German kitchen suppliers in Henley cook up experiences

TYRONE Church and Michelle Calder are the managing directors of Kutchenhaus in Duke Street. Kutchenhaus is a German engineered kitchen producer and opened in Henley nine months ago. Tyrone, 40, and wife Michelle live in Caversham with their two adult children in their 20s, one of whom is part of the business. They enjoy hobbies including power lifting, walking along the river and cooking fresh, which goes hand in hand with the showroom where you’ll find them preparing meals and baking.

Describe your business:
Kutchenhaus Henley is a family-run kitchen design and installation studio specialising in German-engineered kitchens. We focus on thoughtful design and high-quality manufacturing.

How many people does it employ?
There are three of us: two directors and a kitchen designer. It’s a close-knit team, which means clients deal with the same people from first conversation to final handover. Each director has a specific role. Mine, apart from managing the business and client relationships, is finding good talent to assist with installations so we truly are able to offer the full kitchen experience from start to finish.

What did you do before you started this business?
I’ve spent many years in the kitchen and interiors industry, working across design, sales and project delivery. That experience showed me what works well and what frustrates customers, which shaped how we run the business. Michelle has come from a pharmaceutical background and is the heart of the business keeping everyone content. Her baking skills are often at work in the showroom.

When did you start your business?
Kutchenhaus Henley opened in May 2025.

What was your objective?
To create a kitchen studio that puts people first. We wanted to combine exceptional product quality with honest advice, clear communication, and a calm, enjoyable design process.

Who, or what influenced you?
Our family and previous clients played a big role. Seeing how much trust people place in you when designing their homes made me want to build something that truly respected that responsibility.

Do you have a mentor or role model?
I’ve learned most from experienced business owners who lead quietly, consistently and ethically. I admire people who grow steadily without cutting corners.

What would you do differently if starting again?
I’d probably worry less at the beginning. You don’t need everything perfect on day one.

How is your business doing?
We’re growing steadily, with stronger brand recognition and more qualified enquiries. Importantly, we’re seeing a higher level of trust from clients, which is the real measure of success.

Do you compare on a regular basis?
Monthly and annually. It’s important to track performance without becoming obsessed by short-term fluctuations.

How do you market your business?
We focus on relationships, word of mouth, community engagement and education. We add value by guiding clients through decisions they may only make once in their lifetime.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?
Seeing the direct impact of your work — on clients, your team and the local community.

What’s the most challenging aspect?
Wearing multiple hats. You’re never just the designer or the director — you’re also the problem-solver, motivator and decision-maker.

Where is your business headed?
Sustainable growth, deeper community roots, and continued investment in design excellence and customer experience.

How important are online sales — and why?
For kitchens, online sales aren’t about checkout buttons. They’re about visibility, trust and education. Clients research heavily online before ever walking through the door.

Are you using generative AI to shape your business?
Yes — for content creation, internal systems, and improving efficiency. It frees up time so we can focus more on people, not admin.

Do you have a five-year plan?
Yes but it’s flexible. Clear direction with room to adapt is far more valuable than a rigid plan.

Do you have a work-life balance?
It’s a work in progress. Being present when you’re at work — and switching off properly when you’re not — makes a huge difference.

Do you set goals at the start of each financial year?
Absolutely. Clear goals give the team focus and momentum.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
That consistency beats intensity. Small, well-executed actions done regularly build strong businesses.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Be patient, stay curious, and don’t try to do everything yourself. Build the right support around you early.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?
Trying to solve everything instead of delegating sooner.

How organised are you?
Very — systems and structure are essential, especially when running a small team.

What are you most looking forward to in 2026?
Seeing the business mature, refining our processes, and continuing to serve the local community at a higher level.

How are you planning for retirement?
By building a business that’s sustainable, well-structured and valuable long term — not just reliant on one individual.

What’s the secret of your success?
Care. Genuinely caring about clients, outcomes and the reputation you build every day.

What three qualities are most important?
Consistency, integrity and adaptability.

How do you dress for work — and is it important?
Smart but approachable. It matters because first impressions count but authenticity matters more.

What can’t you do without every day?
Good communication — with clients and the team.

Lunch at your desk or going out?
A mix, but stepping out clears your head when you can.

Do you continue to study?
Yes. Whether it’s design trends, technology or business strategy.

What do you read?
Business, design, and psychology — anything that helps understand people better.

What change would you most like to see in 2026?
Greater appreciation for independent local businesses and the value they bring to communities.

Interview by Will Hamilton, intermediary and global marketing consultant, Hamilton Associates.