Business experts support 120 new jobs for greener homes firm

Experts from Liverpool Business School are to guide a local firm's ambitions in the pre-owned kitchens business.

Widnes-based Used Kitchen Exchange aims to drive down prices for householders while cutting the massive waste associated with replacing and disposing of old kitchens.

Backed by a £120,000 government grant, the partnership with LJMU – will lead to the creation of more than 180 jobs over the next five years.

The grant has been awarded through the Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (MKTP) scheme run by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Business, Environment and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It will enable the partnership to employ a masters-level post-graduate as a KTP Associate to manage the project alongside the company and academic supervisors.

Used Kitchen Exchange also hopes to increase sales from £4m to £50m.

Win-win

Founder Helen Lord said: "Through growth in awareness and business expansion, we are going to normalise the sale and purchase of pre-owned kitchens. It will bring cost effective kitchens to the marketplace, while driving massive environmental savings. It's a win-win for everyone."

"We're thrilled to have been selected for the mKTP grant and equally delighted at the prospect of partnering with one of our local universities to reach our ambitious expansion goals.

David Bryde, director of research and knowledge at LJMU Business School, added: "The two-way nature of the mKTP enables our team of experts to help UKE in their transformational journey, as they seek to grow their business and diversify into new markets.

"It also gives our academics invaluable practical insights that will inform their teaching and  at Liverpool Business School."