UK DIY News
MKM Opens Two New Branches on the Same Day
MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s proper independent builders’ merchant, will open two new branches on Monday 9 February 2026, taking its national network to 139 branches and creating over 30 new local jobs across England and Scotland.
The dual opening marks the launch of MKM Sidcup (branch 138) in Kent and MKM Arbroath (branch 139) in Angus, strengthening MKM’s presence both in the South East of England and across its growing Scottish network. Each branch is led by experienced local Branch Directors, reinforcing MKM’s model of community-led decision making, strong stock profiles and service shaped by local trade needs.
MKM Sidcup
Located at Five Arches Business Estate, MKM Sidcup – MKM’s 138th branch - will create 17 new jobs and be led by Branch Directors Daniel Fincham and Simon Gregory, both well known locally with decades of builders’ merchant experience and long-standing connections across Sidcup and the surrounding area.
Daniel Fincham has worked locally for more than 20 years and started his career in the yard, progressing through counter sales, telephone sales, sales representative, assistant manager and branch manager roles before becoming a Branch Director.
Dan said: “Sidcup has a proper community feel. It’s one of those places where everyone knows everyone. I loved the idea of running my own branch where decisions are made on the ground and building an A-team from scratch. That’s exactly what MKM allows us to do.”
Simon Gregory has lived in Sidcup for 40 years and brings more than 30 years’ experience in builders’ merchants, including over two decades as a branch manager.
Simon added: “MKM is a great fit for Sidcup. It’s a proper one-stop shop and the team we’ve brought together here really knows their stuff. Builders, trades and DIY customers will notice the difference straight away.”
MKM Sidcup will offer a full range of building materials, with timber a standout strength alongside landscaping, plumbing and heating, and kitchen and bathroom design. An in-branch cutting service and 18,500 sq ft of fully covered storage are designed to ensure materials leave the yard dry, accurate and ready to use. The branch will stock trusted brands including DeWalt, Kingspan, Rockwool and Velux, with stock shaped by regular conversations with local customers.
Free local delivery will be available using crane-offload and curtain-sided vehicles, and trade customers will benefit from competitive pricing, delivery options and online account management. The branch also plans to support local charities and community initiatives, with early plans already in place to work with Mind in Bexley.
Simon summed it up:
“We want people to enjoy coming here. If you need materials, advice, or just want to talk a job through, we’ll make the time.”
Dan added:
“We’re proud to be opening MKM’s 138th branch here in Sidcup. We’re ready to get going and can’t wait to welcome local trades and homeowners through the doors.”
MKM Arbroath
Opening the same day in Arbroath, Angus, MKM’s 139th branch will create a dozen new local jobs and be led by Branch Directors Kris Stott and Nick Scott, who together bring over 30 years’ combined experience and deep roots in the local community.
Kris explained: “People in Angus take pride in their work. They’re grafters, care about quality, and appreciate straight talking. We’re the same. MKM’s culture is all about relationships, trust and supporting your community. Arbroath deserves a builders’ merchant that lives by that.”
MKM Arbroath brings together a full range of building materials including timber, landscaping, roofing, plumbing and heating, insulation and core building products, alongside in-branch specialists and dedicated kitchen and bathroom designers. The branch has a 41,000 sq ft footprint with large covered areas and treated-timber racks with canopies to protect stock year-round – particularly important in coastal Angus conditions.
Standout brands will include Marshalls, Velux, Worcester Bosch and Roper Rhodes, selected for their reliability and relevance to the local market. Free local delivery will be available across Angus, with same-day options where possible.
Nick added: “Our team has decades of combined experience. Everyone we’ve hired knows their stuff and knows Angus. That matters. Whether you’re a trade regular or a homeowner planning your first kitchen, you’ll always get clear advice from people who genuinely care about helping you.”
The branch will support local charities and community initiatives from day one, with plans already underway to work with Arbroath FC Community Trust, helping improve life chances for local people through the power of football.
Kris said: “You can’t talk about Arbroath without mentioning the Smokie. It’s a symbol of this town. Proud, crafted with care, and rooted in tradition. That’s the kind of service we want to bring to customers. Real people, real pride, real quality.”
Nick summed it up: “We’re proud to bring MKM to Arbroath. Honest service, solid stock, friendly faces, and a team that’ll always go the extra mile. If you need materials, guidance, inspiration – or even just a brew – come see us. Let’s get it sorted.”
The same-day openings demonstrate MKM’s continued investment in regional growth, local employment and trade-focused service. With both branches led by experienced local directors and teams shaped by regional knowledge, MKM continues to expand its footprint while retaining the autonomy and community focus that define its model.
Source : MKM
Image : MKM
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