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Local MP visits historic builders' merchants
John Penrose, MP for Weston-Super-Mare, has visited local business Bradfords Building Supplies for a tour of their site and to meet staff.
Bradfords Building Supplies are a historic success story, as the oldest known merchant at 248 years old, founded in 1770. In what began as a quarrying business, Bradfords now delivers essential supplies for construction and housing projects across the South West and West of England.
During the visit, Chris Briar, Branch Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies set out the key role that builders' merchants play, both for the local economy and more broadly in meeting housing demand and supply across the UK. He also explained his support for simplifying and speeding up the planning process, with constructions projects delivering much needed home for local residents and creating jobs in the community.
Bradfords also urged Mr Penrose to take matters up in Parliament to ensure post-Brexit customs arrangements do not hike up the costs of materials, such as bricks and timber, by 20%. They warned this would a significant impact on cashflow, prices, and contract terms and conditions.
Speaking at Bradfords Building Supplies, John Penrose MP said:
"It was great to meet the staff and see another example of businesses flourishing in Weston. They'd do even better if we can change the rules to let people "Build Up Not Out" in urban areas. We would create huge amounts of affordable, green and convenient building sites at a stroke; giving an enormous shot in the arm for construction sector businesses like Bradfords, not just in Weston but across the entire country too."
Chris Briar, Branch Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies said:
"We were delighted to welcome Mr Penrose to Bradfords Building Supplies and show him how the company has evolved over the past 248 years. It is always great to have our MP taking an interest in local businesses such as ours, and offering his support."
"We were grateful to discuss with Mr Penrose key issues affecting our industry, and look forward to working with him to build the Weston-Super-Mare economy"
The visit was another arranged by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) as part of its industry and parliamentary programme. The BMF takes MPs to visit merchants in their constituency to see how builders, plumbers and timber merchants deliver for their local communities.
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