Howarth Timber and Building Supplies recently welcomed local MP Mary Creagh to its Wakefield branch to learn about how merchants deliver for their communities, discussing issues affecting the supply chain and the wider West Yorkshire economy.
During the course of the visit, Mrs Creagh, who is currently serving as chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, met with long-serving branch manager David Storey, who provided an overview of the merchant’s recently-completed investments to give the Howarth At Home kitchen, bedroom and bathroom showrooms a new look, making it easier to fulfil customer orders.
The local MP also spoke to young people benefiting from the graduate scheme run by Howarth Timber and discussed how the 177 year old business is evolving to meet today’s construction challenge with MD Nick Howarth and Marketing & Product Development Manager, Neale Brewster.
Nick Howarth said: “This is a transformative time for the construction industry, with questions over the impact of Brexit and the skills gap, and the introduction of Clean Air Zones in cities in the north of England. All of these issues could have a significant impact on our business, and on the hundreds of small construction companies and contractors who rely on Howarth as their local merchant.
“As one of the companies in the local area that will be impacted by these changes, we were grateful that Mrs Creagh was able to accept our invitation to learn more about the vital role merchants play in creating jobs, providing training and supporting the construction sector.”
The visit was one of many arranged by the Builders Merchants’ Federationas part of its industry and parliamentary programme which sees the BMF taking MPs to visit merchants in their constituency to see how the building materials’ supply chain delivers for local communities. At Howarth, Mrs Creagh heard the latest BMF economic data showing UK sales up 5.3% in 2017 quarter 2, compared to the same time in 2016.
The image shows Nick Howarth, Mary Creagh MP, David Storey and Brett Amphlett of the Builders Merchants’ Federation.
