THE INTEREST of businesses in a strategic housing and regeneration programme (SHARP) was clear at a recent 'meet the buyer' event, council chiefs have said.

In partnership with Flintshire Council, developers Wates Residential North welcomed businesses to their offices in Mold to find out how they can get involved in working on the new council and affordable homes being built across the county.

More than 20 different local businesses attended many of which will be considered for contracts at the different sites.

Wates Residential North is keen to employ local businesses and people to generate the local economy and provide skills and experience to the local workforce.

The invitation was extended to all areas of construction including groundworks, bricklayers, roofers, M and E (PLU AND ELEC), plasterers, joiners, painters, landscapers and fencers. The council’s business development team also attend the event, which was run in partnership with Flintshire in Business.

Councillor Bernie Attridge, Flintshire Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The successful partnership between the Council and Wates has already seen many local businesses benefit from working with us.

"We are keen to continue to generate employment opportunities through the use of local businesses.”

For more details contact Mick Cunningham (Wates Residential North framework leader) on 07795 520727 or Kate Catherall (Flintshire Council business development officer) on kate.p.catherall@flintshire.gov.uk or 01352 703221.