How the building materials’ supply chain is evolving to support new housing and existing property - and attracting new faces - was the focus of a constituency visit by the Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP last Friday.
The MP for Skipton and Ripon visited Merritt & Fryers, well-known business based in Skipton, to see how it helps constituents to improve the thermal and energy performance of homes and workplaces.
Sir Julian, a former Northern Ireland Secretary, was welcomed by Rachel Fryers, Managing Director, and Brett Amphlett of the BMF. Touring the branch, he was shown examples of the everyday trade essentials and value-added products available to Merritt & Fryers’ customers in North Yorkshire and East Lancashire. The MP also heard how merchants and their SME customers have managed in recent times with higher prices and rising fuel, labour and other costs.
Concluding his visit, Sir Julian Smith MP said: “It was great to visit Merritt & Fryers and see how they are adopting sustainable and low-carbon practices while continuing to serve the house-building and repair markets. It is encouraging to see a local, family-run business - soon celebrating 90 years - adapting to the future and meeting the needs of both trade customers and homeowners”.
“A big thank you to Rachel for showing me how they are contributing to the Skipton and wider Craven area economy as well as her team for supporting local builders and DIY enthusiasts with their projects”.
Ms Fryers described recruitment initiatives being pursued by individual merchants, and the BMF itself, to raise awareness of the building materials’ supply chain - and efforts to publicise the range and diversity of roles to attract and retain staff. Rachel told Sir Julian why a career in building materials is different from other trades or industries - because it offers purposeful jobs for school & college leavers - and anyone looking to change direction, especially if they are returning to work.
Rachel Fryers, Managing Director of Merritt & Fryers, said: “I was delighted to welcome Sir Julian today and show him how Merritt & Fryers has evolved since we began in 1935 as a joinery and building company before becoming a builder’s merchant. It is great to have our MP take an interest in local firms like ours and offering his insight and support to help Yorkshire businesses to succeed”.
“Merchants realise the importance and wisdom of making extra efforts to encourage people to join our supply chain and offer family-friendly employment to appeal to all ages and abilities”.
The visit was another arranged by the BMF as part of its industry and parliament programme. The aim is to show MPs the role, value and importance of merchants in delivering for their communities.
