MKM store cements 13 new jobs

Last week’s demise of builder Murray and Burrell saw 38 people lose their jobs, just over a month before Christmas.

However, it appears the retail side of the sector is doing well.

The new branch in Galashiels is MKM’s 45th in Britain.

It will house the full range of MKM’s product portfolio, catering to tradesmen and women as well as the general public.

That includes building, plumbing, joinery, heating, insulation and plasterboard offerings, as well as underground drainage.

Bob Hogarth, branch director at the Netherdale Industrial Estate site, said: “The team here are delighted to have the opportunity to show everyone in Galashiels and the surrounding area what MKM is all about.

“MKM has developed a reputation for championing the customer experience, and we are all thrilled to have to chance to bring that to this area. We’re excited to be at the forefront of MKM’s national expansion.”

MKM in Galashiels will contain a timber and joinery service, as well as state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom showrooms, overseen by experienced design specialists.

The addition of high-spec showrooms has been hugely popular across the branch network and is helping to secure MKM’s position within the interior design market.

The branch launch will be celebrated with a series of events and competitions.

As well as offering free bacon butties during its launch fortnight, those spending more than £1,000 will have the opportunity to win a cement mixer or DeWalt combi drill set.

Meanwhile, George Dale, director of business recovery and insolvency at Murray and Burrell administrator Thomson Cooper Accountants, updated us on the situation at the building company after it went into administration last week.

He said: “The administration process is ongoing, and we have no further information available at this time.”

Efforts are continuing to find jobs for those affected.

Elaine Brown, customer services leader at the local Department of Work and Pensions, said: “We held an event in Galashiels for Murray and Burrell staff, as well as workers from the closed B&M store, and a good number of them have secured employment elsewhere.”