Sureena Brackenridge MP visited Walsall Wheelbarrows last week to see firsthand how British manufacturing is evolving to meet the needs of the construction and landscaping industries, while navigating economic headwinds and policy change.
The Wolverhampton North East MP was given a tour of the facility — the UK’s only end-to-end wheelbarrow manufacturer — which this year marks its 30th anniversary.
The visit highlighted how automation and modern manufacturing techniques are being deployed in the West Midlands to keep production competitive and local.
Supplying the UK’s construction and landscaping sectors
The Wolverhampton-based firm, part of the Black Country’s long-standing engineering heritage, manufactures a full range of wheelbarrows used across construction, agriculture, equestrian, landscaping, and DIY.
With the entire manufacturing process completed in-house, Walsall Wheelbarrows plays a unique role in the UK’s domestic construction materials supply chain.
Accompanied by Simon Thacker (Sales Director), Tom Fisher (Sales Manager), and Tony Rrapaj (Operations Manager), the MP toured the automated production lines at the site and discussed trading conditions heading into 2025.
“I enjoyed visiting Walsall Wheelbarrows, the UK’s only wheelbarrow manufacturer, which is actually based in Wednesfield,” said Sureena Brackenridge MP.
“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.”
She added:
“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 continue to flourish.”
Concerns raised over changes to Inheritance Tax and Business Relief
During the visit, the Thacker family raised concerns about changes announced in the Autumn Budget, particularly around Inheritance Tax (IHT) and the capping of Business Property Relief (BPR) at £1 million. With Inheritance Tax now charged at 20% on business value above that threshold, the policy could impact family-owned firms seeking long-term succession planning.
“We were happy to welcome Sureena today and show her how Walsall Wheelbarrows has evolved since we began in 1995,” said Simon Thacker, Sales Director.
“It is pleasing to have our MP take an interest in local firms like ours and offer insight and support to help Midlands’ businesses to flourish and grow.”
He added that the IHT changes are especially challenging for multi-generational businesses like theirs, noting the importance of family ownership continuity in British manufacturing.
Industry-parliament programme links policymakers with supply chain
The visit was organised by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) as part of its industry and parliament programme, aimed at fostering better understanding between MPs and the merchant and manufacturing businesses that underpin the UK construction sector.
The BMF highlighted Walsall Wheelbarrows as a prime example of a firm innovating in the face of labour challenges, input inflation, and increasing global competition — yet continuing to invest in UK-based production to ensure supply resilience.
