MP visit highlights merchant industry role

Mr Simmonds toured Jewson Ruislip to gain an insight into the sector, as part of a visit organised by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and attended by BMF CEO, John Newcomb.

Jewson managing director, Nadine Matthews hosted the event, alongside regional director Kris Winters and Dean Colwill, who is branch manager at the company’s store in West End Road.

Ms Matthews explained how builders’ merchants can provide advice and support to homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their property and save on energy costs. Mr Simmonds’ constituency is home to many builders and house-proud owners wanting to improve their homes.

She also outlined how energy efficient materials and product ranges have a key role to play in supporting the drive to carbon net zero by 2050.

“Our ‘Making Better Homes’ range includes the latest innovations in lower carbon materials alongside a variety of efficient, sustainable products and solutions,” said Ms Matthews.

“The ranges we offer are centred around achieving sustainability goals, but what that means is they improve energy efficiency within the household, ultimately reducing the amount of energy used and the amount of energy lost through issues such as poorly fitted windows, inefficient boilers and uninsulated roof spaces.

“The built environment accounts for almost 40% of global carbon emissions, so while fitting energy-efficient, low emission and water-saving measures in properties will be key to achieving net zero by 2050, there will also be financial benefits for householders who invest in the right measures to improve energy efficiency in their home.

“At Jewson we are determined to support efforts to build smarter, build better and make a difference.”

As well as addressing the key issues around the energy crisis, decarbonising homes and the push towards net zero, the group also toured the branch and discussed challenges facing the industry including material availability and cost inflation.

“I’d like to thank the BMF for organising the visit to Jewson Ruislip and to Nadine Matthews and the team there for hosting this event,” said Mr Simmonds.

“It was very useful to gain a further insight into the products and solutions that are already available to help maximise energy efficiency in the home and to find out more about the expertise and knowledge that builders’ merchants have to offer.”

“The government has set out its plans to tackle the energy crisis this winter, and it is encouraging to see that there are a range of options and products available that can help householders reduce their energy use.”

“There is an urgent need to address home energy-efficiency in the UK, where a high proportion of homes are rated EPC Band C or below,” said John Newcomb.

“One of our key asks of government is to commit to a comprehensive, properly-funded national plan of investment in training to boost the number of competent, qualified people equipped to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes and to install low- or zero-carbon solutions.

“The BMF is urging the government to further help families by improving the energy and thermal performance of their homes, which would have a long-term effect on family budgets by reducing energy use and heating costs, as well as creating meaningful jobs across the country,” continued Mr Newcomb.

“This visit provided a great opportunity to discuss the valuable role merchants can play in improving energy efficiency as well as outlining workings of the industry’s supply chain and the challenges we face around the availability and cost of materials.”

The visit was 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.