Keighley MP Kris Hopkins visited Myers Building Supplies in Silsden on 16 January, 2015 to hear about the challenges facing the construction industry.
Myers Group, is a family owned business that operates companies spanning quarrying and concrete production to builders’ merchants and skip hire. The business employs 350 people across Yorkshire, has a turnover of £40m and is managed by fourth generation members of the Myers family, James and Katie Berry.
Mr Hopkins met Mr Berry, the managing director of Myers Group to better understand the challenges facing the construction industry and tour the Silsden branch.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Berry, said: “The construction industry is recovering across the country. But it is a much softer recovery in the North than the South East and it is important that this message is heard in Westminster. There is also a major disparity between national construction and distribution companies and regional operators. We have seen the impact of schemes such as Help to Buy, largely benefit the national companies.
“We are grateful for the time Kris Hopkins spent with us to hear more about our business and the wider industry.”
Growth in the construction industry slowed for the third consecutive month in December, but the UK's booming property market helped round off the best year for British builders since 1997. Housebuilding was the strongest performing part of the construction industry.
Mr Hopkins said: “Myers Group is a growing business with a long tradition in Yorkshire. As a valued employer in Silsden I am here to support their growth and further investment in the area. Builders’ merchants are key to supporting the many builders and allied trades who are so important to the local economy and driving growth.”
The Myers Group invests heavily in skills and training to support its service levels to customers. Mr Hopkins also met members of the Builders Merchants Federation.
