WREXHAM: How the building materials' supply chain is coping in difficult economic times and responding to the carbon challenge was the focus of a visit by Ian Lucas MP and Susan Elan Jones MP.
The MPs went to the Wrexham branch of Huws Gray – the largest privately-owned builders' merchants in the region – to see how the trade helps voters make choices to get carbon out of their homes. They toured the second largest outlet in the company's branch network that is in Miss Jones' Clwyd South constituency.
During the morning, hosted by John Llewelyn Jones, the company chairman, the MPs met with staff and were shown round the sales areas, heavyside yard.
"I was delighted with the chance to visit this thriving branch of Huws Gray here in Wrexham. Not only are they managing to survive in tough economic times – but they show good, proper business management can deliver results," said Mr Lucas. "I congratulate Huws Gray as it approaches its 20th anniversary as a successful independent business. I know you started trading in 1990 from just one site at Gaerwen, on Anglesey, I pay tribute to the directors who have successfully grown the company by doubling turnover every five years over the last two decades".
The Shadow Minister for Construction stressed his interest in energy efficiency and carbon reduction. He said: "It is essential that the building industry, along with industry as a whole, ups its game in confronting the challenge of climate change.
"We not only need to reduce emissions in new buildings – but also in existing housing. This was an agenda I was keen to follow when in Government. I remain keen to see it followed now I am in opposition."
Susan Elan Jones added her congratulations to Mr Llewelyn Jones' team, commenting: "I was delighted to come to Huws Gray to see this successful independent business for myself. It is a significant employer here in my constituency, and elsewhere across North Wales. The company supports many rural communities and I congratulate them in their endeavours. I shall happily return to Huws Gray to learn more about home improvement and the role of builders' merchants."
