MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s leading independent builders’ merchant, opened its 122nd branch in London Colney on 2nd October 2023 and its 123rd branch in Thame on the same day. Situated at Unit 3, Riverside Industrial Estate, London Colney Bypass, the branch has created 20 new jobs. The Thame branch is located at Lupton Road, OX9 3SE and has created 18 new jobs.
The London Colney branch will be headed up by Branch Directors Kelly Collins and Laurence King who are local to the area with a deep understanding of the local community and extensive experience in the merchanting industry.
Sitting on a 1.3-acre plot, with a 30,000 sq ft warehouse allowing timber to be dry stored — MKM London Colney will offer specialisms across a range of products and services, including plumbing and heating, tool hire and kitchen and bathrooms design.
The branch will have a state-of-the-art kitchen & bathroom showroom showcasing products from market leading suppliers and a large variety of popular and well-known brands including Symphony Kitchen and Velux windows.
A strong range of plasterboards and insulation including trade favourites Rockwool, Kingspan and Kronospan will all be available.
Speaking on the opening, Branch Director Kelly Collins, who has over 30+ years’ experience in the industry, said:
“It’s a privilege to lead MKM London Colney. We’re intent on building a local merchant for local people, something the area has needed for years. Beyond business, the branch aims to weave itself into the fabric of London Colney’s community, we’ve recently sponsored the women’s team Colney Health FC and we’re supporting for the London Colney Parish Council community group. We’re in talks with local charities we also hope to assist.”
MKM Thame Branch Directors Aaron Campbell and Jake Sherwin have extensive ties to the Thame community, bringing expertise in the merchanting industry and a deep understanding of local needs to the new branch.
From a career that began as a Yard Assistant at the age of 20, Aaron Campbell evolved into roles of increasing responsibility, most notably at John Nicholls and Grant & Stone.
Aaron said: “I’ve seen first-hand MKM’s commitment to creating exceptional workplaces that support the local community, and we’re determined to bring the same blueprint to our Thame branch.
We’re looking forward to supporting local businesses, community projects & providing local sponsorship support.
Tradespeople want fair consistent pricing, knowledgeable staff, and the best service, oh, and free coffee.
We’re going to give them that and more. I’m proud that Thame will now have a local merchant for local people, something it has needed for years.”
Branch director Jake Sherwin’s started out in the industry at 18, working in a yard before moving to sales positions and eventually running his own branch.
He said, “Heading up MKM Thame is an opportunity to make a tangible difference for local tradespeople, particularly in terms of product variety, expertise, and prompt quote generation.
We’ll stock top brands including Symphony Kitchens and Velux Windows, as well as specialisations in plumbing & heating.
The branch offers a drive-through for dry quick products, and delivery options including free and same-day delivery services — available all year round.
Add to that that we’re a five-minute drive away from the legendary Thame Kebab van and I think we’ve got it all covered.”
See page 24 of our October/November 2023 issue on our Back Issues page.
MKM Building Supplies: https://mkm.com
