Bence Roofing Supplies has opened a new company in Cheltenham, with its official opening taking place on 20 March. The new site was opened by Martin Horwood MP.

Managing director Paul Bence said: "We saw a gap in the marketplace within Cheltenham, and its surrounding areas, not having a specialist roofing supplies centre. Locating the business on the outskirts of Cheltenham opens up access to the Cotswolds and is in a part of the town which is particularly easy to get to for collections, which was an important factor identified in our market research.

"We have set out to provide a complete service for roofing and building contractors, with large stocks across a diverse product range. We have employed experienced and knowledgeable roofing experts to run the branch and will look to expand the brand in the coming years. We are proud that we can further expand the Bence brand after 160 years of experience in the construction sector. This new venture stands as the only independent roofing supplies company in Gloucestershire and we certainly will be encouraging all enquiries from retail and trade customers."

Martin Horwood, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, added: "It's great to see Bence's once again taking the initiative and expanding into a new specialist market. With everything from traditional Cotswold stone tiles to the most modern hi-tech glass-fibre roofing and flexible putty, this is a roofer's paradise and the only specialist roofing supplier to the trade in Cheltenham. Bence's are a model for other independent local businesses to follow – not afraid to innovate and take risks and to expand when they spot a gap in the market that naturally complements their existing business. This is the kind of company we've always said should be driving the economic recovery in the region and Bence's are doing just that."