From Istanbul to London: Building a Premium Kitchen Brand (ft. Simon Ogilvie-Harris of Dwood Kitchens)

In this episode, we sit down with Simon Ogilvie-Harris, CCO of Dwood Kitchens UK, to explore how a multi-generational family business founded in Istanbul is expanding into the UK with a premium yet competitively priced kitchen offering. Simon shares his journey from leading consumer goods businesses to spearheading the UK arm of Dwood Kitchens and bringing high-end, custom kitchens to both private and commercial clients.Simon explains how Dwood’s unique value proposition—bespoke, high-quality kitchens manufactured in their own factory in Turkey—allows them to offer Italian- and German-level quality at significantly better prices. He dives into their flexible design-supply-fit model, highlighting how the company works with a range of partners, including interior designers, architects, property developers, and contractors.We explore real-world project examples, from a dream kitchen for a private client in Watford to multi-unit residential schemes in and outside the UK. Simon also shares how Dwood manages complex supply chains, finances, and cash flow across multiple markets while maintaining a customer-first approach.Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Simon discusses plans to open a London showroom, expand the UK team, and further grow their international project pipeline. He also highlights the importance of long-term relationship building in the property and construction sectors.Whether you're a homeowner looking for a premium kitchen, a contractor seeking a reliable supplier, or a developer working on large-scale projects, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes Dwood Kitchens stand out.Get in touch with Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-ogilvie-harris-7b607514/