Bence hosts local MP

The MP for Cheltenham, Max Wilkinson MP, learned how the building materials’ supply chain is evolving to support house-building and existing homes during a constituency visit to independent builders merchant George Bence & Sons.

The visit was arranged by the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) 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 customers and communities.

Managing director Paul Bence, and commercial director Carlwyn Coombes, welcomed Wilkinson, and talked to him about  how merchants and their SME customers have managed in recent times with higher prices and rising fuel, labour and other costs.

Wilkinson said: “It is heartening to see a local family-run business, that this summer marked its 170^th anniversary, facing the future and keeping up-to-date with the needs of its trade customers and property owners. I was particularly concerned to hear about the pressures being faced by the business and the impact that is likely to have in the coming year. I share Paul’s concern about the increased cost burden being faced by small businesses – not least the increase in Employers’ National Insurance Contributions. That will certainly make the lives of many SMEs much more difficult, particularly after years of economic turbulence”.

Bence expressed his concern at the Autumn Budget regarding changes to Inheritance Tax and the application of Business Property Relief that directly affects merchants like his, a sixth-generation business, founded in 1854, whose owners naturally want to pass their firms onto their children. But Rachel Reeves’ changes do not encourage that anymore.

He said: “It is great to have our MP take an interest in local firms like ours and offering his insight and support to help Gloucestershire businesses to keep going. Running a successful business is far harder than it was back then. The burden of regulation and taxation on today’s owners makes it more difficult and time-consuming to be a financially stable business, offering good jobs, and paying our way as a good local employer”.