Managed by joint director Jazeer Yaseen and kitchen designer Farhana Begum, Kutchenhaus Milton Keynes is striving for perfection and setting out its stall to be one of the best franchises in the network. 

When former Wren and Magnet store manager Jazeer Yaseen decided to go it alone and open his own business, he opted for the security of a Kutchenhaus franchise.

Having seen the retail brand exhibit at Kbb Birmingham, alongside its parent company Nobilia, he explains the decision was a combination of the product, which “offers optimum quality for the price”, and support of Kutchenhaus, which has already opened an extensive retail showroom network.

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Joined by former colleague, kitchen designer Farhana Begum, she adds: “We did a lot of research before we opened our showroom and mystery shopped around 10 Kutchenhaus franchise partners.

“Everyone we spoke to was so happy to be a part of Kutchenhaus and we can see why.” 

Individual design

The pair have opened a Kutchenhaus showroom on a high street in Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes, and stamped their individuality on the design.

Based on a high street, the former tech shop was gutted to transform into a Kutchenhaus showroom

Jazeer explains: “The whole design process has been collaborative with us showcasing creativity throughout the space. Here, Farhana has truly flourished, and you can definitely see her personality in the showroom. 

Farhana adds: “Together we both feel that spaces look their very best when designers are being themselves and showcasing their creativity and individuality.

“We’ve adopted that attitude when dressing Kutchenhaus Milton Keynes and it means that it’s a space we’re both proud to show to our customers.”            

Tech shop transformation

Measuring over 2,000 sq. ft, the showroom spans two floors and now the ground floor is complete there are plans afoot to refurbish the upstairs space.

The concrete effect kitchen in the window is one of the most popular ranges in the showroom

Farhana says: “Soon our customers will be able to browse a showstopper display upstairs, which will be very maximalist. It will be colourful, which is really exciting.”  

Farhana adds: “We wanted to make sure the showroom was absolutely perfect before launch, and that we had a good pipeline of customers.

“People walking through our doors should feel the space has the ‘wow’ factor and that has been an important objective. From displays to appliances, customers can see the latest in kitchen design and trends.”   

Based in a former tech shop, which had astroturf on the floor, black walls and spider lights, the space has been transformed. Jazeer comments: “The whole building has been gutted to create the brand-new showroom.

“Previously it had walls everywhere, which we knocked down, and we removed a staircase.

“We had to rescreed the floor and all the glass windows were frosted, so we changed those too.

“Now it’s somewhere we’re tremendously happy with and our first months of trading have been very successful.”  

Aiming high

This suggests an acumen for running a profitable retail business, and in fact the pair have set their sights high and want to become one of the leading showrooms in the franchise.

A handleless Shaker combines traditional styling with contemporary kitchen aesthetics

Jazeer comments: “We like to push ourselves and set a performance level. We’re striving to be amongst the best showrooms within the franchise network, and this will come through hard work, knowledge and dedication to providing a winning experience for our customers.” 

Serving a 30-mile radius, Jazeer adds “We’ve been busy but we’ve also been sensible with how much business we’re taking on.

“It’s important we are thriving and equally that each customer gets the best journey.”

And his view is echoed by Farhana, who adds: “I think you just have to make the kitchen buying process feel less like a transaction.” 

Moments to remember

As part of this, they have an informal consultative style, to help make the experience “a moment to remember”, particularly as they find consumers are shopping around.

The concrete effect kitchen in the window is one of the most popular ranges in the showroom

Jazeer explains: “In previous roles we would close the deal on the day, with Kutchenhaus it’s a lot more consultative.

“People come in, we have a talk for about an hour and a half, probably survey a week later, then the week after I’m cooking them a meal in the showroom and we’re having a chat about appliances. I think that sort of journey has a lot more value.” 

This carries through the buying process as Farhana offers a more relaxed way to communicate design ideas with her clients.

“I said to Jaz [Jazeer], let’s get the whole family in a group chat and talk about kitchen design, so that’s what we’ve been doing, and it works better than emails going backwards and forwards.” 

Certainly, the pair seems to have developed a successful sales recipe. Alongside retail customers they have also been working with selective developers, such as Oaklow Homes.

In fact, the kitchen retailer has an agreement with one of its developers that customers buying houses off plan can work with Kutchenhaus to design their kitchen prior to build, which Jazeer says is unique. 

Expanding business

So, what has been the biggest success and what has driven this?

Dramatic worktop and splashback veining and differing heights are showcased in the kitchen with glazed display units and open shelving

Jazeer states: “I think for me it is when we opened the showroom and my family, as well as clients, saw the place complete.

“I want to show my children if you have the right attitude and the right work ethic then you can achieve anything”, Jazeer says.

He adds: “I want to be successful, and I want to be recognised in the industry”, continuing: “ultimately, it’s a personal satisfaction in seeing a project through and seeing people happy that motivates me.” 

And the pair already have plans to expand the business, looking at opening a second showroom in Berkhamsted, with further franchises planned down the line.

“Our goal is to have multiple Kutchenhaus franchises which are among the best in the Kutchenhaus network”, says Farhana, as Jazeer adds: “The plan is to have three successful franchises, within three years.”  

Certainly, the pair don’t seem to have any regrets starting their own business, as Jazeer concludes: “We’ve had a lot of fun. We’ve had a very good start and a positive journey.”