abandoned - in favour of a regional investment-led, non-charging Clean Air Plan, with bus fleet electrification, clean taxi upgrades and local traffic measures - we're continuing to replace older fleet vehicles with more efficient, up-to-date trucks.

"These brand new liveried trucks are not only a significant investment but they're also a commitment to our sustainability strategy as well as being a very visible presence on the road, a fantastic addition to our rebranding programme.

In addition to the new 18 tonne trucks, we've also just taken delivery of four brand-new electric forklift trucks, replacing four seven-year old gas-powered trucks.

We currently have 18 forklift trucks across our Oldham site, a mixture of different types, styles and capacities.

These new lithium battery forklift trucks have state-of-the-art energy systems that are not only highly efficient, but they also protect both people and the environment, being completely emission-free during operation, helping us maintain our sustainability targets.

Linde Material Handling’s lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system is designed for electric forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, providing high energy efficiency, fast opportunity charging, and increased truck availability. Compared with conventional lead-acid batteries, the system offers lower maintenance requirements, eliminates battery watering and battery changes, and can improve overall energy efficiency by around 30% when used with Linde’s integrated charger and battery management system. Safety is enhanced through integrated battery management and robust battery protection features.

At the end of their service life, Linde supports battery recycling through a partnership with Li-Cycle. The recycling process can handle most lithium battery types, including damaged batteries, and recovers valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other metals for reuse in new batteries. Linde states that up to 95% of battery metals can be recovered. In addition, batteries that no longer meet forklift performance requirements may be repurposed for second-life stationary energy storage applications before being recycled. This approach supports a circular economy and reduces the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.