How do you create the perfect display space? Tom Howley discusses designing the new Bristol showroom – page 25
Group chairman David Hance has a bold ambition – to make Crosswater the number-one bathroom brand in the UK – page 51
As TK Components marks its 25th anniversary, MD Tom Kelly is celebrating its success – and soaring sales figures – page 63
January 2015 Issue 108
www.kbbdaily.com
Mark Two Distributors folds after Tesco’s exit
The fallout from Tesco’s closure of its kitchen and bathroom business has claimed Mark Two Distributors, which entered administration on 26 November with the loss of 196 jobs. The collapse of the Bolton-based business came after sister business Mark Two Home, which sold and installed Tesco’s furniture, ceased trading – putting 137 people out of work. Around 90% of Mark Two Home’s business was with Tesco, as was a ‘substantial proportion’ of the distribution company’s. Joint administrators Philip Duffy and Steven Muncaster of Duff & Phelps said on 28 November: “A purchaser could not be found for the remaining logistics business and regrettably, 196 redundancies were made today. The 17 remaining employees
are assisting the joint administrators to identify and sell the assets of the company.” Tesco pulled out of the six-year partnership saying it had worries about Mark Two Home’s “ability to deliver the service our customers expect” and claimed that the company had not handed over payments taken directly from customers. But Dave Cullen, the CEO of Burnley-based Ultra Finishing, which bought Mark Two Distributors in June 2013 and owned 30% of Mark Two Home – the remainder is owned by seven other private shareholders – said Tesco had refused to discuss a way to protect customers after saying it wanted to exit the kitchen and bathroom market over a year ago. Mark Two Home, which also had contracts with Debenhams and Laura Ashley, was not in administration as this issue of ek&bbusiness went to press. A spokesperson said: “Mark Two Home Ltd is working in conjunction with Laura Ashley to return full deposits to customers whose kitchens have not yet been installed and that process is almost complete. Any customers who are currently in the middle of a kitchen refit will have the work fully completed and honoured.”
Harvey Jones expands after year of growth The new Harvey Jones showroom in the Centre:MK shopping centre in Milton Keynes
Bespoke kitchen manufacturer Harvey Jones ended a year of growth in 2014 with the opening of its 31st showroom – in Milton Keynes – and the promotion of three senior staff to the board. In a bid to strengthen expansion plans to double the number of stores over the next four years, Matt Hazelden has been promoted to sales director from national sales manager, financial controller Kim Ross becomes finance director and senior production manager James Hadingham becomes production director. “The appointments come at an exciting time for the company, which has seen growth across all fronts in the current year – with sales and showroom roll-outs up year-on-year,” said CEO John Curwen.
All you need is luxe: Antonio Citterio has collaborated with head of Axor, Philippe Grohe, on a third bathroom collection. Unveiled at The Crypt on the Green in Clerkenwell in November, the Axor Citterio E range of bathroom fixtures was described by Citterio as “the essence of luxury”. Speaking to a packed venue, Philippe Grohe reflected on his 14-year association with the Italian architect and designer and how they had created a 37-strong collection, including the single-lever mixer with upright joystick handle, pictured here in chrome
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