Wren Kitchens: Difference between revisions
Content deleted Content added
Added further information to 'history' and 'manufacturing' sections |
move references to infobox |
||
| (79 intermediate revisions by 31 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{pp-protected|small=yes}} |
|||
{{multiple issues|{{POV|date=December 2017}} |
|||
{{Short description|British designer, manufacturer and retailer of kitchens}} |
|||
{{COI|date=December 2016}} |
|||
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} |
|||
{{Use British English|date=June 2019}} |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| logo = Wren Kitchens logo, white on green.png |
|||
| former_name = {{Ubl |
|||
| Wren Kitchens Limited (2009–2013)<ref name="CompaniesHouse">{{Cite web |date=2009-01-22 |title=Wren Kitchens Limited overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06799478 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=[[Companies House]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Security & Privacy {{!}} Wren Kitchens |url=https://www.wrenkitchens.com/our-privacy-policy |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Wren Kitchens}}</ref> |
|||
| Wren Living Limited (2013–2017)<ref name="CompaniesHouse" /> |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| logo = Wren_Kitchens_logo,_white_on_green.png |
|||
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]] |
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]] |
||
| foundation = [[Howden]], |
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2009|01|22}} in [[Howden]], United Kingdom<ref name="CompaniesHouse" /> |
||
| location = [[Barton- |
| location = [[Barton-upon-Humber]], United Kingdom<ref name="CompaniesHouse" /> |
||
| area_served = United Kingdom |
| area_served = United Kingdom |
||
| key_people = [[Malcolm Healey]] (Owner) |
| key_people = {{Ubl |
||
| [[Malcolm Healey]] (Owner) |
|||
| Mark Pullan (Managing Director) |
|||
}} |
|||
| industry = [[Retail]] & [[Manufacturing]] |
| industry = [[Retail]] & [[Manufacturing]] |
||
| products = [[Kitchens]] |
| products = [[Kitchens]] |
||
| revenue = {{Increase}} £ |
| revenue = {{Increase}} £699.1 million (2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/yorkshire/turnover-tops-900m-at-wren-kitchens-owner|title=Turnover tops £900M at Wren Kitchens owner |work=Insider Media |date=29 June 2021|accessdate=17 March 2022}}</ref> |
||
| locations = |
| locations = 106 (2021)<ref name=stores>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/19345895.joy-excitement-wren-kitchens-lands-carlisle/|title=Joy and excitement as Wren Kitchens lands in Carlisle|date=3 June 2021|newspaper=News and Star| accessdate=17 March 2022}}</ref> |
||
| num_employees = 4, |
| num_employees = 4,500+ (2017)<ref name="Scunthorpe Telegraph">{{cite news|title=300 jobs to be created by Wren Living as kitchen maker announces plan for another major expansion|url=http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/300-jobs-created-Wren-Living-kitchen-maker/story-27940781-detail/story.html|newspaper=Scunthorpe Telegraph|accessdate=10 November 2015}}</ref> |
||
| homepage = {{URL| |
| homepage = {{URL|wrenkitchens.com}} |
||
}} |
}} |
||
'''Wren Kitchens''' is a privately owned British designer, manufacturer, and retailer of [[kitchens]]. |
'''Wren Kitchens Limited''' is a privately owned British designer, manufacturer, and retailer of fitted [[kitchens]], and fitted bedrooms. It has 106 stores.<ref name=stores/> |
||
== History == |
== History == |
||
| ⚫ | |||
Wren Kitchens was founded in 2009. The management team behind Wren traded for 10 years in the United States before the business was sold and the team moved back to the United Kingdom.<ref>{{ |
Wren Kitchens was founded in 2009. The management team behind Wren traded for 10 years in the United States before the business was sold and the team moved back to the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/Former-Mills-Pride-owner-making-cabinets-in-UK-131953253.html|title=Former Mill's Pride Owner Making Cabinets in UK|last=richchristianson|date=16 October 2011|work=Woodworking Network|accessdate=27 September 2017}}</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | |||
[[File:The Nest, Wren Kitchens, Barton-upon-Humber.jpg|alt=The Nest, Wren Kitchens headquarters, Barton-upon-Humber|thumb|The Nest, Wren Kitchens headquarters, Barton-upon-Humber]] |
|||
The company employs over 4,000 people and is one of the largest employers in the Humber region. In 2016, the firm reported record turnover growth as sales surged past £338 |
