Kitchens, or Sink: How to Build a FTSE 250 Company from Nothing

Having worked for Howdens from 2000 to 2008, and being involved with the Senior Leadership Team from 2003-2008, I had the privilege of spending some time with Matthew, and every time I see Mateus Rose on the supermarket shelf I am reminded of him and my time at Howdens. I read the whole book with my inner voice talking broad Yorkshire! The book itself is a delightful insight into the origins of a very successful business but more importantly the origins of the man who was the main catalyst for the organisation that employees thousands of people across the UK and beyond. Mentions of events at Gleneagles, away days at Coniston Hotel, ballooning in Barcelona, meetings at Durrant and many, many Curry Nights, brought back fond memories of my time at Howdens. Certainly a must read for anyone who has, or still does, work for Howdens Joinery Co. 👍🏻

The former CEO of Howdens (Matthew Ingle) has always been a great storyteller and I believe everybody who have met Matthew have their own 'Matthew' story. This book is like sitting next to Matthew at his Yorkshire fireplace, enjoying a whisky and he is telling his story.It takes you down his path of life and learned me that the most valuable form of education cannot be measured in pounds (such as a Swiss elite school), but is family heritage, experiences, amount of stubbornness and creating a team of people who take responsibility.The book takes you from the early Magnet years to MFI and eventually to the start of Howdens. Important business lessons are shared along the way. Unfortunately the storytelling stops somewhere after the break of MFI and Howdens and does not include the growth of the subsequent years, which is a missed opportunity.This book is interesting for any Howden employee, competitor or just anyone who likes to be inspired by a business leader's thoughts.I wish I had this book when I started out back in 2015 and brings me to my own Matthew story. I had the privilege to receive Matthew in Amsterdam for a dinner. Naturally I was prepared and wanted to learn how he set up Howdens in 1995; after all I was appointed to do the same in the Netherlands. He looked at me from top the bottom - which takes minutes considering how tall I am - and responded to Steve: "Never trust a guy in a blue suit."Consequently I got rid of my blue suit ;-), decided to take matters into my own hands and kickstarted Howdens in the Netherlands with my great team.

Thoroughly enjoyed this candid account by a successful man who demonstrated that taking the less worn path even against advice can lead to extraordinary success. The model of business he presents shows that over and above everything else people and personalities matter and screwing your courage to the sticking place with innovative ideas and enthusiasm can bring rich rewards.

I really enjoyed this book, it was an easy read and very interesting. Having a family member who recently retired from the fitted kitchen industry I could relate to a lot of the storylines. It was good to get an insight into how business owners run their companies.

Excellent, thoroughly enjoyable, like I was going through the Howdens journey myself. Always a great story teller. Business book for all ages.

Great read, valuable business insights.

It's a must read book if you are a Howdens employee and a must read book if you are in or going into management or business. Matthew always told a great story .... this is his, brilliantly told!

Great read