Stephen Flower

Ashford Kitchens is very much a family story. Tell me how it all started and how the next generation became involved. 

Stephen: Ashford Kitchens & Interiors was founded in 1984 by my parents Richard and Tracey Flower. We began serving the local community in Ashford, Surrey. 

As a teenager, I worked part-time learning the business, and in 2010, I joined the company full-time. My wife, Grace, joined me soon after, and now we’re continuing the family-run legacy into its second generation. We live locally, among our customers. 

What have been some key milestones in Ashford’s growth journey over the years? 

Stephen: Opening our second showroom in our hometown of Farnham Common in 2014 was a huge milestone for us, and its overwhelming success was incredibly rewarding. In 2024, we celebrated 40 years in business. 

Now in our 41st year, we proudly operate from two modern showrooms and continue to build on a reputation for quality, service, and design excellence. 

What inspired you to take on the leadership of the business and shape its future? 

Stephen: For the first three years of my full-time working career, I was employed by John Lewis & Partners as a Kitchen Planner where I quickly came to realise the potential in the kitchen and home interiors industry. I couldn’t wait to unleash this potential. 

I had the good fortune to step into an already successful and long-established business and take it forward with new ideas, technology and the opportunity to build and develop a strong team for the future. 

What would you say is the strongest thing about your team and company culture? What makes you tick? 

Stephen: One of the most important things we’ve focused on at Ashford is building a team that not only shares our values but genuinely enjoys being part of what we’re creating. 

It starts with employing people who care, not just about kitchens and interiors, but about doing things properly, treating customers with respect, and supporting one another. 

We insist on maintaining high standards and don’t shy away from this. We value loyalty, attention to detail, honesty, and pride in our work. We also celebrate milestones, support flexibility, and invest in team development. 

Beyond this, we support the local community through donations and sponsorships. We want Ashford to be a place where people feel appreciated, challenged, and part of something bigger. 

How do you support and develop your team, especially those new to the industry? 

Stephen: One of my favourite Richard Branson quotes is: “If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” 

At Ashford, we make it a point to invest in training, encourage ideas, and create a welcoming, respectful, collaborative environment, both in our showrooms and behind the scenes. 

You’re clearly passionate about the KBB industry – how do you see its future evolving, especially in terms of attracting new talent? 

Stephen: The KBB industry is currently a hidden gem. Right now, too many people seem to fall into it rather than aspire to be part of it. 

With the rise of interior design trends and social media, it should become a career of choice, not chance. 

At Ashford, we proudly promote the industry and its potential to young people who want to learn and better themselves. 

Your brand is known for its customer service and attention to detail. How do you maintain those high standards at scale? 

Stephen: Grace and I remain actively involved in every part of the business and we are supported by a talented team of designers, project managers, and skilled installers. 

Behind our confident and knowledgeable team is hours of training, learning, and repetition, as well as a shared commitment to design and exceptional customer service. It’s hard work but it pays off. 

Today, Ashford Kitchens & Interiors has grown from a local family business into a multi-award-winning company, nationally recognised for delivering a market leading level of service. 

You’ve recently received some major industry awards. What do these recognitions mean to you and your team? 

Stephen: These are all very proud moments. In April 2025, we were honoured to be named Kitchen Retailer of the Year UK & Ireland at the national KBB Awards, recognising not only our design and showroom standards, but also our business performance and service ethos. 

Just a few months later, we were thrilled to receive the title of Neff Master Partner of the Year 2025, further affirming our position as a leading independent kitchen specialist. 

It’s always nice to be recognised by others for what we do. 

What’s next for Ashford Kitchens in terms of growth and innovation? 

Stephen: Looking ahead, we’re focused on steady growth while continuing to deliver the high standards and personalised service our clients trust. This includes expanding our team and increasing capacity for projects and turnover. 

We regularly refresh our showrooms to showcase the latest styles, finishes, and technology – and we’re always exploring opportunities for a third showroom. 

We are constantly looking at how innovation and technology can improve both our service and efficiency.