kitchen manufacturers/fitters

[tildakovach]

sufing the web I came across 2 companies:
simon-taylor.co.uk and midlandkitchensdesign.co.uk = broadway;
they seem to have identical web-sites, as well as many of their products.Both claim they manufature themselves.
I called both, they claim not to know of each other.
What is the truth about it?
do they manufacture themselves? are they related in any way? are they part of a frnachise business?
one is in birmingham, the other Aylesbury.
thank you for any replies

[buildersmate]

I've had a crack to providing you some insight into how the kitchen/bedroom fitting industry works at your other posting here.
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden /Interiors/Question800910.html
It generally doesn't help to post in multiple areas of AB, by the way.

[tildakovach]

Thank you BM, you came up tumps yet again with the reply, and sorry about double posting, I did not know.
How could I buy + have delivered the units advertised with these 2 companies?
I am particularly interested in the traditional (one -simon-taylor, and chatworth with braodway) style bedroom units, as well as Knightsbridge range from Broadway.
I have my own shopfitter-friend, now working free-lance for himself, =superb craftsman!
thank you again for your fab relply = the book you recommended is my bedtime reading!!!!! thanks, t.k

[buildersmate]

Not sure if you meant 'trumps' or 'turnips'.
I'd have thought 'that book' might have said something about this 'industry'? - I can't check - book is on loan to a cousin and anyway mine is an old edition now.
I reckon these businesses are separate from one another but may use the same supplier. One of the biggest is this one, but there are many others.
http://www.howdens.com/
Note that they make a virtue out of only supplying to the trade.
The biggest issue by far is the design - do you know exactly what you want? I don't just mean the units but the way in which they will fit around existing fixed features like windows and doors. The way the flying shelves will work over the recesses - where to put the lighting - that sort of thing.
I reckon I know a fair bit about housebuilding - I project-managed my own build, and personally did a heck of a lot of the work myself. But I wouldn't (even if Mrs BM would have let me) have designed or built the kitchen. I was staggered when we went to a decent designer and he shared with me some of the issues that he thought about regarding how the design went together.
So the thing about these design companies is the decent ones can make the difference between how the thing looks at the end.
Then there's the carcases. Most of these are made in big sheds, not hand-made - and its the quality of the things you can't obviously see that is worth looking for - thickness and density of the material, hinges, proper backs, not flimsy. The better manufacturers produce the modules in a wider range of sizes etc. - enabling the designer to have more scope in design.
(cont)

[buildersmate]

Then there's the installation. You say that you have this sorted. That's good thing, because you clearly trust him/her but it may work against you because a turnkey project company will want to avoid there being issues in the final appearance - which they can't control if he is your contractor. Ask the companies this question upfront and see what they say. You basically want a design and supply service?
Who is doing the electrics and the plumbing (bearing in mind the electrics MUST be done by a qualified bod as it's the kitchen). All of these bits have to be tied together.
I'm not trying to push you into buying the all-singing and dancing package - just trying to point out the total extent of what has to be pulled together.
Regarding the supply, maybe your 'insider' can use his 'trade' status to access the sources of supply can available to the trade - if you know exactly what you want?

[tildakovach]

Hello BM, I did mean trumps, as for ACE, = thumbs up! thank you. I have built one kitchen with my ex, built my own study+bathroom using the old/removed units, and designed 3 others that were built by pros. My desings included lighting, power points (hidden underside of upper units = out of sight! ) and designed even the plumbing/radiators/pipework in now 3 homes; Ideas, and imagination I have a plenty, it is properties I keep running out of! well, this one will have building company on it, as it is not just a new kitfchen-job. But to keep costs down and having a wide choice of units/fittings, I intend to source the bathroom/ kitchen/ bedroom units.
I used Howdens in the past, but now their range is so llimited, and much too "square" ; I found Whickes better styles, so might use them if I can not get hold of the door fronts for my BROADWAY units! the other decorativ elements (of the Broadway desing) can be done with plasterwork which I have done now 2 homes (designed 3, done 2, also including hidden lights etc.)
So if you have any idea, or can find out how to get hold of the door fronts for these companies, I should be very grateful.
I trust your advice, and opinion, because it comes from an expert who has done it before,and is impartial!! thank you please keep them coming!