A BUILDING trade body representing a substantial part of Whitchurch’s economy has welcomed a £3 billion boost for the building industry.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), which represents manufacturers of building materials and merchants across the county, hopes the government’s new Green Homes Grant will create more jobs in this sector.

Around 80 per cent of the building products manufactured by its members, used in the construction of homes and buildings, are made in the UK.

James Hipkins, West Midlands regional chairman of the BMF welcomed the government grant.

“We hope the Green Homes Grant will give renewed impetus to help people and companies move towards a low-or zero-carbon future in their homes and workplaces in Whitchurch," he said.

“With 80 per cent of building materials manufactured by our members in the UK, and the products sold through builders merchants at the heart of their local communities in the area, this is an important sector, which will be key to the recovery of our local and national economy.”

Total membership of the BMF stands at 751 members, who together have combined sales of £38 billion and employ over 180,000 people in the building materials industry.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, added: “Investment and innovation are happening every day across our members’ businesses in the area.

“The sector makes a significant contribution to the economy and it’s important for us to reinforce the message of its value and importance.”

The Green Homes Grant is expected to support 100,000 jobs in green construction and is part of a wider plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings as the UK aims to reach zero net emissions by 2050.