The company employs over 4,000 people and is one of the largest employers in the Humber region, and was in 2019 named Retail Employer of the Year by jobs website Indeed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kbbreview.com/22132/topstory/wren-kitchens-crowned-uks-top-employer-by-indeed/|title=Wren Kitchens crowned UK’s top employer by Indeed kbbreview|date=26 March 2019|website=kbbreview|accessdate=27 March 2019}}</ref> In 2016, the firm reported record turnover growth as sales surged past £338 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cabinet-maker.co.uk/manufacture/wren-living-grows-sales-past-338m/17581.article|title=Wren grows sales past £338m|work=Cabinet Maker|accessdate=24 September 2017}}</ref> This also grew in 2017, with reported revenue of £406 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Profits boosted at kitchen manufacturer despite inefficiencies caused by new site |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/2021629-profits-boosted-at-kitchen-manufacturer-despite-inefficiencies-caused-by-new-site |publisher=The Business Desk |accessdate=12 June 2018}}</ref> |
||
In 2019, Wren reported a new record turnover of £490. |
In 2019, Wren reported a new record turnover of £490.1 million for the financial year ending 31 December 2018, an increase of 20.7%, and a pre-tax profit of £37.1 million, up 124% year-on-year. The company said it believed there was a significant opportunity for further growth in the UK and beyond.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kbbreview.com/22042/news/profits-double-at-company-behind-wren-kitchens/|title=Profits double at company behind Wren Kitchens kbbreview|date=21 March 2019|website=kbbreview|accessdate=22 March 2019}}</ref> |
||
Wren Kitchens is owned by the group West Retail. |
|||
==Manufacturing == |
==Manufacturing == |
||
[[File:Wren Kitchens Scunthorpe manufacturing facility (500,000 sq ft.).jpg|left|thumb|Wren Kitchens Scunthorpe manufacturing facility (500,000 sq ft).]] |
|||
| ⚫ | Until December 2013, the headquarters were in [[Howden]], in the [[East Riding of Yorkshire]], United Kingdom, where it still operates a factory. Wren manufactures all of its kitchen units in its own production plants in [[Scunthorpe]], [[Howden]] and Barton- |
||
[[File:Wren Kitchens Howden manufacturing facility (250,000 sq ft).jpg|left|thumb|Wren Kitchens Howden manufacturing facility (250,000 sq ft).]] |
|||
| ⚫ | Until December 2013, the headquarters were in [[Howden]], in the [[East Riding of Yorkshire]], United Kingdom, where it still operates a factory. Wren manufactures all of its kitchen units in its own production plants in [[Scunthorpe]], [[Howden]] and Barton-upon-Humber.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-humber-35934469|title=Kitchen firm to create 600 jobs|date=31 March 2016|accessdate=3 February 2020|work=BBC News}}</ref> The 180 acre Barton-upon-Humber site was acquired in August 2013 from [[Kimberly-Clark]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/wren-s-new-hq-to-create-500-jobs-1-5936269|title=Wren’s new HQ to create 500 jobs|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> In January 2019, Wren Kitchens signed up for a 150,000 sq ft warehouse at the Humber Enterprise Park, near Hull.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shdlogistics.com/news/wren-kitchens-signs-up-for-humber-development|title=Wren Kitchens signs up for Humber development|website=SHD Logistics News|accessdate=1 February 2019}}</ref> |
||
Wren has been awarded [[Furniture Industry Research Association|FIRA International]] Gold Certification by The Furniture Industry Research Association<ref>{{ |
Wren has been awarded [[Furniture Industry Research Association|FIRA International]] Gold Certification by The Furniture Industry Research Association,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kbbdaily.com/article/6076/wren+kitchens+awarded+fira+gold+installation+certification|title=Wren Kitchens awarded FIRA Gold Installation Certification|website=www.kbbdaily.com|accessdate=7 March 2019}}</ref> the recognised quality mark for products or installation services within the furniture and kitchen industries. It has received the award for its products in 2014 and for its installation standards in 2017. In 2018, Wren introduced the world’s first 3D online kitchen planner for its customers, making it easier for them to choose colours and units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/digital/2018/06/huddersfield-studio-unveils-3d-online-kitchen-planner-wren-kitchens|title=Huddersfield studio unveils 3D online kitchen planner for Wren Kitchens|date=20 June 2018|website=Prolific North|accessdate=7 March 2019}}</ref> |
||
Wren information advisor Ryan Beecham, who raps in his spare time under the name CiVil, became an unwitting YouTube star when his kitchen-based rap ‘The Wren Difference’ was turned into an online advert, which has been viewed more than 1.5m times and attracted national media coverage.<ref>{{ |
