Devon MP visits Ashburton quarry firm amid growing pressures on construction sector

A Devon MP has visited a long-established Ashburton business to hear first-hand about the challenges facing the quarrying and mineral products sector.

Sir Mel Stride, Conservative MP for Central Devon and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, visited E & JW Glendinning to meet members of the company’s senior leadership team and discuss current pressures on the industry.

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During the visit, the family-owned business raised concerns about falling demand for construction materials, rising operating costs, and the impact of recent changes to National Insurance contributions and regulation on employers.

E & JW Glendinning, which has a long history in Devon, operates across quarrying, civil engineering and construction materials, and employs a significant local workforce.

Sir Mel Stride said the visit highlighted the scale of the challenges facing the sector.

“Glendinning is a very important local employer and plays a vital role in the regional supply chain,” he said. 

“Today’s discussion provided a clear picture of the pressures the sector is facing and I will continue to fight on the issues they raised.”

The company said the current economic climate has made trading conditions particularly difficult, with demand in the construction sector remaining low.

Glendinning’s Managing Director Barry Wilson said engagement with policymakers was essential.

“We appreciated the opportunity to brief Sir Mel on the challenges affecting our business and the wider industry,” he said. 

“With construction demand at historic lows, support and engagement from policymakers is more important than ever.”

The visit forms part of ongoing discussions between local businesses and elected representatives about the future of the construction and quarrying sector in Devon.

Quarrying plays a key role in supplying materials for housing, infrastructure and public works projects across the county.