New Scottish showroom plans for prime locations as Kitchens International undergoes MBO

Kitchens International, the Scottish kitchen and bathroom specialist, said it had entered an “exciting new phase of growth” following a management buyout.

The firm, which was founded in 1994 and has featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs and BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year, has transitioned to independent ownership under new owner and chief executive Graham Johnston, following its buyout from the James Donaldson Group.

KI is investing in three new showrooms across Scotland this year, including a new appointment-only design studio at Orwell Farm, Loch Leven, and new showrooms in Edinburgh’s Morningside and Glasgow’s West End. The expansion will bring total employee numbers to 40.

Kitchens International (KI) is a Scottish luxury kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces specialist.

To support the growth plans, KI has established a new advisory board comprising: Colette Grant, entrepreneur and business mentor; Tony Singh, the award-winning chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur; Emma Aitken, senior marketing leader; and Martin Ewart, recruitment, technology and transformation specialist.

Johnston said: “Relationships, innovative design and lasting quality have always defined KI. Our structure and talented team provide a strong platform to grow sustainably, and as an independently owned business we can operate with greater focus and agility - investing in our people, our partners and the spaces we create for our clients.

“The introduction of our advisory board represents an exciting and important step forward for the business. Their unique perspective and wealth of experience will strengthen our ability to innovate, challenge convention and deliver exceptional experiences for our customers - while supporting our ambition to grow our presence across Scotland in a sustainable and considered way.”

Singh added: “I’m proud to be joining KI’s advisory board at such an exciting time for the business. Having experienced Kitchens International as a customer, I’ve seen first-hand the quality, creativity and attention to detail that goes into every project. The team has a genuine passion for design and customer experience, which is something I immediately connected with.

“KI has a strong heritage, a clear vision for the future and ambitious plans for growth, and I look forward to supporting Graham and the wider team as they continue to build on that success.”