Wren information advisor Ryan Beecham, who raps in his spare time under the name CiVil, became an unwitting YouTube star when his kitchen-based rap ‘The Wren Difference’ was turned into an online advert, which has been viewed more than 1.5m times and attracted national media coverage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/sales-assistant-pens-rap-job-13758977|title=Sales assistant pens a rap about his job - and his impressed bosses turn it into a music video|last=Innes|first=Richard|date=21 December 2018|website=mirror|accessdate=7 March 2019}}</ref> |
||
In 2019, Wren was awarded the [[Made in Britain (campaign)|Made In Britain]] marque. Made In Britain brings together the best manufacturers in the UK, through the use of its registered collective mark, guaranteeing that members’ products are made in Britain and comply to the highest standards.<ref>{{ |
In 2019, Wren was awarded the [[Made in Britain (campaign)|Made In Britain]] marque. Made In Britain brings together the best manufacturers in the UK, through the use of its registered collective mark, guaranteeing that members’ products are made in Britain and comply to the highest standards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shdlogistics.com/news/wren-kitchens-awarded-made-in-britain-marque|title=Wren Kitchens awarded Made in Britain marque|website=SHD Logistics News|accessdate=7 March 2019}}</ref> |
||
In 2019, The British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), a trade association that represents the interests of the British furniture industry, welcomed Wren Kitchens into the association as an ‘Approved Member’.<ref>{{ |
In 2019, The British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), a trade association that represents the interests of the British furniture industry, welcomed Wren Kitchens into the association as an ‘Approved Member’.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.furniturenews.net/news/articles/2019/02/1439753584-wren-kitchens-joins-bfm|title=Wren Kitchens joins BFM|website=www.furniturenews.net|accessdate=7 March 2019}}</ref> |
||
Wren offered to find jobs for up to 280 staff at Kingstown Furniture in Hull, which closed its doors in March 2019. It plans to open up to 18 new showrooms during the year and is currently delivering manufacturing more than 2,000 kitchens a week at its three production sites<ref>{{ |
Wren offered to find jobs for up to 280 staff at Kingstown Furniture in Hull, which closed its doors in March 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/business/kingstown-furniture-staff-offered-new-2643989|title=Staff at Kingstown Furniture thrown lifeline with jobs at another firm|last=Winter|first=Phil|date=14 March 2019|newspaper=Hull Daily Mail|accessdate=7 June 2019}}</ref> By June 2019, over 40 former Kingstown Furniture staff had secured positions with Wren.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/business/wren-kitchens-takes-almost-40-2901960|title=Wren Kitchens takes on over 40 staff hit by Kingstown Furniture closure|last=Winter|first=Phil|date=24 May 2019|newspaper=Hull Daily Mail|accessdate=7 June 2019}}</ref> It plans to open up to 18 new showrooms during the year and is currently delivering manufacturing more than 2,000 kitchens a week at its three production sites.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/business/kingstown-furniture-staff-offered-new-2643989|title=Staff at Kingstown Furniture thrown lifeline with jobs at another firm|last=Winter|first=Phil|date=14 March 2019|newspaper=Hull Daily Mail|accessdate=22 March 2019}}</ref> |
||
In June 2019, Wren announced plans for a £120 million expansion of its manufacturing headquarters in Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire, almost doubling manufacturing output to keep up with growing consumer demand. Wren is seeking planning permission for a new 910,000 sq. ft. facility, which to be built behind the existing Wren factory on part of its 180-acre site, which has been earmarked for further development. The new factory will create up to 1,200 new manufacturing jobs with additional roles in engineering, IT, customer service and product development. The project, once completed, will be the single largest investment in the company’s history.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-humber-48533470|title=Kitchen firm to create 1,200 new jobs|date=6 June 2019|accessdate=7 June 2019}}</ref> |
|||
==Controversy== |
==Controversy== |
||
In 2015, Wren Kitchens was investigated by [[BBC Watchdog]] for providing customers with poor customer service. The investigation found that the company had provided partial orders to customers and was extremely slow to rectify issues. The firm responded by stating that they are heavily investing in improving their customer service department.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3lqvK2zXdhd399TdpX7pBtH/wren-kitchens</ref> |
