HULL: MKM Building Supplies, one of the UK's largest independent builders' merchants, uses a tailored programme to support staff development and new branch openings.

Design and communications consultancy, the Workshop, provides the programme. The Workshop has been successful in its bids to develop the brands of furniture retailer Ponsford, Leeds-based catering social enterprise Create, and the national employment and skills specialist Working Links.

Richard Palmer, account director of The Workshop, said: "The current backdrop of of government spending cuts means the private sector has to fight even harder to gain new business. This makes these new contracts for the Workshop even more rewarding.

"It's fantastic to see there are still organisations out there that recognise the importance of moving forward, even in difficult times."