The co-founder of one of Hull’s largest businesses has been recognised in the inaugural King’s Birthday Honours.
David Kilburn’s service to the construction industry, and to charity, has seen him made a CBE in the first list of the new reign.
Together with close pal Peter Murray he founded MKM Building Supplies back in 1995, taking it from a single city unit and a small team to what is now a £818 million turnover operation with more than 100 builders’ merchants branches nationwide.
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Still headquartered in Hull, and having been subject to two buy-outs, the success gave him a platform to help influence other businesses, playing a crucial role in the formation of local mentor organisation For Entrepreneurs Only, itself recently royally recognised.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire is the highest ranking award below a knighthood, given for having “a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity,”.
Mr Kilburn said: “It is a very moving experience, and I think of all the people who have contributed to what has been achieved. It is very humbling, that’s how I feel about it, and I’m very happy to receive it.
“This sort of recognition does not happen without the great people who have worked with us, the talent. I have been very lucky as without the support from lots of people, my wife Linda, and lots of others, it wouldn’t have been possible. It has been a very interesting journey and it is a very humbling experience.”
He said he CBE was for them as much as it was for him. And the recognition from King Charles, with investiture to follow, comes as Mr Kilburn clocks up 60 years working in the industry – now in an ambassadorial role – with Bain Capital the majority shareholder.
Born in South Cave, he went to school in Willerby and then Marist College, the former Roman Catholic boys’ grammar school on Cottingham Road. He left at 16, having had “plenty of the stick,” working at Hull Savings Bank before entering the construction trade with Crossley Builders Merchants, then Graham and Harcros.
While with the latter at a branch in Grimsby, he was made redundant, prompting the decision to set out on his own with his “very good friend”. Initial plans for one site quickly changed, with the model of having branch directors invested in the business’s success with a 25 per cent stake held up as a key differentiator, ensuring quality of service and care.
This weekend sees a first anniversary of the latest evolution, MKM Home – a showroom aimed at householders, having focused on trade for more than a quarter of a century. Recently Mr Kilburn joined the board of Hull KR, alongside Paul Sewell OBE, while the business has put its name to the home of his beloved Hull City, as well as Hull FC, supporting the place he is proud to call home.
Others from East Riding honoured include:
- An MBE for Dr Martin Richard Finch Reynolds of Beverley. He is the Volunteers Co-ordinator for the MissionAssist Charity, and has been awarded for services to Indigenous Languages.
- BEM for Graham Michael Benson for services to Young People and to the community in Goole.
- BEM for David Harling of Goole, the Deputy Director, Learning Disability Nursing, NHS England. Awarded For services to the NHS and to people with learning disabilities, and to autistic people and their families.
- BEM for Dr Wendy Patricia Mitchell of Beverley. She is a member of the York Minds and Voices, Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project. Awarded for services to people living with dementia.
- BEM for Jane Tattam. Founder and lately chair of the Needed Urgent Remedial and Surgical Equipment Charity. Awarded for services to fundraising for the NHS and to the community in Beverley
- BEM for Margaret Carey, the Service Delivery Coach at the Department for Work and Pensions. Awarded for services to the community in Hull.
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