In 2015, Wren Kitchens was investigated by [[BBC Watchdog]] for providing customers with poor customer service. The investigation found that the company had provided partial orders to customers and was extremely slow to rectify issues. The firm responded by stating that they are heavily investing in improving their customer service department.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3lqvK2zXdhd399TdpX7pBtH/wren-kitchens|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611135355/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3lqvK2zXdhd399TdpX7pBtH/wren-kitchens|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2015|title=Wren Kitchens: Company response|publisher=BBC|date=14 May 2015|accessdate=5 February 2020}}</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | |||
In November 2016, Wren Kitchens said it would honour any quote provided by [[Betta Living]] when the rival kitchen retailer went into administration "in order to maintain the public’s trust in the UK kitchen market".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.retail-week.com/sectors/home-and-diy/furniture-retailer-betta-living-falls-into-administration/7014672.article|title=Furniture retailer Betta Living falls into administration|work=Retail Week|access-date=2017-09-20|language=en}}</ref> The firm's "aggressive expansion" had been previous cited by ''[[The Times]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/913e5130-a7f7-11e0-afc2-0144feabdc0.html#axzz1U5qdP48O|title=Aggressive Expansion of Wren Kitchens brings downfall for HomeForm Group}}</ref> as the reason for the collapse of [[HomeForm Group]] (parent company of [[Möben Kitchens]] & Sharps Bedrooms). Wren subsequently offered to protect the deposits of customers affected by the collapse of the group.<ref name="Wren Kitchens helps rival's customers2">{{cite web|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2011/06/28/wren-kitchens-helps-rival-s-customers-86081-28951619/|title=Wren Kitchens helps rival's customers}}</ref> |
|||
| ⚫ | In March |
||
| ⚫ | In Spring 2016, the firm was one of 12 kitchen brands researched by the consumer association ''[[Which?]]''. WrenLiving came second from last out of the 12 kitchen companies assessed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/fitted-kitchens/article/best-kitchen-brands/best-and-worst-kitchen-brands|title=Best And Worst Kitchen Brands|website=Which?|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
||
In August 2017, ''Which?'' undertook an investigation against companies within the kitchen industry to understand the differences in quote prices. The investigation found that quotes between stores could vary, with one discounted quote being 11% cheaper for the same kitchen at different stores. However, pre-sale/discount quotes were mostly identical.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.which.co.uk/news/2017/08/revealed-why-you-could-be-paying-too-much-for-your-fitted-kitchen/|title=Revealed: why you could be overpaying for your fitted kitchen|work=Which?|access-date=2017-10-12|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
| ⚫ | In March 2016 the firm was fined £12,000 after pleading guilty to breaking the [[Unfair Trading Regulations 2008]], Regulation 9 and the European Communities Act 1972 Section 2(2), by misleading customers on kitchen pricing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kbbdaily.com/article/4705/wren-living-fined-%c2%a312,000|title=Wren Living fined £12,000|website=www.kbbdaily.com|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/company-fined-12k-for-misleading-kitchen-prices/|title=Kitchen firm Wren Living fined £12k for misleading kitchen prices|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
||
In October, 2017, the firm featured on the television show ''Rip Off Britain''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b097sdnz/rip-off-britain-series-9-episode-14#|title=Rip Off Britain - Series 9: Episode 14|work=BBC|access-date=2017-10-12|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
== Charity work and community == |
== Charity work and community == |
||
In March 2014, Wren Kitchens donated £437,080 to charities supporting victims of the [[2013–14 United Kingdom winter floods|2013-14 United Kingdom winter floods]].<ref>{{ |
In March 2014, Wren Kitchens donated £437,080 to charities supporting victims of the [[2013–14 United Kingdom winter floods|2013-14 United Kingdom winter floods]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cornwallfoundation.com/news-and-events/2014/03/31/wren-living-supports-community-foundations/|title=Wren Living supports Community Foundations {{!}} Cornwall Foundation|website=www.cornwallfoundation.com|accessdate=27 September 2017}}</ref> The firm has also raised money for children's cancer charity [[CLIC Sargent]] and [[Macmillan Cancer Support]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/working-with-us/corporate-partners/wren-kitchens.html|title=Our partnership with Wren Kitchens - Working with us - Macmillan Cancer Support|website=www.macmillan.org.uk|accessdate=27 September 2017}}</ref> |
