Finalists - Master Retailer Award for Kitchens

Kitchensmiths, Cambridge

What Kitchensmiths says: “We treat every customer in the showroom the same, whether buying a replacement dishwasher or a whole kitchen - often the former turns to the latter.”

What the judges say: “An excellent mix covering all the bases. They invested wisely and are very detailed in what they do. They’re gathering marketing and advertising data all the time and using it intelligently.”

A finalist in 2009, Kitchensmiths is a small, family run business whose methodical and down-to-earth approach has successfully buffered them against the recession but also seen a steady debt-free growth built on reputation and customer service. Perhaps this is because the business was founded in 1992, at the height of the last recession, with an ethos to supply and fit mid to upper market kitchens - mainly Rational. Based in a 250sq m showroom in Cambridge, owners Martin and Debra Smith already have figures that show 2009 has topped 2008 in terms of turnover, and average order value between 2001 and 2009 has more than doubled.

Diane Berry Kitchens - Manchester

What Diane Berry says: “Our aim is to always care, in an industry that has been seen as a salesperson’s game, we prove that there is an alternative approach, using top class designers whose first thought is ‘what is the right way to design this for that family’, and secondly ‘how can I get the order?’”

What the judges say: “It ticks all the boxes. It’s a nice well run compact business with some good green credentials too. She thinks outside the box and has some unique ideas and ways of approaching age old problems.”

The 2009 winner of this award is back in the running again. Why? Because Diane and her team have not only managed to keep their philosophy of good design and service intact in the current climate - as well as the turnover - they’ve also come up with new ideas and new approaches since winning the title.
Based in a Manchester showroom measuring just 1,000sq ft, Diane Berry Kitchens has invested more on advertising than ever before in 2009 and, if more proof is needed, the Master Retailer title gained last year has led to Diane and the team mentoring other studios to help them through the difficult year.

Cambridge Kitchens - Cambridge

What Cambridge Kitchens says: “We are proud to be able to offer our customers the complete service - fully project managed. We find this helps us win orders as well as controlling the quality.”

What the judges say: “A very detailed and broad-based entry. It’s clearly a very solid and sound business with good planning and forward thinking ideas.”

Now operating three showrooms in Cambridge, Newmarket and Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge Kitchens is a great example of a well run family business that has grown with control and realism - its turnover has gone from £1.8m to £2.5m in five years. Started in 1978 and managed by Dylan and Sarah Wade-Gledhill, Cambridge Kitchens prides itself in its technical background and with impressive marketing and showroom credentials the company has a firm schedule for growth.

Kitchen Architecture - London

What they say: “We have a consistent focus of exceeding expectations at every stage of the project. Always ensuring happy customers has enabled us to work with leading players in the interiors market and we have built up a loyal and highprofile client base from top chefs to Prime Ministers.”

What the judges say: “A very focused business that’s without frills - in the best possible sense. It shows real confidence in the business.”

Kitchen Architecture was founded in Oxford in 2002 on the vision of md Rob Gelling - and has since grown to become, it says, the largest independent designer and retailer of Bulthaup kitchens in Europe. The second showroom in Putney, London, was opened in April 2009 and the staff count now stands at 15 plus three teams of installers. Turnover has also carried on growing despite the market downturn and it is debt free; the Putney showroom was paid for from retained profits. Plans are in place to nearly double the turnover by 2012.