How the building materials’ supply chain is evolving to support housebuilding and existing homes - and trading prospects for 2025 - was the focus of a constituency visit.

Marie Goldman MP for Chelmsford visited Chandler Material Supplies, a long-established business in the city, to see how it helps her constituents to build new homes and improve existing properties.

Marie Goldman MP, former Deputy Leader of Chelmsford City Council, was welcomed by Julie Chandler (Managing Director) and Ben Chandler (Finance Director).

Touring the branch, she was shown examples of the everyday trade essentials and value-added products available to Chandler’s customers in Chelmsford and Southend. The MP also heard how merchants and their SME customers have managed in recent times with higher prices and rising fuel, labour and other costs.

Goldman MP, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Chandler Material Supplies who have been serving the Chelmsford community so well for decades.”

“I want to thank Julie, Ben and their team for providing such a valuable, friendly and knowledgeable service to the building trade across Chelmsford and beyond and for taking the time to explain to me the challenges they face.

“I was keen to learn about how they are supporting new apprentices to learn the vital skills that we need in the building industry. I wish the apprentices every success for the future.”

Ms Chandler explained that her business, founded in the 1950’s, want to invest and grow. But the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s changes in her Autumn Budget do not encourage that anymore. In addition to Chandler’s own viewpoint, they find that, among their SME customers, there is a general belief that the Westminster Government is not on their side.

Changes to Employers’ National Insurance Contributions, National Minimum Wage rates and Inheritance Tax Business Property Relief all come into force in four weeks’ time.

Consequently, Chandler’s and some of its trade customers are contemplating curtailing opening hours, altering shift patterns and freezing recruitment - including not taking on new apprentices.

Ms Chandler said: “It is great to have our MP take an interest in local firms like ours and offering her insight and support to help Essex 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."

During the visit, Ms Chandler was presented with a Long Service Award to recognise her 44 years of dedicated service to Chandler Materials, and the building materials’ supply chain, prior to her impending, well-earned retirement at the end of March 2025.

The visit was another arranged by the 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.