Companies including C7 Decorators in Bilston, plumbing, heating and electrical specialists Coalway Building Services on Steelhouse Lane and painters and decorators Tony Davies & Partner on Landport Road are now working closely with Wates Living Space.

The partnerships follow a Meet the Buyer event last month which was attended by over 100 local contractors including plumbers, engineers, electricians, and window suppliers.

A shortlist of 30 then took part in a workshop and training seminar before being invited to work with Wates on a number of housing projects.

Steve Jackson, Regional Managing Director for Wates Living Space, said: “The purpose of this Meet the Buyer process was to use our presence in Wolverhampton and throughout the Black Country to further boost local commerce and employment.

“We’ve been extremely impressed with the quality of companies we have met and are looking forward to embarking on new partnerships that will enable us to deliver affordable homes in the most cost effective and efficient manner for our clients.”

Harley Chaimberlain of Coalway Building Services said: “We’re really pleased to be given the chance to work on major housing projects in our home town and we’re grateful to Wates for having facilitated this process.

“It was obvious they are genuinely interested in partnering with local companies and are already discussing some tangible work opportunities with us.”