||
Wren Kitchens said it would "match all B&Q quotes" for customers and had "opened vacancies"<ref>{{cite web |title=Wren Kitchens ‘offers support’ to at-risk B&Q employees |url=https://www.kbbdaily.com/article/7972/wren-kitchens-%E2%80%98offers-support%E2%80%99-to-at-risk-b&q-employees |publisher=kbbdaily.com |accessdate=12 June 2018}}</ref> to the 400 design consultants whose jobs were at risk at competitor [[B&Q]] following a restructure.<ref>{{cite web |title=B&Q announces sales overhaul with 700 employees consulted over new roles |url=https://www.retailsector.co.uk/38475-bq-announces-sales-overhaul-with-700-employees-consulted-over-new-roles/ |publisher=RetailSector |accessdate=12 June 2018}}</ref> |
Wren Kitchens said it would "match all B&Q quotes" for customers and had "opened vacancies"<ref>{{cite web |title=Wren Kitchens ‘offers support’ to at-risk B&Q employees |url=https://www.kbbdaily.com/article/7972/wren-kitchens-%E2%80%98offers-support%E2%80%99-to-at-risk-b&q-employees |publisher=kbbdaily.com |accessdate=12 June 2018}}</ref> to the 400 design consultants whose jobs were at risk at competitor [[B&Q]] following a restructure.<ref>{{cite web |title=B&Q announces sales overhaul with 700 employees consulted over new roles |url=https://www.retailsector.co.uk/38475-bq-announces-sales-overhaul-with-700-employees-consulted-over-new-roles/ |publisher=RetailSector |accessdate=12 June 2018}}</ref> |
||
| Line 62: | Line 68: | ||
==Awards and achievements== |
==Awards and achievements== |
||
* Best Kitchen Retailer – Your Home Awards 2018<ref> |
* Best Kitchen Retailer – Your Home Awards 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk/article/2364/shopping/the-official-your-home-awards-2018-winners|title=The Official Your Home Awards 2018 Winners|date=2 February 2018|website=yourhomemagazine.co.uk|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
||
* 23rd – 2017 [[Sunday Times Top Track 250]]<ref> |
* 23rd – 2017 [[Sunday Times Top Track 250]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fasttrack.co.uk/company_profile/west-retail-group/|title=Fast Track|website=Fast Track|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
||
*12th - 2018 Sunday Times Top Track 250<ref>{{ |
*12th - 2018 [[Sunday Times Top Track 250]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fasttrack.co.uk/company_profile/west-retail-group-2/|title=West Retail Group - Fast Track|last=TWK|work=Fast Track|accessdate=25 October 2018}}</ref> |
||
* 3rd – 2016 fastest growing retailers, OC&C Strategy Consultants and [[Financo]] Retail Growth Index<ref>https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2017/10/farfetch-primark-uk-fastest-growing-retailers/</ref> |
* 3rd – 2016 fastest growing retailers, OC&C Strategy Consultants and [[Financo]] Retail Growth Index<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2017/10/farfetch-primark-uk-fastest-growing-retailers/|title=Farfetch crowned UK's fastest-growing retailer|first=Elias|last=Jahshan|date=4 October 2017|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
||
*2nd – [[Indeed]]'s 25 Top-Rated UK Workplaces: Best in the Private Sector<ref>{{ |
*2nd – [[Indeed]]'s 25 Top-Rated UK Workplaces: Best in the Private Sector (2018)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.indeed.co.uk/2018/10/22/top-rated-workplaces-private-sector/|title=Top-Rated Workplaces: Best in the Private Sector - Indeed Blog|date=22 October 2018|work=Indeed Blog|accessdate=25 October 2018}}</ref> |
||
*1st - [[Indeed]]'s 15 Top-Rated UK Workplaces: Best in the Retail Sector (2019)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indeed.co.uk/Top-Rated-Workplaces/2019-UK-Retail|title=Top-Rated UK Workplaces: Best Retailers {{!}} Indeed.co.uk|website=www.indeed.co.uk|accessdate=27 March 2019}}</ref> |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
Latest revision as of 18:35, 6 September 2024
 | |
| Formerly | |
|---|---|
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Retail & Manufacturing |
| Founded | January 22, 2009 in Howden, United Kingdom[1] |
| Headquarters | Barton-upon-Humber, United Kingdom[1] |
Number of locations | 106 (2021)[3] |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people |
|
| Products | Kitchens |
| Revenue |  £699.1 million (2020)[4] |
Number of employees | 4,500+ (2017)[5] |
| Website | wrenkitchens |
Wren Kitchens Limited is a privately owned British designer, manufacturer, and retailer of fitted kitchens, and fitted bedrooms. It has 106 stores.[3]
History
Wren Kitchens was founded in 2009. The management team behind Wren traded for 10 years in the United States before the business was sold and the team moved back to the United Kingdom.[6]
