A new builders merchant has created 24 jobs and raised thousands for a local charity since opening its doors this month.

The purpose-built facility, MKM Barrow-in-Furness, opened on Park Road on August 7 providing a range of building materials from everyday essentials to specialist equipment including plumbing and heating, timber, landscaping, joinery and more.

The branch also boasts kitchen and bathroom showrooms as well as an outdoor landscaping display - and showcases all the latest designs and trends to inspire homeowners.

The Mail: A kitchen showroom at Barrow MKM showroom

To mark the grand opening, Barrow-born and bred branch directors Paul Curwen and Mark Kendall invited St Mary’s Hospice to cut the ribbon and officially declare the branch open.

The team says it is committed to supporting the local community, making an initial donation of £2,000 to the hospice, which provides essential care and comfort for patients living with life-shortening illnesses or long-term conditions.

MKM also announced a new sponsorship deal with Barrow Raiders. The two-year partnership will see the club’s hugely popular marquee, which plays host to a number of well-attended club and private events throughout the year, renamed as the MKM Marquee.

Paul Curwen, branch director at MKM Barrow-in-Furness, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have opened our doors to the trade and general public in Barrow.

"Our aim is simple, we want to build a brand and a level of customer service that we know the town deserves.  We have an amazing team with an unrivalled level of experience in this area, so we are looking forward to serving the community, whatever their building needs.

"As part of this, it’s absolutely critical for us as a local independent business that we forge close links with the local community.  That’s why we are supporting St Mary’s Hospice and Barrow Raiders. 

The Mail: The MKM team with giant £2k cheque raised for St Mary's Hospice

"St Mary’s is a charity that is very much close to our hearts and does an amazing job supporting people and their families across Barrow and the wider area, whilst the local rugby league team – the Barrow Raiders – is central to the local community."

Branch directors Paul and Mark bring decades of experience in the merchanting industry and of the local area. 

Mark added: "We are committed to providing an outstanding level of service that people in this area wouldn’t have experienced before.  That’s what MKM is all about, having the best people with extensive product knowledge looking after the best interests of our customers in a friendly and welcoming environment.

"In addition to our extensive product offering, we also offer a range of first-class services, from free same day or next day delivery, to free kitchen and bathroom design services."

Annabelle Holloway, area fundraising manager for St Mary’s Hospice, said: "We are incredibly grateful that MKM has chosen us as their charity partner and were delighted to attend the grand opening event. MKM is a perfect example of a large, well-known business going out of their way to support local charities in the communities they operate within. 

"St Mary’s receives only 22% of our funding from the NHS which means that the care of roughly 8 out of 10 of our patients is funded by people and businesses in our local area.  On behalf of everyone at St Mary’s Hospice, we’d like to offer a wholehearted thank you to MKM."