23rd June 2020 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedIn Episode Four SpeakEasy with Oli Stephenson In this episode of the SBID podcast, our host Grant Pierrus catches up with Oli Stephenson, founder and director of Life Kitchens. Oli shares his experiences of running a kitchen showroom business in the wake of the coronavirus, and how the implications of the pandemic will continue to affect the future of the sector. Life Kitchens utilise some of the best kitchen craftsmen in the business, with decades of expertise in the design and manufacture of contemporary kitchens. Launching the unique and interactive kitchen showroom in London Waterloo, and only in the third year of business, Oli reveals how he has approached the challenges of running a relatively new business during the pandemic. Discussing how the coronavirus outbreak has not only impacted operations, but also what that means for the future of the industry as a whole. As retail outlets and showrooms begin to re-open, Oli shares his unique perspective on diversification and adaptation – from exploring new ways to engage with customers to shifting their approach to sales and marketing in the digital realm. Oli continues to comment on the importance of rising to the challenge with a positive attitude as he gives advice on how to be flexible and remain relevant to embrace the fundamental lifestyle changes and societal trends that are yet to come as ‘normal’ life develops post Covid-19. Tune in to the whole conversation to discover more. Listen on Spotify Oli Stephenson Oli Stephenson is the founder of Life kitchens. He is the 5th generation of a family business established in 1909 supplying the UK home and interiors trade. Having spent 6 years in kitchen design and sales, Oli launched Life kitchens, as a fresh approach to kitchen retail in London. Now in its third year, Life works directly with clients as well as with interior designers, architects and developers.