No, not usually, although some kitchen suppliers do provide good value appliances. It is often better to shop around for these - there are a number of appliance warehouses around the country (and internet suppliers) which get lower prices from the appliance manufacturers by buying in bulk.

One good thing about the advent of internet suppliers and comparison sites, is that it's very easy to get an idea of how much the appliances you want are likely to cost.

Part of the kitchen designing process is to consider different types of appliances and once you know what you want, then you can compare prices. Personally, though, I would get a quote for the kitchen units/worktops etc. first ... and then ask the supplier to quote for the appliances, as an extra.

No you sign a contract with the kitchen company, fitter or other supplier in the usual way. We are just helping you to choose suitable suppliers and get a design based on your wants and needs and not on what a particular company wants to sell you.
 

No, not at all, we are quite happy to discuss the plans with another kitchen company of your choice, if that helps.

For bespoke kitchens, liaison with the supplier may incur a fee, depending on how much work is involved.
 

Yes, we're independent, but we tend to use kitchen suppliers that we know which is, inevitably, a fairly small number. They do represent a wide sector of the market, though, including companies which have more than one outlet and work nationally, kitchen manufacturers, small businesses which buy national kitchen brands and a number of individual cabinet makers. There are pros and cons to each, which we discuss with you before making a recommendation.
If you don't live in the Midlands, we can also investigate your local suppliers.