This year's HPX once again demonstrated the strength of the KBB community and the value of bringing suppliers, customers and industry professionals together under one roof. We brought together hundreds of KBB professionals for a packed day of product discovery, networking, demonstrations and collaboration, with more than 300 attendees visiting during the day.
The event provided visitors with the opportunity to discover the latest products, technologies and services from a wide range of leading brands, while also getting an insight into the people and facilities behind the products they work with every day.
HPX 2026 saw a number of new exhibitors join the event, including our chosen charity partner, Maggie's Oldham, Palio by Karndean, Decorative Panels, OVVO, Soudal and TruBlue.
Their presence added even greater variety to the event, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new products, technologies and services and make valuable connections with new and existing suppliers.
For TruBlue, the event also provided an opportunity to showcase its KBB software and technology, with two breakout sessions taking place in meeting rooms away from the main exhibition hall. The sessions gave attendees a closer look at how technology can support and enhance their businesses.
One of the highlights of HPX 2026 was the opportunity for attendees to take part in HPP Site Tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at HPP's facilities, operations and capabilities. The tours offered visitors a different perspective on the scale of the business and the processes involved in supplying products to customers across the KBB industry.
A standout visual feature of HPX 2026 was a Sensio and Palio by Karndean collaboration, featuring a staircase display combining Palio by Karndean flooring with Sensio Razor X lighting. The display demonstrated how products from different suppliers can be brought together to create inspiring and practical solutions for the modern KBB environment.
For visitors, it was a great example of the collaborative approach that sits at the heart of HPX - bringing together complementary products and the expertise of different businesses to create something greater than the individual components.
The feedback from exhibitors highlighted the organisation, atmosphere and quality of conversations throughout the day.
Phil Deeley, National KBB Distribution Manager at Palio by Karndean, said:
"Having attended many events of this type over the years, I can honestly say that HPX was exceptionally well organised."
Ryan Halford, Business Success Manager, added:
"Was a great day so very thankful to have been a part of that."
There was also positive feedback from EGGER, with Regional Account Manager Gina Tailford saying:
"It was a really enjoyable day… There was a steady flow of visitors throughout, plenty of positive conversations, and some excellent feedback on EGGER and our products."
The smooth running of the event was also recognised by Decorative Panels Account Manager Steven Beever:
"The whole day for us went off without any issues and as we know we appreciate the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes with such a large-scale event."
For our trade customers, HPX provided an opportunity not only to discover new products but also to reconnect with people across the industry and develop new supplier relationships.
Stuart from Butlers Interiors was impressed with the networking opportunities:
"It was really good, saw a lot of people that I haven't seen in years and discovered products on the day. I spoke to Blum a lot throughout the event and they will be contacting me to come over, do some demos and provide me with a price list."
Alf from New Edition also highlighted the variety of products and displays on show:
"It was really interesting. Great to see the new designs, including the new door styles. It was really interesting seeing Sensio showcase the staircase with Palio by Karndean flooring along with the Razor X. Well worth visiting. I will definitely be at the next HPX."
Alongside the business and networking opportunities, HPX 2026 also had an important charitable focus, raising an impressive £2,590 for Maggie's Oldham.
Maggie's Oldham was also one of this year's new exhibitors, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about the support the centre provides while helping to raise funds through the event.
There was plenty of friendly competition throughout the day too, with Rebecca from Palio by Karndean taking victory in the cash grabber game and walking away with a bottle of champagne.
HPX 2026 was made possible through the combined efforts of everyone involved - from the exhibitors and suppliers who brought their products, expertise and enthusiasm to the event, to the customers who took the time to attend, explore and engage throughout the day.
A huge 'well done and thank you' also goes to the HPP team, whose hard work behind the scenes helped deliver an event that brought the KBB community together and showcased the strength of the relationships between HPP, its suppliers and customers.
With more than 300 people attending, new exhibitors joining the event, strong customer engagement and £2,590 raised for Maggie's Oldham, HPX 2026 was a memorable day for HPP and the wider KBB community.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the next HPX!