MARCH 2017 | 29 |
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Installer Support |
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means we can get it to them in days rather than months .”
That kind of nimbleness is something that one might associate with a small business but MKM has the purchasing power and the benefits of a larger group structure too .
Kitchens take off
MKM has a successful transactional website which also attracts quite a lot of professional DIYers , and most MKM branches now have showrooms .
These hugely successful kitchen and bathroom showrooms have added greatly to individual branch sales . Kitchens are only a small part of the business , but sales in this area saw 46 % growth in 2016 . The business has
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introduced specialist software for kitchens to make it easier to price and quote .
Plumbing and heating has also seen strong sales with the Hull MKM branch already one of the largest in the country in this sector . Linda said : “ Kitchens , bathrooms as well as plumbing and heating have all seen strong growth . We are now looking at roofing as the next growth area and putting together a great plan for our installers , with specialists who can provide advice . We can go out to branches with our product experts and this continues our tradition of being known for a high level of skill in specific areas . We find our customers value expertise and good service .
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“ We have done some really good deals with national manufacturers who are now approaching us as we grow in scale , with a view to becoming partners .”
Star support
Rod Stewart was persuaded to perform at Hull ’ s KC Stadium by MKM executive chairman David Kilburn , a lifelong fan of the singer . David said the concert was his way of saying thanks to the people of Hull .
MKM underwrote the concert , which took place on 14th June , 2016 . Proceeds from the event went to the Daisy Appeal - which
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‘ we made about £ 300,000 profit which we gave back to local charities
’ raises money for Hull ’ s hospitals – and Hull ’ s Holy Trinity Church .
Linda said : “ We brought Rod Stewart to Hull to celebrate our 21st anniversary . We sold 25,000 tickets , invited customers and made about £ 300,000 profit which we gave back to local charities .”
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Shooting up the ranks
MKM Building Supplies climbed 69 places in the rankings of the last Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 , rising to 70th position .
Founder and executive chairman David Kilburn , who started the business with partner Peter Murray when the company employed just five people , said it was an outstanding achievement to be featured among the UK ’ s top private companies . It was also a testament to the hard work of everyone employed by the business .
www . mkmbs . co . uk
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