A total of 18 new jobs will be created when a builders’ merchants opens in Weymouth.

Last month, the Echo reported how the final unit of Link Park industrial estate had been completed.

It has now been announced that the premises will be occupied by MKM Building Supplies.

The job boost has been welcomed by Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Neil Stroud, director of the new Weymouth branch said “I have been involved in the building supplies industry for over 27 years, and for the past 10 years this has been in and around the Weymouth area.

“It has always been an ambition of mine to open a builders’ merchants in Weymouth, so when MKM approached me with an opportunity I was pleased to work with them.

“Jon Worrall will be joint branch director with me and together we will oversee the sales and operational side of the business. “MKM are a quality builders merchants who have high expectations for customer service, which will serve both trade and retail customers with a comprehensive range to meet all building needs both interior and exterior. MKM were considering other commercial property opportunities in Weymouth but Link Park stood out in front as a great place to open a new MKM business due to the easy access to all parts of Weymouth, great transport links and easy parking – we cannot wait to open in August”.

Mickey Jones, Chief Executive of DJ Property which owns Link Park, said “I am so excited to bring MKM to Link Park, it really demonstrates that it is the first choice trading estate in South Dorset. MKM have been great to work with on thus project and I am sure they have lots to offer the local community.”

Craig Oakes, President of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, says the arrival of MKM will be another vote of confidence in South Dorset.

He said: “It’s fantastic that building suppliers MKM have decided to take the last unit in Link Park.

“For those that don’t know, apart from Honiton, MKM have around 58 other branches in the UK, mostly north of London. MKM opening in our area and creating more jobs is another sign of more confidence and investment. This will also create a competitive market against the other large operators we already have here, such as Jewson, which could in turn lead to great deals for local businesses as a knock-on effect.”

MKM Building Supplies will be trading at Link Park industrial estate in August.