A new ceramics showroom has opened in Hull after two of the city’s 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 “natural expansion of the brand” 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’s Central Support Office off Stoneferry Road. More than 300 products from the pair’s extensive portfolio will be available in an interactive and overhauled setting.
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David Kilburn, co-founder of MKM, said: “We’re 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.
“With 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.
“The 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’s 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.
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: “We have an ambitious growth strategy, high performing teams throughout our business and a clear objective of accelerating our rate of expansion.
“This 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.
“Our kitchen products are selling well, and we intend to expand our offer by increasing both our range and our marketing activity.
“We 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.”
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