A new ceramics showroom has opened in Hull after two of the city鈥檚 best known businesses were brought together.
MKM Building Supplies acquired tile and bathroom specialist Brooke Ceramics in late 2019, a move at the time described as a 鈥渘atural expansion of the brand鈥 as product range was increased.
Now the dedicated outlet for trade and public has been launched at Brooke Ceramics' distinctive premises on Foster Street, close to MKM鈥檚 Central Support Office off Stoneferry Road. More than 300 products from the pair鈥檚 extensive portfolio will be available in an interactive and overhauled setting.
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David Kilburn, co-founder of MKM, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e absolutely delighted to be opening Brooke Ceramics at MKM Home in Hull, combining quality products with an innovative retail experience that is unique for the region.
鈥淲ith both MKM and Brooke Ceramics having such a long-established connection with Hull, we can think of no better place to launch our latest venture.
鈥淭he new showroom looks set to revolutionise the retail experience for ceramics for both our trade and consumer customers. The creative vision has been spearheaded by Linda Clarke and her team, with high-end display units that are unlike anything else that can be found across Yorkshire."
A team of 25 industry experts will staff the new showroom, on hand to provide in-depth advice and technical know-how across the full range of Brooke Ceramics at MKM Home鈥檚 portfolio.
Alongside the 10,000 sq ft tile showroom, Brooke Ceramics at MKM Home will also feature a a state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom outlet, set to open in spring 2022.
Brooke was founded in Hull in 1925, 70 years before MKM was launched.
It comes as former Hessle-headquartered business Victoria Plum enters the kitchen market.
Seven initial ranges and a variety of products have been launched by the company - acquired by private equity fund Endless as the MKM and Brooke Ceramic deal went through.
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It has subsequently moved to its main distribution centre in Doncaster, retaining some back office facilities in East Yorkshire following a wider move to working from home that saw the statement Bridgehead HQ vacated.
Chief executive Paul McClenaghan said: 鈥淲e have an ambitious growth strategy, high performing teams throughout our business and a clear objective of accelerating our rate of expansion.
鈥淭his led us to investigate the kitchens marketplace in detail. What we discovered was a distinct opportunity to leverage our supply chain, internal skill set and ecommerce capabilities to successfully enter this segment of the home improvement market.
鈥淥ur kitchen products are selling well, and we intend to expand our offer by increasing both our range and our marketing activity.
鈥淲e are creating a sustainable, complementary kitchens offer which will build further equity in the Victoria Plum brand and deliver even greater commercial momentum for the business.鈥
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