'An inspiring story': Couple hailed as South Yorkshire success story after selling kitchen business for £390m
Barnsley couple receive congratulations after £390m DIY Kitchens sale
A Barnsley couple who have agreed to sell their kitchen business in a deal worth £390 million have been flooded with messages of congratulations, with many customers and former staff praising the company's quality and customer service.
Alf and Clare Ellis, founders of DIY Kitchens, are selling the business they started more than 40 years ago to Howden Joinery Group, the UK's largest supplier of fitted kitchens.
Following news of the deal, hundreds of people took to social media to congratulate the couple, with many saying the retirement was thoroughly deserved after decades of hard work.
Steve Thomas wrote: "Congratulations to the couple. Enjoy your money and your retirement."
Dave Cooper echoed the sentiment, adding: "Good luck for a long and happy healthy retirement."
Many commenters described the sale as a reward for years of dedication and perseverance.
Jason Thomas said: "What you get when you graft and keep on grafting, good on them."
Evo Graham added: "Dedication and a lot of hard graft has its rewards. You've earned a well-deserved rest. Go off round the world and enjoy your retirement."
Others said the couple's journey from a small Barnsley showroom to a multi-million-pound business should inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.
Karzan Hughes wrote: "An inspiring story for any entrepreneur or young person in the region. Good companies are built on good products and good service. Well done to them."
Several former employees and long-time customers also shared their memories of the business.
Claire Marie Gallaugher, who previously worked at the company's Sherburn site, said: "Never would have thought they would actually sell it. Great quality kitchens with great customer service."
Andrew Pickard reflected on the company's early days, writing: "Well done to Alf, Claire and family. I started doing business years ago with you in a small street in Barnsley."
Customers were equally complimentary.
Kirsty Woodward said her family had turned to DIY Kitchens after problems with another supplier and described the company's quality, customer service, delivery and showroom experience as "outstanding".
She added that, four years later, her kitchen was still "as good as new".
While the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, some customers admitted they were concerned about what the takeover could mean for the business.
Several said they hoped Howdens would maintain the standards that helped make DIY Kitchens one of the country's most successful independent kitchen companies.
One commenter wrote: "Let's hope Howdens keep the customer service as good as DIY Kitchens always have."
Another added: "Really hope Howdens aren't just buying out the competition to close them down or raise prices. DIY were the best in the UK."
Paula Penny said: "Fantastic kitchens with exceptional efficient staff. Let's hope this continues under new ownership."
Despite those concerns, the dominant feeling was one of admiration for the couple's achievement.
Martin Paisley summed up the mood, writing: "Fantastic. Hats off to the family. They have worked extremely hard for the past 40 years to build and develop their company. Good luck to them."