The company employs over 4,000 people and is one of the largest employers in the Humber region, and was in 2019 named Retail Employer of the Year by jobs website Indeed.[7] In 2016, the firm reported record turnover growth as sales surged past £338 million.[8] This also grew in 2017, with reported revenue of £406 million.[9]
In 2019, Wren reported a new record turnover of £490.1 million for the financial year ending 31 December 2018, an increase of 20.7%, and a pre-tax profit of £37.1 million, up 124% year-on-year. The company said it believed there was a significant opportunity for further growth in the UK and beyond.[10]
Manufacturing
.jpg)
.jpg)
Until December 2013, the headquarters were in Howden, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, where it still operates a factory. Wren manufactures all of its kitchen units in its own production plants in Scunthorpe, Howden and Barton-upon-Humber.[11] The 180 acre Barton-upon-Humber site was acquired in August 2013 from Kimberly-Clark.[12] In January 2019, Wren Kitchens signed up for a 150,000 sq ft warehouse at the Humber Enterprise Park, near Hull.[13]
Wren has been awarded FIRA International Gold Certification by The Furniture Industry Research Association,[14] the recognised quality mark for products or installation services within the furniture and kitchen industries. It has received the award for its products in 2014 and for its installation standards in 2017. In 2018, Wren introduced the world’s first 3D online kitchen planner for its customers, making it easier for them to choose colours and units.[15]
Wren information advisor Ryan Beecham, who raps in his spare time under the name CiVil, became an unwitting YouTube star when his kitchen-based rap ‘The Wren Difference’ was turned into an online advert, which has been viewed more than 1.5m times and attracted national media coverage.[16]
In 2019, Wren was awarded the Made In Britain marque. Made In Britain brings together the best manufacturers in the UK, through the use of its registered collective mark, guaranteeing that members’ products are made in Britain and comply to the highest standards.[17]
In 2019, The British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), a trade association that represents the interests of the British furniture industry, welcomed Wren Kitchens into the association as an ‘Approved Member’.[18]
Wren offered to find jobs for up to 280 staff at Kingstown Furniture in Hull, which closed its doors in March 2019.[19] By June 2019, over 40 former Kingstown Furniture staff had secured positions with Wren.[20] It plans to open up to 18 new showrooms during the year and is currently delivering manufacturing more than 2,000 kitchens a week at its three production sites.[21]
In June 2019, Wren announced plans for a £120 million expansion of its manufacturing headquarters in Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire, almost doubling manufacturing output to keep up with growing consumer demand. Wren is seeking planning permission for a new 910,000 sq. ft. facility, which to be built behind the existing Wren factory on part of its 180-acre site, which has been earmarked for further development. The new factory will create up to 1,200 new manufacturing jobs with additional roles in engineering, IT, customer service and product development. The project, once completed, will be the single largest investment in the company’s history.[22]
Controversy
In 2015, Wren Kitchens was investigated by BBC Watchdog for providing customers with poor customer service. The investigation found that the company had provided partial orders to customers and was extremely slow to rectify issues. The firm responded by stating that they are heavily investing in improving their customer service department.[23]
In Spring 2016, the firm was one of 12 kitchen brands researched by the consumer association Which?. WrenLiving came second from last out of the 12 kitchen companies assessed.[24]
In March 2016 the firm was fined £12,000 after pleading guilty to breaking the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Regulation 9 and the European Communities Act 1972 Section 2(2), by misleading customers on kitchen pricing.[25][26]
Charity work and community
In March 2014, Wren Kitchens donated £437,080 to charities supporting victims of the 2013-14 United Kingdom winter floods.[27] The firm has also raised money for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent and Macmillan Cancer Support.[28]
Wren Kitchens said it would "match all B&Q quotes" for customers and had "opened vacancies"[29] to the 400 design consultants whose jobs were at risk at competitor B&Q following a restructure.[30]
Awards and achievements
- Best Kitchen Retailer – Your Home Awards 2018[31]
- 23rd – 2017 Sunday Times Top Track 250[32]
- 12th - 2018 Sunday Times Top Track 250[33]
- 3rd – 2016 fastest growing retailers, OC&C Strategy Consultants and Financo Retail Growth Index[34]
