Howdens Joinery

The brand was adopted and developed by Matthew Ingle[2] as a business unit within MFI Furniture Group plc (MFI) in 1995.[3] It started trading with 14 depots.[4] In October 2006, MFI sold its loss-making MFI retail business to Merchant Equity Partners for £1, whilst retaining Howdens.[5][6] At the same time, the name of MFI was changed to Galiform plc.[5]

In 2007, Howdens' own appliance brand, Lamona, was launched.[4]

In November 2008, the MFI retail business entered administration, and Galiform became liable for the costs associated with 46 MFI stores (the legacy properties), incurring an exceptional charge of £99.7m.[7] However, by December 2012 the legacy properties had been reduced by over 80%.[8]

In September 2010, Galiform changed its name to Howden Joinery Group plc.[9] Howdens was granted a Royal Warrant as a Supplier of Fitted Kitchens by Appointment to Queen Elizabeth II in January 2015,[10] and was chosen as one of The Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in 2020.[11]

In July 2017, the company announced the retirement of Matthew Ingle, after twenty two years at the company,[12] and the appointment Andrew Livingston who joined as chief executive in January 2018.[13] In September 2019, Howdens refreshed the creative execution of the brand – with a new logo and the removal of "Joinery" from the brand mark.[14]

The brand was listed as a Business Superbrand in September 2019.[4]

The company has 808 depots nationwide, that sell to the trade (small builders). It also trades as Howdens Cuisines from 60 depots in France and Belgium.[1]

Howdens sells kitchens (including worktops, flooring, appliances, sinks, taps and lighting), joinery, hardware, tools, and bathroom cabinetry. It offers a free home survey and planning service.[15]

The company manufactures its cabinets, laminate worktops and breakfast bars in Howden, East Yorkshire and Runcorn, Cheshire. All products manufactured by Howdens hold the FSC chain of custody certification.[16]