Robin Walker, Minister for the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) discussed the opportunities that Britain’s departure will present for the UK’s chemical industry when he met industry leaders.
The event was one of a series of business sector roundtables hosted by the department and it was chaired by the minister.
He and the industry leaders discussed the opportunities Brexit could present for the second largest UK manufacturing export sector, which employs 94,000 people. Topics discussed included investment into research and development, energy supply, the regulatory framework and skills provision.
Robin Walker said: “My message to the industry is that Britain is the same outward-looking, globally-minded, big-thinking country we have always been, and that leaving the EU offers us an opportunity to forge a new role for ourselves in the world.
“I look forward to working with the chemical industry, as we embark on this historic and positive moment for our nation and get the best deal for Britain’s businesses and manufacturers.”
Nick Sturgeon, Energy and Competitiveness Director of the Chemical Industries Association, said: “As a major exporter of manufactured goods, this was an early important opportunity for the country’s chemical and pharmaceutical business leaders.
“The Government does have a clear understanding of what we need – single market access, availability of people, affordable and secure energy and a science policy that stimulates growth – in order that our companies can continue delivering for the UK.”
Senior executives attended from the following business and trade associations:
• Chemical Industries Association
• Thomas Swan and Co.
• Johnson Matthey
• BASF
• INEOS
• Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechologies
• Biorenewables Development Centre
• Croda
• Shott Trinova
• Oxford Biotrans