Neville Bernard Johnson, (June 1943 - September 2024), the extraordinary family man, business entrepreneur and industry pioneer, has passed away at the age of 81. Widely considered to be the original architect of the fitted kitchen concept, he leaves an impressive personal and professional legacy.
A self-made man with an unquenchable entrepreneurial spirit, his first qualification came in the form of a mechanic’s apprenticeship; the first van he sold was the Beatles’ official tour bus. From vehicles to kitchens, Johnson began his KBB career selling Formica worktops from his garage in Whitefield, after securing an £1,000 loan from a friend’s father. From these humble beginnings, he worked tirelessly to grow his first business, Kitchen Queen, building bricks and mortar stores and factories across the UK; with one even officially being opened by Prince Philip. When Johnson floated the company on the Stock Market in 1979, shares were 33 times oversubscribed proving tangible market interest.
He went on to set up his eponymous company in 1987. Neville Johnson Kitchens set the industry standard in quality fitted kitchen design across the country, building a reputation and brand loyalty thanks to his use of premium materials and innovative designs. The company expanded to offer bespoke fitted furniture to corporate and commercial clients. By 1991, Neville Johnson had identified a niche in the domestic market to offer luxury fitted furniture, offices and bedrooms in prime residential properties. In 2010, further expansion saw the introduction of Neville Johnson Staircases which quickly became known for its original designs and craftsmanship, offering a new service to clients. All of these businesses were sold in multimillion-pound deals, a testament to Johnson’s relentless work ethic, building an empire from the ground up. His name can still be seen across shops and vans to this day. Johnson continued to advocate for industry growth, through his advisory roles in other KBB companies.
His entrepreneurial outlook never faded, even across different industries. With his original passion for cars coming to fruition as a classic car dealer later in life. With his unfaltering eye for quality, he even bought the last 3 Jensen Interceptors from the production line in 1974.
Retiring at the age of 73, he had a truly remarkable and transformational impact on the KBB sector. As an employer, mentor, advisor and through his extensive industry connections, he kickstarted hundreds, if not thousands, of people’s careers. A man with a reputation for fairness, honesty and loyalty, his impact over his 30-year career was undeniable. From CEOs and national housebuilders to independent kitchen designers and installers, the family has been inundated by an outpouring of messages of gratitude and appreciation from the industry to the man who gave them all a chance.
Two sides of the same coin, his shrewd business mindset was matched by his generosity. A quietly charitable man, he was always willing to help those most in need. Industry stories agree on how people were naturally drawn to him because he always put others first. How he always had time for people around him, no matter how busy he was. How he lifted others up without expectation, living each day with passion and purpose. A philanthropist at heart, his charitable giving and work for various foundations and charities spread far and wide.
A family man through and through, Johnson was born and raised in Blackpool by his parents, Millie and Sydney Johnson, attending the nearby boarding school, Rossall. He moved to Manchester in the late 1960s after he married Sandra (nee Littman). They had 2 children, Shelly and Stephen. Following the tragic death of Sandra, he married Susan (nee Lewis) and had a third child, Richard. The family remain a tight knit unit to this day. He is survived by his wife, 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
The industry has lost one of its giants but his legacy lives on in the individual lives and businesses he touched.
Issued on behalf of Neville Johnson's son, Stephen Johnson.
