1995: It All Started with a Fire Bell
In 1995, David Kilburn faced redundancy at nearly 50 years old. Instead of slowing down, he teamed up with friend Peter Murray and started something new. With no yard, no credit accounts and just six people, MKM opened it's first branch in Hull.
Every order was celebrated with the ring of a fire bell. That energy and team spirit became the heartbeat of the business and it still is today.
1996: Our Business Model Begins
In 1996, MKM opened it's second branch in Driffield, led by Geoff Ulloytt who had worked with David before. Instead of simply hiring a manager, David offered something different. He gave Geoff a stake in the branch, increasing his hunger for success.
That decision laid the foundation for MKM’s unique business model. Today, every MKM branch is led by local Branch Directors. It's a model built on trust and it continues to drive success in every community we serve.
2000s: Growth, Grit and Good People
The early 2000s were all about steady, sustainable growth. New branches opened only when the right person was found to run them. Relationships with suppliers deepened and MKM’s reputation spread through the trade.
MKM thrived on great service, strong local teams and the power of word-of-mouth. Our people continued to go above and beyond to support our customers not because they were told to, but because that’s the kind of business MKM is.
2006: A Farewell to Peter Murray
In 2006, co-founder Peter Murray sold his shares in MKM. Peter played a vital role in shaping the culture of the business from day one. Known for his energy, experience and belief in people, Peter left a lasting legacy that still lives in every MKM branch.
Though the business continued to grow and evolve, the values he helped build remained solid.
2008: Staying Strong Through the Storm
The financial crisis hit hard across the UK. Many businesses in construction struggled, but MKM’s locally run model helped us stay resilient. Branches had the freedom to make fast, local decisions and support their customers through difficult times, with no red tape holding them back.
The trust and relationships that we developed meant customers stayed loyal and suppliers gave us their backing. The crisis proved that doing the right thing isn’t just a slogan, it’s a strength.
2016: 21 Years of MKM
In 2016, MKM Chairman David Kilburn brought Rod Stewart to Hull as we celebrated our 21st anniversary, raising over £300,000 for local charities, the Daisy Appeal and Holy Trinity Church.
This landmark occasion reflected MKM’s commitment to both our people and our communities, a goal that's been at the heart of the business since day one.
2017: Backed for the Future
In 2017, MKM partnered with Bain Capital to support the next stage of growth. Their investment allowed us to grow faster, strengthen our teams and lay the foundations for long-term success.
But the business model didn’t change. Ownership, autonomy and trust stayed at the core, just with more resources behind them.
2017: MKM Opens 50th Branch
MKM opened its 50th branch in Leamington Spa, marking our expansion into new regions while staying true to our values of a locally owned, community driven business.
Chairman David Kilburn praised the dedication of staff across the network, reflecting on the company’s journey from a small shed in Hull to a national presence.
2020: New CEO, Same Culture
In 2020, Kate Tinsley joined MKM as CEO. At the time, we had 73 branches and £465 million in annual sales. Since then, Kate has helped double our number of branches and led MKM through a digital and operational transformation.
Kate's leadership style fits perfectly with MKM’s people-first culture. Growth has accelerated, but never at the cost of our values. With Kate at the helm, MKM continued to scale responsibly while staying true to who we are.
2021: The MKM Stadium
In 2021, MKM became the official sponsor of Hull City’s football stadium, now known as the MKM Stadium. It was a proud moment that reflected our deep connection to Hull and the community where our journey began.
It was a celebration of our roots and a symbol of our continued commitment to local communities we serve.
2022: Major Milestone with 100th Branch Opening
MKM celebrated the opening of our 100th branch in Bromsgrove. Founder David Kilburn and CEO Kate Tinsley officially cut the ribbon in front of hundreds of local customers and community members.
Throughout all 100 branches, MKM has maintained its ethos of local people serving local people, with Branch Directors empowered to deliver exceptional service while supporting charities, sports teams and community projects in their area, collectivly making a huge impact across the UK.
2023: Recognition That Belongs to Everyone
In 2023, David Kilburn was awarded a CBE in the King’s first birthday honours in recognition of his service to the construction industry and charity. For David, it was a humbling moment. He viewed the award not as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the entire MKM journey, from early suppliers and the original six founders to every Branch Director, team member and customer who continues to shape the business today.
2024: Further Recognition and Continued Growth
In 2024, Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM, was awarded an OBE for her outstanding services to the construction industry and her commitment to promoting diversity. Joining MKM in 2020, she has overseen ambitious growth as MKM expanded to 129 branches nationwide, while also supporting grassroots football and serving on the FA board, showing how leadership and community impact can go hand in hand.
2025: 135 Branches and Still Growing
In 2025, MKM reached 135 branches across the UK, plus our specialist business Oceanair. With an annual turnover of over £1.1 billion, the business has never been stronger.
But size isn’t the priority, our goal is to be number one in every local market we serve. We grow when we find the right people, in the right places, with the right opportunity to make a difference.
Looking Ahead - The Future is Bright
Looking to the future, MKM shows no signs of slowing down. Our growth will be supported by digital innovation, expanded product ranges and an ongoing investment in our people.
But the heart of the business will never change. We’ll continue to build a business where people feel proud to work, customers feel genuinely valued and communities benefit from having MKM as their local merchant.