MKM Building Supplies Warrington

What MKM Building Supplies Warrington does

MKM Building Supplies is the UK's largest independent builders' merchant, operating more than 140 branches across England, Scotland & Wales. Founded in Hull in 1995 by David Kilburn, the company remains privately held with no external private equity or venture capital backing and is described in company materials as 'the UK's proper independent builders' merchant.' It serves two primary customer segments: trade professionals (builders, contractors, tradespeople) and DIY/homeowners, with a branch-centric sales model that emphasises local expert service over centralised call centres. The Warrington branch analysed here is one of 140+ locations, each typically employing 12-18 staff and trading under the MKM banner.

The product portfolio spans core building materials (bricks, blocks, cement, insulation, timber), landscaping supplies, plumbing and heating, electrical, kitchens (featuring the Accent Kitchens brand with 2,700 colour options), bathrooms, doors/windows/joinery, paint, tiles, and tools. Complementary services include free kitchen and bathroom design consultations, tool and equipment hire (MKM Hire), a professional estimating service, an online U-Value Calculator, and Buy Now Pay Later finance. The technology stack is composed of a BigCommerce-powered eCommerce website (mkm.com), an iOS/Android mobile app launched in April 2026, REVIEWS.io integration for customer reviews, Cloudflare Turnstile security, Rakuten Advertising affiliate tracking, and Bloomreach content delivery. There are no AI/ML capabilities in evidence.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time building materials and hardware sales across the branch network, supplemented by recurring trade credit accounts (offering £1,000 credit lines and trade discounts), usage-based tool hire, and professional services. Pricing models include a free trade account subscription with trade discounts, transaction-based Buy Now Pay Later finance (e.g., £9,000 kitchen from £179.99/month over 60 months), and standard retail pricing for non-trade customers. The business delivered £1.1bn in revenue for FY2025 (year ending 30 September 2025), up 12% year-on-year, significantly outperforming the broader market.

Name

MKM Building Supplies Warrington

Legal name

MKM Building Supplies Limited

Website

https://mkmbs.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

MKM Building Supplies is an independent UK builders' merchant operating 140+ branches across England, Scotland & Wales. Founded in 1995, it serves trade professionals and DIY customers with building materials, kitchens, bathrooms, and design services, generating £1.1bn revenue in FY2025.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Builders' Merchant / Building Materials Retail

NAICS

Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers (444), General Rental Centers (5323)

SIC

Wholesale-Lumber & Other Construction Materials (5030)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction, Hardware & MRO Supply Clubs (Trades/Contractors) (CRAEAEAG)

Keywords

• Builders merchant
• Building materials
• Trade supplies
• Landscaping materials
• Kitchen bathroom design

Headquarters

HQ city

Warrington, England

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Building Materials & Hardware Sales: Core revenue from selling building materials including timber, bricks, blocks, cement, insulation, plumbing, heating, bathrooms, kitchens, and tools through branch network
2. Trade Credit Accounts: Trade customers can apply for credit accounts offering £1000 credit, trade discounts, and payment terms
3. Tool & Equipment Hire: Tool and equipment hire services through dedicated hire department
4. Kitchen & Bathroom Design Services: Free design services driving sales of kitchens and bathrooms with financing options including Buy Now Pay Later
5. Estimating Service: Professional estimating service for construction projects

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MKM Building Supplies is an independent UK builders' merchant operating over 140 branches across England, Scotland, and Wales, selling building materials, timber, kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping products, plumbing, heating, electrical supplies, doors, windows, paint, tiles, and tools. The company serves both trade professionals and DIY homeowners through physical branches, an e-commerce website, and a mobile app, supported by complementary services such as free kitchen and bathroom design, tool hire, estimating, and trade credit accounts. Founded in 1995 in Hull, MKM combines locally managed branch operations with national scale.

Product overview

MKM Building Supplies is a UK-based builders' merchant operating over 140+ branches nationwide with both physical branch operations and an e-commerce platform (mkm.com). The core offering consists of building materials organized into major product categories: Building Materials (bricks, blocks, cement, plaster, insulation), Landscaping (topsoil, aggregates, paving, fencing, decking), Timber (carcassing, sheet materials, treated timber), Plumbing & Heating, Electrical, Kitchens (with Accent Kitchens brand offering 2,700 colour options), Bathrooms, Doors/Windows/Joinery, Paint & Decorating, Tiles, and Tools & Equipment. The product portfolio is supported by complementary services including tool hire, free kitchen and bathroom design consultations, U-Value Calculator, estimating service, Tradeshake material sourcing platform, branch finder, and finance options. The company also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android enabling e-commerce access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MKM Home: Shop by room category offering home interior products and solutions.
• MKM Foundation
• MKM Hire

