Unrelenting determination by national government and by local authorities is required to narrow the gap between housing demand and supply. And the number of small firms involved must increase if the drive to build more homes in the East Midlands is to succeed.
That was the message from Browns Builders Merchants to Chris Williamson MP when he visited Derby’s oldest building materials’ business on the West Meadows Industrial Estate.
Mr Williamson was welcomed by Jim Parlato, Browns’ director, to see how Browns has invested in the business to open a second branch. The relocation of their heavyside operation to new premises means Browns has improved its Old Nottingham Road branch to expand the range of plumbing and heating, bathrooms, and fencing and landscape products.
Browns Builders Merchants and its trade body, the Builders Merchants’ Federation, want more done to ‘change the ratio’ between the small number of large builders and the large number of small builders to foster a diverse, functioning housebuilding market.
Official figures show the East Midlands has relied on changes of use in existing buildings to increase housing. Derby and Nottingham are cities where between 30% and 55% of new homes last year were in buildings that had a previous purpose. According to Mr Parlato, encouraging SMEs into the market to build small projects, in many locations, is vital to boost housing numbers.
After visiting the new branch, Derby North MP, Chris Williamson, said: “I was delighted to visit Browns and it’s great to see a long-standing Derby business flourishing. I pay tribute to branch manager, Lea Armstrong, and the team in opening a new branch. Better quality and more affordable housing is urgently needed to improve constituents’ lives. As a former bricklayer myself, I know merchants play a vital role in housebuilding and especially the repair, maintenance and improvement market. I wish them continued success in the coming years”.
Jim Parlato, director of Browns Builders Merchants, added: “We were pleased to welcome Chris Williamson and show him how Browns has evolved over 150 years. We have chosen to invest and expand our business by opening a second branch to give better service to our trade and retail customers. It is great to have our MP take an interest in Browns and I hope Chris can help to raise the profile of merchants like us in Parliament.”
This visit was another arranged by the BMF as part of its industry and parliament programme. The aim is to show MPs how trade essentials and value-added products move from quarries, brickworks, sawmills, and factories to where they are needed – and to outline the role, value and importance of merchants in delivering for their communities.
