Alnwick branch of MKM celebrates 25 years at heart of the community

Twenty-five years later, Gordie and Carzy can afford to smile.

“We were told we wouldn’t last six months,” they remember. “We started with eight staff, one wagon, a Portakabin and a big marquee for our perishable goods.

“Now we’ve got 26 staff and four wagons and we’ve grown to become the best merchant in the town. We think we’ve proved a few people wrong.”

But for Gordie and Carzy, the real achievement is the relationships built along the way – with local tradespeople, staff, schools, sports clubs and families it has supported.

Having both worked in merchanting from the age of 16, they approached MKM founder David Kilburn with a business plan.

With Gordie concentrating on operations, and Carzy focusing on sales with Paul Brennan, Alnwick became MKM’s first branch outside the Yorkshire and Humber region.

There was just one problem: the premises weren’t ready.

“We actually started working from my house in Warkworth,” Gordie laughs. “There were three of us in different rooms, trading, dealing with reps and securing deals ready for the future.”

The early days on site weren’t exactly luxurious either. MKM was the first business on what is now a busy trading estate.

Without even a perimeter fence, the team took turns sleeping in the Portakabin to guard the stock.

When MKM arrived, nobody locally knew the name. Gordie and Carzy set about changing that by supporting the community.

“We sponsored everything in the town,” they remember. “The football team, cricket team, rugby team, music festival, a fair – everything. Within three or four months, people knew who MKM were.”

Today, MKM Alnwick continues to support Alnwick Rugby Club and Alnwick Town AFC, from junior to senior teams, alongside local schools including Barndale School.

Around 100 customers have traded with MKM Alnwick since the beginning. Customers and their families have long been part of branch celebrations, including the recent 25th anniversary event at Alnwick Rugby Club.

Four original colleagues remain at the branch, two have since retired, and there are multiple colleagues with over 10 years’ service.

Paul ‘Brenna’ has played a huge part in getting MKM Alnwick to where it is today and was made branch director in 2022.

“We have loyal staff with local knowledge,” say Gordie and Carzy. “We work hard, but we also have a laugh. You spend that much of your life at work, you’ve got to enjoy it.”

While its values have remained consistent, the branch has evolved with the local market.

Around eight to ten years ago, the team upgraded their kitchen and bathroom showroom, and also created a new tile centre. The branch also introduced a dedicated plumbing and heating trade counter.

They have one message for everyone who has been part of the journey.

“We want to say a big thank you to all the local people, our loyal customers and all the staff who’ve supported us over the years and helped us grow the business into what it is today.”

“People deal with people. That’s how we’ve built it. And that’s what it’s all about.”