Symphony and Retra open days will show members how kitchens could be a good fit for their business

The dates are:

• June 15
• July 20
• August 17
• September 21
• October 19

“We will look to put those Retra members up either the night before or the night of the event, so that they have a pleasurable experience and we can meet and network before and afterwards,” said Robert Williamson, Symphony’s national business development manager. He added: “This will be a great experience for Retra members interested in kitchens to come and see first-hand independent retailers’ preferred supply partner for kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home office furniture.

“It will also allow myself and my colleagues to illustrate how Retra members can share in the success achieved by many other electrical retailers.”

Earlier this year, Symphony welcomed the Retra Board and staff to its head office and production facility at Pen Hill, Barnsley, South Yorkshire (see picture). 

The privately-owned business, which is an approved supplier to the Sirius Buying Group, became a Retra associate member a few months ago. Started in 1971 by Doug Gregory, in Leeds, supplying kitchens to local house builders, the company has grown to supply nationally both the housing and retail markets with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture.

Symphony is the market leader for the supply and installation of kitchens in the new-build housing market and over one in two new-build properties will have a Symphony kitchen fitted.

The business, which had a turnover of £280m in 2021, is planning a major factory expansion at its head office, which will give it an additional 300,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity by 2023. It currently employs over 1800 staff and has three manufacturing and distribution centres covering a million square feet in Barnsley, Rotherham and Wakefield.

Retra’s trip also included a stop-off at the local timber and building supplies company used by Symphony.

Commenting on the trip, Retra CEO, Howard Saycell, said: “Retra is delighted to welcome Symphony as a new associate member. Many of our members are either active in the fitted kitchen marketplace or are considering entering it.

“The set-up is very impressive. Any member thinking of moving into this market can get a very comprehensive guide on how to get started, plus the levels of support on offer for a new entrant into this sizable market opportunity.”

Mr Saycell added: “Robert Williamson and his team would be delighted to talk to any Retra members thinking of expanding into fitted kitchens. “In order to get the full benefit of their knowledge and experience first-hand their commitment to independent electrical retailers, it is well worth making the trip to Yorkshire.”

For more information on the open days, please contact: Robert Williamson, national business development manager, Symphony.