MHK, Europe’s buying group for independent kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retailers, is celebrating its 5th anniversary of operation in the UK market. The buying group, which officially launched in January 2018, says it has grown in the UK as awareness of the benefits of membership have become wider spread.
Paul Wheeler, sales director, MHK UK said: “Steady, strategic growth by bringing our win-win business formula to premium independent retailers was always our 5-year plan for the UK market. We set an ambitious target because we knew once the extraordinary benefits of membership of MHK were explained, sign ups would follow. There was a myth being spread in the UK that becoming a member would mean giving up control of your business. But the fact is, any of our members will confirm this is not true and that they are totally in control of their own business. From start ups to industry stalwarts, our members are our biggest champions and can speak first hand of the benefits they have seen in making their businesses more successful and profitable.”
In a recent survey this month carried out by MHK of its members, 100% of respondents stated being a member of MHK has transformed their business and that everything that was promised prior to signing has happened. Among other benefits, MHK’s Central Payment System streamlines the payments process for both retail and supplier members, minimising credit risks for suppliers in the process – lower risk means lower prices for MHK members.
Andrew Hatfield founder of Concept 17, one of the very first UK members in 2018 said: “I joined MHK because of the fantastic payment terms – I thought they were too good to be true at first but felt there was nothing to lose as the one-off membership was refundable if I changed my mind. Access to a broader range of suppliers at the drop of a hat has been a huge driver in taking on additional projects and scaling my business. For retailers who are still thinking twice about MHK, my advice would be to listen to the experiences of their members such as myself. We know it isn’t too good to be true and are reaping the rewards.”
Globally, MHK’s success story continues as it recently announces on the back of its financial year end (Dec 22) that 3,877 members generated sales of 9.727 billion euros (+9.1% YoY). In 2023, MHK will host its AGM in which both retail and supplier members across Europe will meet from 2nd - 4th June for a major summit in Berlin.
Pictured from left to right: David Morris, Anthony Davis and Paul Wheeler.
