The MP for Wolverhampton Northeast visited Walsall Wheelbarrows, that this year is celebrating its 30th anniversary, to see how they have evolved to embrace automation in the West Midlands.
Meet the Team and Tour of the Factory
Sureena Brackenridge MP was welcomed by Simon Thacker (Sales Director), Tom Fisher (Sales Manager) and Tony Rrapaj (Operations Manager) along with Brett Amphlett of the Builders Merchants Federation. Touring the factory, she was shown the production lines of the only manufacturer still making the entire wheelbarrow in the UK. Most of the wheelbarrows made in Wolverhampton go into construction, agricultural, equestrian, gardening, DIY and landscaping.
MP’s Impressions of Walsall Wheelbarrows
Concluding her visit, Sureena Brackenridge MP said:
“I enjoyed visiting The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company, the UK's only wheelbarrow manufacturer, which is actually based in Wednesfield. It was great to speak with the management of this family firm, first established in 1995, about the Thacker family’s passion for all things 'barrow'.”
“I was impressed by their modern manufacturing plant, the significant investments they've made in new technologies, their innovative and ever-evolving product range, and the good relations they've with apprentices, unions, and workers, including some who have been there from the start.”
“This is the kind of employer that does our constituency proud, a true Black-Country light-engineering special, and I look forward to doing what I can as an MP to help firms of this sort to continue to flourish.”
Concerns Over Inheritance Tax Impact on Family Businesses
Simon Thacker expressed concern at last Autumn’s Budget over changes to Inheritance Tax and the application of Business Property Relief that directly affects businesses like Walsall Wheelbarrows. The Chancellor of the Exchequer is capping the tax relief at £1 million, with Inheritance Tax charged at 20% on the value of the business in excess of this £1m threshold.
The Thacker’s explained that theirs is a family business and families naturally want to be able to pass their firms onto their children. But Rachel Reeves’ changes do not encourage that anymore.
Simon Thacker, Sales Director, remarked:v“We were happy to welcome Sureena today and show her how Walsall Wheelbarrows has evolved since we began in 1995. It is pleasing to have our MP take an interest in local firms like ours and offering insight and support to help Midlands’ businesses to flourish and grow”.
The Role of Builders Merchants Federation and Industry-Parliament Engagement
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.
