After 24 years at the helm of a family business in Sudbury, Roger Hibbert, of the Kitchen Showroom Ltd (KSL), has announced his retirement.
Roger, who launched the company in 1989, will be handing over the business and showroom, situated on the Churchfield Business Park, to his son Richard Hibbert when he formally retires at the end of March.
“I started the company during a recession when interest rates were at 15 per cent, so it was quite a tough start,” said Roger. “But we grew quickly, and our reputation meant we were soon supplying bespoke kitchens and bathrooms across Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
“We started in a showroom in North Street and gradually expanded the business before moving to our present site in 2006. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed running the business in Sudbury but I thought it was time for my son to take over.”
Far from putting his feet up, Roger will be embarking on a three-month tour of Europe in his motor home with his wife Sheila.
Richard grew up with the business and has worked closely alongside his father for a number of years.
Despite the difficult economic climate, he said plans were already in place to continue the company’s growth.
“I am really looking forward to carrying forward what my dad achieved here,” said Richard. “We have plans to update the showroom and we’re going to convert one of our warehouses into a new bedroom showroom on the site.
“We’re also really excited to have introduced Stoneham Kitchens as a new supplier this year, which is a fantastic addition to our range.
“We have a specialist team of designers here who can tailor schemes to every room of your house, whether you’re looking for a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, audio system, home office or even a book case.”