Ipswich, Suffolk – MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s proper independent builders’ merchant, is set to open its newest branch in Ipswich on the 2nd of February, creating 18 new jobs for local people, with the team expected to grow into the mid-20s during the branch’s first year of trading.

The branch will be led by Branch Directors Mark Turner and Joe Dyozinski, two well-known local figures with more than 40 years of combined experience in the builders’ merchant sector. Both were born and raised in Ipswich and know the local trade, customers and market inside out.

Mark Turner, who has lived in Ipswich his entire life, said opening the branch is a proud personal milestone.

“Growing up here, you see how much community matters. People want others to succeed. Being able to build something in my hometown, for my family and my two boys, felt like the perfect opportunity. MKM’s business model gives us everything we need to do that properly.”

Mark began his career as a yard foreman before progressing into senior sales and leadership roles at Travis Perkins and Jewson, including managing both the Martlesham and flagship Ipswich branches, before joining MKM.

Joe Dyozinski has spent all his life in Ipswich, starting his career as a management apprentice straight from school. He later worked for independent merchants and went on to run three branches for Travis Perkins.

Joe said: “Ipswich has the best of both worlds – a busy town with rural communities all around it. Opening MKM here gives us the chance to control our own destiny, offer great deals to local customers and bring something genuinely different to the area.”

MKM Ipswich will offer a full range of building materials alongside a large, modern showroom, sustainability displays including heat-source pump solutions, and a dedicated plumbing and heating specialist in branch. The stock profile has been shaped by Mark and Joe’s local knowledge and will include timber, bricks, pre-mixed rendering products, landscaping, kitchens and bathrooms.

Standout brands will include IG, Keylite, Swish, Siniat and Castle Cement, with an exclusive offer on Kilsaran paving for those in the Ipswich area, helping the branch stand out from local competitors.

Joe added: “We know this market well. We’ve built the stock profile around what Ipswich customers need, not what looks good on paper.”

The branch will open with a hand-picked local team, with all sales staff bringing at least five years’ experience and most having more than ten. Training and product knowledge will be central to ensuring both trade and retail customers receive clear, practical advice.

Mark said: “We’re open to all. From small to medium builders to DIY enthusiasts. Every person who enters will get a warm welcome, expert guidance and a team that genuinely wants to make their life easier.”

MKM Ipswich will offer fast, reliable free local delivery across the region, with next-day delivery as standard and same-day options where possible. The branch aims to address common trade frustrations around inconsistent pricing, availability and service by keeping strong stock levels and a straightforward, can-do approach.

Mark added: “Trades want reliability, great availability and a team who know their business. That’s exactly what we’re offering – alongside a proper welcome and a warm drink.”

Community support will play an important role from day one, with the branch planning to support Candles, a local charity helping families with Down Syndrome, as well as sponsoring grassroots football and rugby clubs across Ipswich.

Joe summed it up: “Trades in this town want big stock profiles and brilliant service – we’ve built exactly that. This is a branch built for Ipswich, by Ipswich people.”

Mark added: “MKM Ipswich will be about great people, great service and great products. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in.”

If you'd like to learn more about MKM Ipswich, visit our branch page.

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