The Better Kitchens' Story
Our 18 Year Journey From a Somerset Cow Shed in 2006 to Leading Online Kitchen Supplier in 2024
From its modest beginnings in a converted cowshed in Somerset to its current standing as one of the UK's leading online kitchen suppliers, Better Kitchens has embarked on a remarkable journey.
Founded in 2006 as a family-run enterprise, the company has bucked industry trends by putting customer needs at the forefront, rather than resorting to high-pressure sales tactics.
Committed to delivering quality, value, and customer-focused after-sales service, Better Kitchens has grown into a significant player in the UK kitchen market, all whilst staying true to the ethos that characterised its early days.
2006
The Cowshed
With 15 years of experience in bespoke joinery and luxury kitchen installations, Ardene Stoneman, alongside his brother Julian, founded Better Kitchens.
Their vision was to leverage their expertise to set up an online platform that would bring luxury kitchens to the masses.
2007
Going Digital
In 2007, we launched our first website, marking our entry into the online kitchen retail space.
2008
Partnering with CDA
We became an approved reseller for CDA appliances in 2008, expanding our product offering from our first showroom to include kitchen appliances, sinks and taps.
2008
Weathering the Recession
The 2008 recession was a challenging period, especially for a new company, but our online services were perfectly positioned to offer cost-effective solutions, helping us weather the downturn.
2009
Expanding Horizons
In 2009, work started on a new building another of the farm buildings, providing us with more room for a larger showroom and warehouse.
2011
Catastrophe Strikes!
November 2011 was a testing time as our warehouse flooded due to excessive rain, damaging stock and machinery. Thanks to understanding customers, we persevered and decided to relocate to a larger unit on Weston Industrial Estate in 2012.
2014
Elevating Partnerships
We became a CDA Select Partner in 2014, strengthening our relationship with the UK's best kitchen appliances manufacturer.
2015
Showcasing Our Range
Our first 100-page colour kitchen brochure was printed in 2015, offering customers a comprehensive look at our products.
2016
A Decade of Excellence
Celebrating our 10-year anniversary was a momentous occasion, marked by a grand event attended by the local Mayor. This milestone not only commemorated our achievements but also reinforced our commitment to serving our community and customers. The event served as a testament to our enduring presence in the industry and set the stage for the exciting journey ahead.
2016
Innovating Online
Our new website was launched at the Home Building & Renovating Show with the aim of creating the best online kitchen buying system, which we named "Smart Features."
2018
Going Green:
Zero To Landfill
In a significant step towards sustainability, we transitioned our waste process to Zero To Landfill in 2018. This eco-friendly initiative underscored our commitment to environmental responsibility.
2019
New Fleet of Delivery Vehicles
In 2019, we took customer service to the next level by introducing a new fleet of customer-friendly Low Loader Luton vans. This move aimed to enhance the reliability and efficiency of our deliveries.
2020
A New Home
We relocated to a modern, purpose-built premises featuring a two-storey showroom with 28 displays and a 15,000-square-foot warehouse.
2020
Going Green
We made the decision to stop printing brochures to reduce our carbon footprint and focus on building the website online brochure.
2021
A Family Affair
Our brother Lee Stoneman joined the company to oversee our most significant website upgrade to date, leveraging his background in IT project management.
2021
Empowering Customers
We launched our 3D online kitchen planner, allowing customers to visualise their dream kitchens in their own homes.
2024 and Beyond
The Future
We have ambitious plans for the future, including the introduction of dedicated websites for Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Worktops.
See for yourself why thousands of customers buy from Better Kitchens every year!