Sponsored Editorial

If you’ve ever had plumbing work done – and let’s face it, we all have – you’ll appreciate that high-quality workmanship comes down to experience and dedication. You want a company you can trust – a company you can depend on.

TKM Plumbers Merchants takes great pride in this ethos, and as a business that has been operating in Kent since 2002, the team have many years of industry expertise behind them.

To coincide with TKM’s 20th anniversary, the Deal-based firm has unveiled some exciting innovations, including a brand-new showroom and a new branch in Worthington Street, Dover.

The TKM story

TKM Plumbers Merchants is the brainchild of co-founder Tony Monks & Karan Bowman. At 16, Tony started working for Clarke’s Mechanical Equipment in Deal. It was here where he learnt the trade and discovered his passion for business – all under the wing of Bill Bridgland.

Making such an impression on Bill, Tony became manager at the age of 18 and went on to recruit 16-year-old Melvin Garrett in 1984 on a YTS (Youth Training Scheme). The pair worked together for 17 years, and when Clarke’s closed in 2001, Tony recognised an opening in the local market for another bathroom and plumbing supplies business.

Tony and his wife Karan set up TKM Plumbers Merchants (TKM stands for Tony/ Karan/ Monks) in 2002 on a shoestring budget and a large overdraft. Melvin aided with the opening and over the following years, many more members of staff joined the TKM family, including – at one stage or another – all four of Tony and Karan’s sons.

Under the wing of his father, Luke Monks discovered the same passion for business and became general manager in 2014, then director in 2016.

After many long days and sleepless nights, the company became more and more successful. It now employs nine members of staff and continues to grow.

The next generation

After the tragic, early passing of Tony in July 2019 after a lengthy, brave battle against illness, Luke took the reins of TKM. Continuing the legacy of his father, he oversees the day-to-day running of the business in his role as managing director. Sadly missed and fondly remembered, Tony will always remain part of the fabric of the company.

Expansion plans

The expansion of TKM Plumbers Merchants has always been a wish of Tony's and has become a priority due to the enduring popularity of the business in the local community.

Luke and the team have recently completed the development of a brand-new, fully-refurbished bathroom showroom, with a larger variety of products available to the public and trade customers.

TKM has also opened a new bathroom and heating showroom offering a supply and fit service in Worthington Street, Dover, and there are plans for a new warehouse development on the existing St Richards Road site, due to be completed within the next year.

“As a small independent retail company, it is always going to be a struggle competing against larger, national firms, and in an online/digital world of trading, the odds of success have always been against us,” said Luke. “However, due to our ethos of 'good, quality customer service', TKM has defied all odds and has gone from strength to strength.

“We will be held a private event for the entire TKM family, including immediate family and colleagues, and would like to thank all that attended”

“The company directors Luke Monks & Karan Bowman would like to say a thank you to the community and our loyal staff for their continued support of the business over the last 20 years. Without whom we would not have succeeded in the way that we have.”