Starting out in the building industry as a delivery driver in the early 1980’s, John’s a fantastic example of how hard work and consistently going above and beyond for his customers over the years has earned him an excellent reputation in his local area and the opportunity to open and run his own merchant business with MKM.

John Padley said: “From driving delivery trucks and working on the trade counter, to warehousing and logistics and then managing branches, I think I’ve experienced every role within a merchant from the ground up.  Over the last 40 years, this has given me great experience and insight into how I’d do things myself.

“Working with MKM, the UK’s largest independent builder’s merchant, to open this new branch in Sleaford has given me a fantastic, once in a lifetime opportunity to do this.”

Creating 21 new jobs in the local area, MKM Sleaford provides a one-stop-shop for all building products, including building materials, plumbing and heating, drainage and civils, insulation and plaster board, workwear and timber, joinery and sheet materials.  There’s also a stunning kitchen and bathroom showroom and outdoor landscaping display, showcasing all the latest designs, colours and trends. 

The extensive range of products is backed up with MKM’s commitment to providing a friendly, expert and first-class service, from free local deliveries, to 3D kitchen and bathroom design services and brick matching.

John continued: “At MKM Sleaford, our aim is to provide the best service and experience to our customers and we are confident that tradespeople in this area and the general public wouldn’t have experienced anything like us before. 

“We’re in a great location, with an amazing team of local people with expert knowledge on-hand with to help our customers every step of the way.”

To mark the official opening, MKM Sleaford invited local Council Leader Richard Wright to officially cut the ribbon and declare the branch open.   

Richard Wright, Council Leader for North Kesteven District Council, commented: “The opening of new businesses is vitally important for the continued vibrancy and economic development of the region, highlighting the investment being made in the town. 

“MKM Sleaford is a fantastic purpose-built facility that has not only created 21 new jobs in the area for local people, but will also provide a vital service for the trade and general public for all their building related materials and home improvement needs.”

Along with providing a first class customer experience, another critical part of MKM’s ethos is making a positive impact on the local community.  As part of this, the team has committed to raising funds for Friends of Sandon and Ambergate – the charity fundraising arm of Grantham Additional Needs Fellowship (GANF), which caters for children with additional and complex needs.

John continued: “As a local independent business, giving back to the community and trying to make a difference is vitally important to us.  We have two members of staff that have six autistic children between them and the work that GANF do to support them (and other local families) is second to none.  This is a charity very much close to our hearts and we are delighted to be supporting them.

Ten children and their teachers from GANF also attended the open day, where John and his team presented the charity with a cheque for £765 – money raised by MKM’s customers at a recent raffle.  The children also had the opportunity to meet Avengers' characters on the day too, with Batman, Iron Man, Hulk and Captain America keeping everyone entertained!

Courtney Gray, a teacher at GANF, said: “Friends of Sandon & Ambergate is an organisation which supports GANF schools. Fundraising from local organisations such as MKM helps us improve education and enrich the lives of our pupils.  We were delighted to be invited to celebrate the opening of the branch and want to thank the team at MKM for their support.”