European buying group for independent kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retailers, MHK has celebrated its fifth anniversary in the UK market.

The buying group, which officially launched in January 2018, has grown five-fold in the UK, with the group citing retail membership benefits helping to grow the association.

Sales director of MHK UK Paul Wheeler said: “Steady, strategic growth by bringing our win-win business formula to premium independent retailers was always our five-year plan for the UK market.

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“We set an ambitious target because we knew once the extraordinary benefits of membership of MHK were explained, sign ups would follow.”

In a recent survey conducted by MHK of its members, 100% of respondents stated being a member of MHK has transformed their business and everything promised prior to signing has happened.

Paul Wheeler continued: “There was a myth being spread in the UK that becoming a member would mean giving up control of your business.

“But the fact is, any of our members will confirm this is not true and that they are totally in control of their own business.

“From start ups to industry stalwarts, our members are our biggest champions and can speak first hand of the benefits they have seen in making their businesses more successful and profitable.”

The benefits include MHK’s Central Payment System, which streamlines the payments process for both retail and supplier members, minimising credit risks for suppliers in the process.

Andrew Hatfield, founder of Concept 17 which was one of the very first UK members in 2018 said: “I joined MHK because of the fantastic payment terms – I thought they were too good to be true at first but felt there was nothing to lose as the one-off membership was refundable if I changed my mind.

“Access to a broader range of suppliers at the drop of a hat has been a huge driver in taking on additional projects and scaling my business.”

Torben Schmid from Torben Schmid Kitchens also pointed to the benefits of MHK membership: “MHK has transformed my business. As a start-up business, both the advice they have given me, and the extraordinary terms and prices have helped propel my business to the next level.”

Globally, MHK has increased revenue of 9.1% year-on-year with 3,877 members generating sales of 9.727 billion euros and will host its AGM in Berlin, for retail and supplier members across Europe, from June 2-4.