If you’re looking for a new kitchen, you’ve probably heard of Howdens. They’re the biggest supplier in the UK, with a depot in almost every town. But there’s a catch: they only sell to the trade. This means you can’t just walk in, see the prices, and buy what you want. You have to go through a builder or fitter, who will often add their own markup to the final bill. And because Howdens use a complicated discount system, you never really know if you’re getting a good deal.

I’m Steve, the owner of SJB Trade Kitchens. I’ve spent over 20 years in the kitchen industry, and I set up my business in Oldham to offer a genuine, straightforward alternative. I believe that whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade or a DIY enthusiast tackling a project, you should be able to buy a high-quality, rigid-built kitchen cabinet directly from the supplier, without jumping through hoops or needing a trade card.

Many people assume that because Howdens is a “trade-only” supplier, their kitchens must be the best quality and the cheapest price. But that’s not always the case. Their business model relies on a massive network of depots, huge marketing budgets, and a pricing structure designed to give builders a margin. All of those costs are ultimately paid for by you, the homeowner.

Here’s why more and more people are looking for a better alternative:

The Trade Card Trap: You can’t buy from Howdens without an account. This forces you to rely on a third party to purchase your kitchen, taking control out of your hands and making the pricing opaque.

Inflated “List” Prices: Howdens are famous for their artificially high list prices, which are then heavily discounted for the trade. This makes it incredibly difficult to compare quotes and know what the kitchen is actually worth.

Flat-Pack Compromises: Many depot kitchens are flat-pack, meaning they are assembled on-site. Even their pre-assembled units often use flimsy hardboard backs that can bow and warp over time, especially under sinks.

At SJB Trade Kitchens, we do things differently. We are a true supply-only kitchen provider, meaning we source and supply the cabinets, doors, worktops, and components directly to you. We don’t fit kitchens, which means our entire focus is on the quality of the product.

Rigid Built, Not Flat-Pack: Every cabinet we supply is rigid-built in our Oldham workshop. We use premium 18mm Egger or Kronospan board for the entire carcass—including the back panel. There’s no flimsy hardboard here. This makes our cabinets incredibly strong, square, and built to last a lifetime.

Honest, Transparent Pricing: We don’t do silly season sales or fake discounts. We offer one consistent, fair price all year round. Because we don’t have the massive overheads of a national depot network, our kitchens are typically 30-50% cheaper than a comparable Howdens quote. And you don’t need a trade card to get that price.

Made to Measure: A standard depot kitchen comes in set sizes. If your room has quirks, you end up with large filler panels. Because our carcasses are built to specification, we can supply units to custom heights, depths, and widths to perfectly fit your space.

Premium Hardware as Standard: We don’t charge extra for the good stuff. Every SJB kitchen comes with world-class Blum soft-close hinges and drawer runners as standard.

We offer a wide range of styles to suit any home. From solid wood Painted Shaker doors to sleek Handleless designs, all our gloss doors are either MDF with an acrylic coating or lacquered for a premium finish. Browse our core ranges below.

We supply kitchens across Greater Manchester and nationwide. Find information specific to your local area below:

Can anyone buy from SJB Trade Kitchens?

Yes. Unlike Howdens, we don’t require you to have a trade account or be a professional builder. We supply our high-quality kitchens directly to homeowners, DIYers, and tradespeople alike, all at the same transparent, low price.

Are your kitchens cheaper than Howdens?

Typically, yes. Because we source our cabinets directly and don’t have the massive overheads of running hundreds of depots, we can supply a superior product for 30-50% less than a comparable Howdens quote.

Do you deliver nationwide?

Yes, we offer nationwide delivery from as little as 10 working days. Every cabinet arrives rigid-built and ready to install, saving your fitter valuable time on site.

Can I visit your showroom?

Absolutely. We are based at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, OL1 4EB). I’m always happy to show customers around, let them see the build quality firsthand, and discuss their plans.

Do you offer an installation service?

No, we are strictly a supply-only business. This allows us to focus entirely on sourcing and supplying the best possible cabinets and premium doors and components. You will need to arrange your own fitter, but because our units arrive rigid-built, installation is straightforward.