The Government wants to reindustrialise Britain. Success depends on recognising the essential role of the chemical supply chain and addressing the issues holding businesses back. Tim Doggett, CEO of the Chemical Business Association, explains why closer collaboration between industry and Government is central to turning ambition into delivery.
Britain cannot be reindustrialised without chemicals. It really is as simple as that.
More than 96% of manufactured goods depend on chemical inputs. The sector generates over £70 billion in annual turnover, directly employs more than 150,000 people and supports more than half a million jobs across the wider supply chain. It is also the UK’s second-largest manufacturing exporter by value.
A strong chemical supply chain is fundamental to our economic resilience, industrial capability, defence and national security. Yet the sector is too often missing from conversations about industrial strategy and growth.
The Government’s commitment to a long-term vision and ten-year plan is encouraging, particularly after years of shifting priorities and uncertainty. But words alone will not rebuild Britain’s manufacturing base or deliver growth. It must be backed by practical measures to create the conditions in which businesses can invest, innovate and grow.
Recognising the importance of chemicals
If Government wants to reindustrialise Britain it must stop shying away from the ‘C’ word – chemicals – and properly recognise the sector that makes those ambitions possible.
But this is about more than raising the profile of the chemical supply chain and wider industry – it is about ensuring that decisions on economic development, regulation, trade and the environment reflect the realities of the businesses that keep other sectors operating.
When those businesses face obstacles, the effects reach far beyond the chemical sector. Barriers to chemical supply can affect manufacturers and downstream users, while uncertainty over regulation and costs can undermine investment and competitiveness across the wider economy.
Recognising the importance of chemicals also means giving the sector a stronger voice in Government. A dedicated ministerial role would provide a clear point of connection between industrial, economic, regulatory and environmental policy.
Developing talent
Reindustrialisation also depends on people with the right skills. Businesses across the chemical supply chain struggle to recruit the talent they need, while nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Connecting young people with the careers available across our industry could help address both challenges.
The chemical supply chain offers opportunities across logistics, procurement, sales, marketing, finance, communications and many other disciplines, alongside science and engineering. We need to make that breadth more visible and show that people with different skills, interests and aspirations can build rewarding careers within it.
This is why Generation STEAM was created. Developed by the CBA, this industry-led initiative broadens the conversation beyond traditional STEM-focused roles. The ‘A’ in STEAM represents attributes including Arts, Ability, Attitude and Ambition, reflecting the different skills and qualities that businesses need. Its reach extends beyond the chemical supply chain, promoting opportunities across all job roles, sectors and industries.
Government has an important role to play in supporting skills development and connecting people with employment. But this is about more than filling vacancies. It is about helping people understand the opportunities available to them while ensuring businesses have access to the talent they need to grow.
A workable future for UK REACH
Amid renewed discussion about the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Brexit continues to bring challenges for the chemical supply chain. UK REACH, specifically, remains a clear example of the trade barriers, costs and uncertainty businesses face. SMEs and downstream users are particularly affected, with consequences for trade, investment and innovation.
It has been nearly five years since the Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm) was first announced. While progress has been made, we need a solution that maintains high standards of health and environmental protection without creating unnecessary costs and barriers that undermine UK competitiveness or restrict access to essential chemicals.
Government must take swift and decisive action, including changing legislation where necessary, to deliver a workable system.
Turning ambition into action
Government’s industrial ambitions depend on the businesses that will deliver them. Its key role is to create the right conditions for them to flourish, invest and grow. Across the chemical supply chain, that means consistent policy, proportionate regulation and access to talent.
After years of shifting priorities and uncertainty, business needs stability, certainty and a clear sense of direction. Britain cannot rebuild its industrial strength without chemicals.
If Government is serious about reindustrialisation, it must put the chemical supply chain at the heart of its plans and work with us to turn ambition into action.
The opportunity is there. Industry is ready to contribute. What we need now is delivery.
