A FAMILY business has unveiled its brand new £2.5 million flagship premises officially opened by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen as part of the firm’s extensive growth plans.

MB DIY, a specialist supplier to the home improvement industry, invited guests to join in the celebrations at its brand-new purpose-built facility, which boasts a 30,000 sq ft warehouse and showroom that will supply both trade and retail customers.

The mayor led a ribbon-cutting ceremony and congratulated the business owners on their commitment to regeneration in east Middlesbrough.

He said: “It was a real pleasure opening MB DIY’s new purpose-built premises on South Bank Road.

“Over the last 30 years the company has gone from strength to strength to become one of the most respected independent DIY retailers in the region.

“The growth of the business is testament to the team’s determination, something I see so often when I visit businesses in the Tees Valley.

“It’s clear that the staff are an important part of the success of the business and it was great to see that MB DIY’s first employee, hired way back in 1987, is still with the company.

“The good-quality jobs that are being created thanks to our investment will ensure MB DIY continues to grow and support the local economy now and into the future.”

MB DIY plan to create 25 jobs after receiving £247,000 in funding from the SSI Task Force’s Tees Valley Capital Grant, managed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which was secured with support from Baldwins, a CogitalGroup company.

The grant was set up by the SSI Task Force to help North-East firms grow, in turn creating jobs, helping residents into work and growing the economy, supporting recovery of the area following SSI’s closure.

Managing director of MB DIY, Mike Greenup, said: “We are really pleased with our new showroom and its facilities. We are looking forward to developing the business further, both geographically and with our product range.

“We are also hoping to expand our team now that we have a larger premises.

“Baldwins guided us through the grant application process without any issues. Without the help of Andrew Rowe and the team, we would not have been able to achieve such great results.”

Baldwins, one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy firms, has worked with the business for 20 years, providing auditing and advisory services.

Andrew Rowe, partner at Baldwins, said: “It is great to see MB DIY expand and we are privileged to be a part of this journey. We look forward to the next chapter in the growth of the business and to advise them on the challenges which lie ahead.”