Products and services

• Building Materials Wide range of core construction materials including bricks, blocks, cement, concrete, mortar, plaster, plasterboard, and insulation products for trade and DIY customers.
• Landscaping Materials Outdoor building materials including topsoil, sand and aggregates, decorative gravel, paving, sleepers, decking, and fencing for landscaping projects.
• Timber Products Timber supplies including carcassing, CLS, battens, sheet materials (plywood, OSB, chipboard), and treated timber for construction applications.
• Plumbing & Heating Plumbing supplies including pipes, fittings, radiators, boilers, underfloor heating, and bathroom fixtures.
• Electrical Supplies Electrical products and materials for construction and renovation projects.
• Kitchens Complete kitchen solutions including units, worktops, appliances, and a free kitchen design service. Accent Kitchens brand with 2,700 colour options available.
• Bathrooms Full bathroom range including baths, basins, toilets, showers, taps, bathroom furniture, panels, and accessories with a free bathroom design service.
• Doors, Windows & Joinery Internal and external doors, windows, roof windows (VELUX), and joinery products including skirting and architraves.
• Paint & Decorating Paint, decorators' supplies, and finishing products for interior and exterior applications.
• Tiles Wall and floor tiles including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone options with adhesives and grouts.
• Tools & Equipment Power tools, hand tools, fixings, nails, screws, and general equipment for trade and DIY use.
• Tool & Equipment Hire Tool and equipment hire service available at branches for trade professionals and DIY customers requiring temporary equipment.
• Kitchen Design Service Free kitchen design consultation service provided by MKM specialists to help customers plan their kitchen projects.
• Bathroom Design Service Free bathroom design consultation service to assist customers with bathroom renovation planning.
• Estimating Service Professional estimating service to help customers determine material quantities and costs for their building projects.
• MKM eCommerce Mobile App Dedicated mobile eCommerce application for iOS and Android enabling customers to browse the full product catalogue, check local branch stock, place orders, and manage their trade or retail accounts online.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12% revenue growth to £1.1bn, outperforming the market
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Federation of Master Builders (FMB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2026MKM partnership with FMB to support local builders and help raise standards across the UK construction industry. Offers MKM customers exclusive 25% discount on first year FMB membership using code MKMVIP.
• SolvantacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026New independent business backed by MKM Building Supplies with a mission to improve the way building materials are distributed. MKM provides capital and expertise to support the launch.
• Run With ItminorOthers · 15 August 2025Hull-based education organization delivering learning support, enrichment days, and intervention programmes. MKM provides financial and community support to help young people build essential life skills.
• Timber Development UK (TDUK)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Full ongoing membership in TDUK with adherence to the TDUK code of conduct and responsible purchasing policy for timber sourcing compliance.
• Scottish Timber Trade AssociationcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Full ongoing membership with adherence to code of conduct for responsible timber sourcing in Scotland.
• Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Suppliers Global Stone and Marshalls plc are members of ETI, an alliance ensuring respect for workers' rights worldwide.
• Macmillan Cancer SupportminorOthers · 1 January 2022Long-standing partnership raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support through various activities including silent auctions and branch events. Raised over £24,000 in 2022.
• Hull City FC - Tigers Tuck ShopminorOthers · 1 January 2022Partnership with Hull City FC supporting youth teams in Hull and East Yorkshire. MKM provides venue and support for the Tigers Tuck Shop programme.
• For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Independent peer group of entrepreneurs supporting local business growth. Founded in 2009 by MKM co-founder David Kilburn. Received Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.
• HEY Children's UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2018Silver partnership since 2018 supporting young people in Hull and East Yorkshire with experiential learning opportunities. MKM hosts experience days at Central Support offices and funds various educational activities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves16 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Toolstation: Trade-focused tools, hardware, and building materials retailer with 550+ UK branches. Competes directly on tools, fixings, and a growing range of building materials to the same trade professionals.
• Wickes: UK home improvement retailer with ~230 stores and strong trade presence. Competes directly with MKM on kitchens, bathrooms, and building materials sold to both trade and DIY customers.
• Buildbase: UK builders' merchant network with ~165 branches, part of the Grafton Group. Competes with MKM on core building materials, timber, and landscaping supply across regional UK markets.
• Jewson: Established UK builders' merchant with over 600 branches, part of the STARK Group. Direct competitor across core building materials, timber, and kitchens/bathrooms with similar trade counter service.
• Travis Perkins: UK's largest builders' merchant with ~1,900 branches and national coverage. Closest direct competitor to MKM, serving the same trade and DIY customers with building materials, kitchens, and tool hire.
• Screwfix: UK's largest trade tools and hardware retailer with 800+ branches and strong omnichannel. Direct competitor on tools, fixings, and accessory lines, with overlapping trade customer base.
• Selco Builders Warehouse: Trade-only builders' merchant with 70+ branches across the UK. Direct competitor serving professional builders with extended-hours trade counter and bulk materials, similar to MKM's trade proposition.

Regional players

• Bradfords Building Supplies: Independent regional builders' merchant focused on the South West of England with ~50 branches. Similar trade-focused, branch-centric model to MKM but operating in a different geography.
• Huws Gray: Welsh-headquartered independent builders' merchant with significant North Wales and North West England presence. Closely comparable independent, branch-led model to MKM with regional overlap.

Broad incumbents

• B&Q: UK's largest DIY home improvement retailer (Kingfisher plc) with ~300 stores. Overlaps with MKM on DIY and home improvement categories but is a broader incumbent with no trade counter focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/mkmbs
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpFgRDFvSrLp9JcoXXO34rw
• Facebookfacebook.com/MKMBS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mkmbswarrington
• Instagraminstagram.com/mkm.buildingsupplies/?hl=en
• TikToktiktok.com/@mkm.buildingsupplies

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MKM Building Supplies Warrington