Andrew Hatfield, Founder of Concept 17 studios in Batley and Leeds, was the first member to sign the dotted line with MHK when it came to the UK in 2018. KBBFocus speaks exclusively with Andrew to learn how the buying group has been their perfect partner for success and why other independents would benefit from membership.
“Becoming the first member of MHK was not a decision we took lightly,” explains Andrew Hatfield. “When MHK first entered the UK market, there was a myth being spread that becoming a member would mean giving up your independence. As business people, we were reticent. However, our objective to improve cash flow and access new suppliers following a difficult situation with a folding franchisor outweighed our concerns.
We joined MHK to finish projects without the need to take more funds from current customers up front. This was possible thanks to MHK’s favourable invoicing terms and Central Payment System. They put is in touch with leading suppliers and essentially acted as our guarantor. The projects were completed on time and within budget.
After a few months, we realised this was not the only benefit. It became clear as the membership grew that we would soon be part of a peer-led community, swapping advice with fellow independent retailers all over the UK. What’s more, as MHK’s supplier portfolio grew, so did ours, allowing us to offer more choice to clients.”
For UK retailers who are unsure, Andrew Hatfield highlights 5 key benefits of MHK UK membership that have propelled Concept 17’s kitchen design business forwards:
1. You will keep your independence
“For premium retailers who are serious about growing their business, MHK will help transform it in many ways. Our experience with MHK has always been one that is supportive of our independence and entrepreneurial goals. We are not tied to any specific suppliers. We can work with who we want – whether they are part of MHK or not.
2. You will keep your current supplier relationships – with additional opportunities brought to you
As an independent, it’s extremely time-consuming to source new suppliers and set up relationships from scratch. Whereas MHK UK’s supplier list has grown exponentially each year. As an example, if we identify an opportunity to expand into bathrooms on some projects, we know we won’t have to go out and source new partners. There are high quality suppliers already available to us through MHK.
3. You will save precious time on invoicing
Thanks to MHK’s Central Payment System, everything is streamlined in a way that an SME can only dream of. Imagine paying one monthly invoice, on the same terms, for over 60 different big-name suppliers. It’s almost too good to be true. But it is true. And it will save you days of admin each year. The result of the favorable payments terms is improved cash flow.
4. You will become part of a community – if you want to
From start ups to industry stalwarts, we’ve met many success stories through MHK who have inspired us to look at how we do things in our own business. Equally, we are more than happy to offer advice to young showrooms. From a purchasing power perspective, independent retailers are stronger and more influential together. And for those who want to network, there are events, AGMs and regular meet ups for the MHK community.
5. You can leave any time
This is probably what got us “over the line” to become UK member number one. Seven years on we are still reaping the rewards. The yearly membership fee comes back to the business several times over in supplier rebates, expert advice from the MHK team, plus not to mention the time saved on invoicing. Simply put, we just don’t have a reason to leave.”
To learn more about becoming a member, contact David Morris, Sales Director: d.morris@mhkgroup.co.uk +44 7500 595744
