As part of a tour of the area looking at business growth, the Minister of State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, Matthew Hancock MP, made a visit to the Penzance branch of RGB Building Supplies on 9 January.

During the visit, Mr Hancock MP received an overview of the important link and role that builders’ merchants, particularly independents, play in ensuring that the supply chain works, and how RGB Building Supplies is in a great position to ensure that local tradespeople are kept updated with not only new products, but also relevant construction legislation.

Additionally, Paul Turner from RGB highlighted some of the sustainable and energy saving building materials, notably Porotherm and Caparol, that have come onto the market recently.

Matthew Hancock MP said: “Independent builders’ merchants play a vital role in bringing innovative products to the market and keeping the industry abreast of relevant legislation. The government is committed to helping them thrive.

“Through sound economic management, investment in skills and a relentless drive to cut red tape, we are delivering the right policies to help firms throughout the south west grow and create jobs.”

Richard Jayne, branch manager at RGB Penzance, added: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Hancock MP to the branch and give him a tour of our facilities. As an independent builders’ merchant our customers benefit from us being able to invest heavily in stock and bring new products to the market, and we were keen to highlight these points. Although the industry has gone through a tough economic time in recent years, we have been able to rely on our local market knowledge and have performed well.

“We have worked hard to become one of the leading businesses in the area building a loyal customer base and encouraging the local community use us for their DIY needs, and we welcomed the opportunity to share our practices with Mr Hancock MP.”