Husband-and-wife team Keith and Helena Myers, founders and design directors of The Myers Touch in Winchester, have announced their plans to retire, following 21 years of business in the kitchen industry.
Keith and Helena say that they plan to retire together by the New Year. In addition, the business’ team of designers, installers and support staff have already been informed about the plans, and the couple are said to be working closely with those in the business to help plan a smooth transition.
Discussing their retirement, Keith and Helena said they wanted to thank their staff and clients for their support over the last 21 years. They commented: “It’s not been an easy decision, as it’s never a good time to say goodbye to our studio, our wonderfully supportive and talented staff team, as well as the friends and partners we have enjoyed such fulfilling relationships with over the past two decades.
“We are proud of what made our business stand apart in an ever-competing industry – our design approach has always been to ensure each of our designs enriches household relationships first and foremost and the homeowner’s quality of life through the efficiency, relevance and beauty of their designed spaces bringing into a home what we are renowned for –creating kitchens with light, space & laughter.
“We look forward to saying a personal thank you to our amazing staff for their long-term commitment and hard work over the years. We also want to thank our customers and industry friends who we have had the pleasure to get to know personally and professionally throughout our business journey. It was our vision in 2003 to create an award-winning showroom in the heart of our home town of Winchester and looking back we are proud to have achieved that and been privileged to have designed many exceptional kitchen living spaces for homeowners across the UK and Europe.
We will be watching from the sidelines at the future of an industry which we love, and we hope it continues to get the recognition that designers across the UK deserve”
The pair founded their kitchen design business in 2003, originally operated out of their home study. As the business continued to grow, the Myers opened a design studio near their home in 2007, which then doubled in size in 2015.
Both have been influential industry figures over the past two decades, regularly hosting talks and panel discussions with RIBA, the KBSA, Grand Designs Live and The Homebuilding & Renovating Show. Previously, Helena Myers has also spoken at the Kitchen and Bathroom International Show (KBIS) in the USA.
In addition, the business has been recognised with a number of high profile awards across the KBB sector, such as previously being named Kitchen Retailer of the Year at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. Keith Myers will also serve as a judge of this year’s KBSA Designer Awards, which is due to take place next month.
Earlier this year, Keith and Helena Myers spoke with kbbreview about their experiences changing supplier brands, offering their advice for other retailers in the sector.
