UK Metals Council highlights industry priorities to business minister Nadhim Zahawi
Press Release issued 09/10/20
Members of the UK Metals Council (UKMC) have met business minister Nadhim Zahawi to highlight key industry priorities, including decarbonisation, energy, the supply chain, and procurement.
The industry body, which represents more than 11,000 companies, outlined its strategic approach to ensure the UK can gain maximum value from its manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure supply chains.
During the meeting, the council said the continued development of new materials together with cleaner and more efficient production processes are vital to support the growing circular economy and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Members also impressed upon the minister the urgent need for investment in long-term skills and innovation.
Its aim is that by 2030 a modern and progressive UK metals industry will deliver high-quality, innovative, and competitively priced products, be a principal supplier to the country’s main manufacturers and infrastructure projects, as well as being a leading global exporter.
UKMC is made up of senior figures from the metals industry representing the full spectrum of the supply chain, from primary manufacturing to recycling. It was established to promote the industry and its strategic importance to the manufacturing sector.
Nadhim Zahawi MP said: “The UK government has set out an ambitious target for net-zero emissions by 2050, just this week announcing bold plans to increase our offshore wind capacity as part of a green industrial revolution. It’s vital that we all take part in this revolution to tackle climate change.
“I’m pleased to see that the metals industry is keen to step up to the challenge by developing cleaner processes that will help us meet our world-leading climate goals.”
Pam Murrell, CEO of the Cast Metals Federation, one of the founding members of the UKMC said: “We are very keen that the sector, through its close links enabled through the trade associations, should play a proactive role in supporting the drive to net zero and be part of the solution to the UK; our members are often SMEs spread around the country and are a key part of the manufacturing supply chain for a whole range of sectors. We have a key role to play in our resilient recovery and look forward to working with government to meet our shared goals”.
Chris McDonald, UKMC Chair and CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, agreed saying: ‘I would like to thank Minister Zahawi for a productive meeting, which is part of the ongoing close co-operation between government and the UK Metals Council.
“Government clearly recognises the importance of our metals manufacturing supply chain and we look forward to continuing to work together, supporting high quality manufacturing and jobs across the country.”
9 October 2020
