For Malcolm Hawley and Rob Searl, the new Branch Director’s at MKM Bromsgrove, it’s been a childhood dream to run their own builder’s merchant.

As early as eight years old, Malcolm was helping out in his uncle’s DIY shop, bagging up products for customers, whilst Rob’s career started out when he was still in secondary school, with part time work at his local timber merchant.

Fast forward to today, and with over 60 years collective experience between them in the merchant sector, those childhood dreams have turned into a reality – with the pair joining forces at the helm of MKM Bromsgrove - the company’s 100^th branch opening across the UK.

While their careers have similarities, both Malcolm and Rob have largely been rivals over the years, running different merchanting businesses around Bromsgrove and the wider West Midlands.  By coming together and combing their extensive experience, the pair plan to take market by storm and provide an unrivalled level of service to customers that they just wouldn’t have experienced before!

 

“The journey to get to where I am today has had it challenges but ultimately, it’s been fantastic.  I’m so proud to have been part of MKM’s 100^th branch opening and develop this branch from scratch.  It’s also really special that I’ve been able to do this in my hometown and pick my own team,”

says Malcolm.

 

“This opportunity to run our own branch, with the backing of MKM, gives us the autonomy to do things our way that you wouldn’t get elsewhere with other merchants.  We get to make business decisions, ones we can learn from and ones we can use to help grow the branch,”

adds Rob.

Part of Rob and Malcolm’s ethos, and one that is shared by MKM, is their ability to make a difference in the local community.

“We’re both local, so it’s important for us to be able to serve our community.  We want to create the most welcoming environment where we put smiles on people’s faces for providing a brilliant service, from our friendly team,” explains Rob.

 

Malcolm continues,

“We’ve employed a fantastic team of local people who know the area really well and who also have extensive experience to ensure we provide the best service levels. “We’ve also partnered with a local charity – The Harry Bennett Foundation - that is fully embedded within the community and close to our hearts too.  We’ve already raised £1500 for the charity and there’s loads of future fundraising in the pipeline too.

Alongside this, we’re also supporting local sports team and have already partnered with the local golf club, rugby, cricket, and football teams.”

 

Rob adds,

“For us, it really is about adding value to the community and having them know we’re here when they need our help, whether this is project based, advice or community driven.

So what makes the pair tick outside of MKM?

“I’m a big fan of live music, I’ve travelled to many places across Europe to see live shows, from France, Germany and Greece.  Closer to home, I really enjoy socialising and spending time with family and friends. In my spare time, I quite enjoy cooking or a leisurely walk through the countryside, even gardening from time to time,” says Rob.

 

“As for me, I’m a huge Aston Villa fan and go to as many games as time allows. I also try to watch Bromsgrove football and rugby teams too. I have two dogs, Dexter and Boe and like Rob, enjoy cooking, particularly the Sunday Dinner! Musically, I’m partial to a bit of ABBA or indie music, like The Verve or The Killers,” concludes Malcolm.