Newtown business grows with apprentice appointments

A Newtown business has underpinned plans for future growth with new apprentice appointments, thanks to growing demand for its services.

M Bufton Plumbing and Heating Services Ltd has taken on the two trainees following recent contract wins with building contractor Pave Aways. The firm, which started in 1993, currently employs 15 staff from its base at the Mochdre Industrial Estate in Newtown.

It usually employs a new apprentice every two years but has recently welcomed Ben Randall, 16, and 17-year-old Morgan Jones to its ranks, in addition to existing apprentice Caleb Morris-Hall, 18. They are currently learning their trade on new apartments that Pave Aways is building for Powys County Council in Newtown, while studying for professional qualifications at the NPTC Newtown Campus one day a week.

Buftons has won tenders to work with Pave Aways on the new Riverside Hub in Newtown and a £1.98m research and development centre on behalf of the Welsh Government in Welshpool. It also works directly for Powys County Council, Heart of Wales Property Services, other contractors and individuals.

Director Mark Bufton said the new appointments signalled a positive outlook for the business. “As well as supporting the growth of our business and allowing us to bid for additional work, it’s an important step in addressing the skills gap in the local area by creating well trained plumbers and heating engineers,” he explained.

“They are getting the chance to learn their trade on significant projects like the new housing in Newtown. We wouldn’t have been able to take this step without the support from Pave Aways, but the benefits will have a far wider positive impact to the community in Mid Wales.”

Pave Aways, which opened an office in Newtown earlier this year, has an established supply chain of businesses like Buftons that it uses on projects in Mid Wales.

Construction Director Jamie Evans said: “We’re committed to working with businesses and suppliers that are as local to a project as much as possible. We’re happy to share our experience and knowledge with businesses like Buftons and help them to grow and thrive as it will pay off in the long term with a more sustainable economy and workforce across the Mid Wales region.”