MKM to open 122 and 123rd branches next week

MKM Building Supplies will open its 122nd branch in London Colney on October 2. Situated at Unit 3, Riverside Industrial Estate, London Colney Bypass, the branch has created 20 jobs for the area.

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.

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.

Collins 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.”

King, added: “It’s a dream come true to open the MKM London Colney branch and support the customers who’ve been by my side throughout my career. As the son of a local tool hire manager, I started out at age 14 helping scrape ice off vans on winter mornings. Some 20+ years later I’m still great at ice scraping but I’ve also worked in high profile roles at several other building merchant companies including Jewson and Travis Perkins.”

The opening of the London Colney branch coincides with that of the 123rd branch, in Thame, Oxfordshire.  MKM Thame Branch directors Aaron Campbell and Jake Sherwin have extensive ties to the Thame community, with  Campbell having started in the industry aged 20 as a yard assistant. He then evolved into roles of increasing responsibility, most notably at John Nicholls and Grant & Stone. 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.

With a 30,000 sq. ft warehouse, all MKM Thame timber is dry stored, and the branch will stock a full selection of building, timber, and plumbing & heating supplies. Other benefits include a specialist professional kitchen & bathroom team and a 2,000 sq. ft kitchen & bathroom showroom showcasing products from market leading suppliers.

Sherwin 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.”