Metals sector says UK Gov policies reducing competitiveness
Nearly two-thirds of the companies surveyed believe the government’s trade policies impede competitiveness, finds UK Metals Council.
Just over half, 52%, of the 150 companies questioned requested more financial incentives and support to help them adapt to market and regulatory changes, while a similar figure wanted to see enhanced support from Whitehall for skills and training.
A third of respondents to the survey, State of the Metal Industry in the UK 2025/2026, thought a revised relationship with the EU and the US is crucially important.
'The resounding message from this year’s survey is that our sector continues to feel the impact of global uncertainty and UK political instability,' explains Rachel Eade MBE, Chair of the UK Metals Council.
Eade continues, 'This is compounded by rising regulatory burdens, uncompetitive energy costs, an ageing workforce, and an apprenticeship system in need of urgent reform.
'The feedback mirrors the reality I witness firsthand on factory floors and at industry gatherings across the UK and the message is clear - our sector needs more specialist support from government and acceleration of the Industrial Strategy.'
The UK is home to over 24,000 steel and metal manufacturing companies, employing one million people across a wide number of sectors.
Eade added that there has been a 50% increase in the number of firms seeking new international markets or partnerships, with around a fifth exploring opportunities from new UK trade agreements and a quarter diversifying to reduce the effect of leaving the EU.
