About Us
It is people that make the difference
MKM was established in 1995 by David Kilburn and Peter Murray, who both had experience of trading with one of the national merchant chains. Their vision for MKM was to create a business where knowledgeable, local people, served the local industry. Recognising the fact that customers always have the option to shop where they want, MKM aims to differentiate itself by delivering unprecedented levels of service by employing and retaining the very best staff, underpinned by excellent relationships with suppliers and customers. It is the belief of the Group Directors of MKM that "it is people that make the difference" and the key message to our staff is "give customers what they want".
The business quickly grew and in 1997 MKM moved to a purpose built site on Stoneferry Road. Not content with a one branch operation, and with the realisation that the model could be repeated elsewhere, the Directors set about developing a strategy that would attract and retain key individuals in other areas. Setting up an innovative initiative whereby new branch managers would receive a stake in their branch allowing them an opportunity of capital growth and a share in the profits, this proved to be a key element of MKM's growth by attracting and retaining entrepreneurial branch managers.