Marsh Industries, based in Kettering, has highlighted its sustainable off-mains drainage solutions at a Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Parliamentary Reception at the Palace of Westminster.
The BMF member company was one of 12 to exhibit at the event, which gave MPs and members of the House of Lords an opportunity to learn about cutting edge products in the building materials supply industry.
Marsh Industries shone a spotlight on the issues around dealing with waste water and sewage for off-mains properties and the sustainable solutions now available.
Michael Harrison, Business Development Manager, at Marsh Industries said:
“Marsh welcomed the opportunity to present its latest sustainable product developments to the attendees, including the ‘Aqua-Puratine’ with its phosphate reduction capabilities.
“These were of particular interest to those seeking solutions regarding treatment and discharge, with particular emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of local habitats, rivers, waterways, humans and wildlife.”
The BMF represents a significant slice of the UK construction economy, with 950 merchant and supplier companies having combined sales of over £44.9bn and employing more than 208,000 people.
With a focus on Net Zero targets and BMF’s campaign for a nationwide retrofit strategy that would improve millions of homes, reduce emissions and drive down household energy bills, the reception was hosted by Andrew Lewer MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for SME Housebuilders.
Speakers at the event included Shadow Minister for Transport and for Business and Industrial Strategy, Bill Esterson MP, as well as Minister for Housing Lee Rowley MP and Sam Patel, Divisional Director at headline sponsor, UK Construction Week.
During his speech at the event, BMF CEO John Newcomb called for a drastic reduction in VAT for retrofit work in a bid to kickstart a programme of home improvements that would make the UK’s homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.
He said:
“Our members have shown decision-makers at the highest level the breadth of innovation in building materials supply that could improve millions of existing homes across the UK, which currently are among the worst in Europe for energy efficiency.
“UK homes use 35% of the UK’s total energy consumption and produce 20% of our total carbon dioxide emissions, with 28 million properties needing an upgrade if we are to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
“BMF members such as Marsh Industries have a key role to play in delivering the products and services needed for retrofit work, which will require a long-term commitment, but could create new meaningful jobs in every region.
“The BMF has pledged to secure 15,000 apprenticeship opportunities within the sector by 2030 because we want to get Britain building again – and reducing or axing VAT on retrofit work within existing properties would be a major financial incentive for homeowners across the UK.”