- 2nd – Indeed's 25 Top-Rated UK Workplaces: Best in the Private Sector (2018)[35]
- 1st - Indeed's 15 Top-Rated UK Workplaces: Best in the Retail Sector (2019)[36]
References
- ^ a b c d "Wren Kitchens Limited overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". Companies House. 22 January 2009. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "Security & Privacy | Wren Kitchens". Wren Kitchens. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Joy and excitement as Wren Kitchens lands in Carlisle". News and Star. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- ^ "Turnover tops £900M at Wren Kitchens owner". Insider Media. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- ^ "300 jobs to be created by Wren Living as kitchen maker announces plan for another major expansion". Scunthorpe Telegraph. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
- ^ richchristianson (16 October 2011). "Former Mill's Pride Owner Making Cabinets in UK". Woodworking Network. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
- ^ "Wren Kitchens crowned UK's top employer by Indeed kbbreview". kbbreview. 26 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
- ^ "Wren grows sales past £338m". Cabinet Maker. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ^ "Profits boosted at kitchen manufacturer despite inefficiencies caused by new site". The Business Desk. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ "Profits double at company behind Wren Kitchens kbbreview". kbbreview. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
- ^ "Kitchen firm to create 600 jobs". BBC News. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "Wren's new HQ to create 500 jobs". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "Wren Kitchens signs up for Humber development". SHD Logistics News. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
- ^ "Wren Kitchens awarded FIRA Gold Installation Certification". www.kbbdaily.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ "Huddersfield studio unveils 3D online kitchen planner for Wren Kitchens". Prolific North. 20 June 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ Innes, Richard (21 December 2018). "Sales assistant pens a rap about his job - and his impressed bosses turn it into a music video". mirror. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ "Wren Kitchens awarded Made in Britain marque". SHD Logistics News. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ "Wren Kitchens joins BFM". www.furniturenews.net. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ Winter, Phil (14 March 2019). "Staff at Kingstown Furniture thrown lifeline with jobs at another firm". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
- ^ Winter, Phil (24 May 2019). "Wren Kitchens takes on over 40 staff hit by Kingstown Furniture closure". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
- ^ Winter, Phil (14 March 2019). "Staff at Kingstown Furniture thrown lifeline with jobs at another firm". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
- ^ "Kitchen firm to create 1,200 new jobs". 6 June 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
- ^ "Wren Kitchens: Company response". BBC. 14 May 2015. Archived from the original on 11 June 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ "Best And Worst Kitchen Brands". Which?. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "Wren Living fined £12,000". www.kbbdaily.com. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "Kitchen firm Wren Living fined £12k for misleading kitchen prices". Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "Wren Living supports Community Foundations | Cornwall Foundation". www.cornwallfoundation.com. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
- ^ "Our partnership with Wren Kitchens - Working with us - Macmillan Cancer Support". www.macmillan.org.uk. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
- ^ "Wren Kitchens 'offers support' to at-risk B&Q employees". kbbdaily.com. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ "B&Q announces sales overhaul with 700 employees consulted over new roles". RetailSector. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ "The Official Your Home Awards 2018 Winners". yourhomemagazine.co.uk. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "Fast Track". Fast Track. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ TWK. "West Retail Group - Fast Track". Fast Track. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ Jahshan, Elias (4 October 2017). "Farfetch crowned UK's fastest-growing retailer". Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "Top-Rated Workplaces: Best in the Private Sector - Indeed Blog". Indeed Blog. 22 October 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ "Top-Rated UK Workplaces: Best Retailers | Indeed.co.uk". www.indeed.co.uk. Retrieved 27 March 2019.