The MP for Hull West and Haltemprice visited MKM’s Anlaby branch to learn more about the merchant’s efforts to promote flood protection products, support communities vulnerable to flooding, and ensure its own branch network is equipped to respond quickly and effectively when severe weather strikes.

She was joined by Ian Pratt, Branch Director at MKM Anlaby, and David Millward, Sales Director of Fernco – a UK manufacturer of flood protection systems. The visit was supported by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), which has been instrumental in connecting parliamentarians with merchants as part of a wider review into Property Flood Resilience led by Professor Peter Bonfield OBE.

Ms Hardy said about the event:

“Flooding isn’t just a headline, it’s a reality for thousands of families, and I’ve seen first-hand the impact it has had right here in Hull.

“That’s why it was so encouraging to see a local business like MKM stepping up, not just selling the right products to help alleviate the potential for flooding, but starting the right conversations. They’re helping people think differently about flood resilience and act before it’s too late.”

Hull remains one of the UK’s most flood-prone cities, with thousands of homes and businesses affected during the 2007 floods. MKM Anlaby’s team has direct, lived experience of the devastation caused by flooding.

In 2007, it was the only time in the branch’s 29-year history that it closed early – reopening the next day to help supply sandbags and support the clean-up effort.

Speaking during the visit, Ian Pratt, Branch Director at MKM Anlaby, said:

“Flooding hits communities hard, and here in Hull, we’ve seen the consequences first-hand. That’s why we’re proud to do our bit — helping customers access the right flood resilience products and giving practical advice on how to better protect homes and properties.

It was a privilege to welcome our local MP, Emma Hardy, and show her the work we’re doing to raise awareness, stock practical solutions, and support a more resilient future — not just in Hull, but across our nationwide branch network.”

To coincide with Flood Action Week, MKM Anlaby has installed a dedicated display of Fernco flood protection products in-branch, backed by digital and print marketing, expert advice, and a feature blog. The activity aligns with wider MKM Group sustainability and ESG efforts.

David Millward, Sales Director at Fernco, added:

“We’re proud to work with MKM to make our flood protection range more accessible and visible to tradespeople, local authorities and homeowners.

“Partnerships like this — between manufacturers, merchants, and government — are essential if we’re to make flood resilience part of the everyday conversation in construction.”

Brett Amphlett, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at the BMF and a member of the Bonfield Review panel, facilitated the visit. He commented:

“The misery that flooding causes is inevitably local – and therefore the response must be local – from flood risk managers, builders’ merchants and others. Local merchants can provide what’s needed for immediate relief – followed by pumps, dryers, dehumidifiers and other materials and products in the resulting clean-up.

The Builders Merchants’ Federation supports this Review and is promoting it to builders’ merchants and civils and drainage specialists in our supply chain – especially in districts prone to flooding.”