Metals Sector Remains Optimistic Despite International Trade, Energy, and Labour Challenges, Warns New Report to be Officially Released at UK Metals Expo
Rising energy prices, the impact of post-Brexit trade changes, and ongoing labour shortages continue to challenge the UK metals sector, according to a new report set to launch next week.
Nearly a quarter of firms surveyed in the UK Metals Council’s State of the Metals Industry in the UK Report admitted to adjusting supply chain strategies or sourcing alternatives. Meanwhile, just under a third are calling for enhanced Government support to navigate trade barriers and custom procedures post-Brexit.
Additionally, 22% of manufacturers are seeking improved energy supply contracts to bring down soaring costs, and only 31% of businesses report having an effective recruitment strategy to tackle labour shortages.
Despite these hurdles, optimism persists. Around 70% of respondents expressed confidence about future business prospects, highlighting the sector’s resilience and innovation capability.
The report will be officially released during the opening address at UK Metals Expo in Birmingham on September 13th at 09:50 am. The opening address, hosted by Lord Redesdale, will present the findings and their implications for the entire sector, with key contributions from Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, Rachel Eade MBE, and Pam Murrell.
We touch metals every day, whether that is in our homes, cars, planes, medical devices, or tools and machinery,” explained Rachel Eade MBE, Chair of the UK Metals Council.
Importantly, metals can be infinitely and readily recycled into new parts—something many modern materials can’t match. Metals must be valued as we transition to a Net Zero economy.
Rachel Eade continued:
This is why we created the State of the Metals Industry in the UK Report: to capture the views of primes, metal producers, and those across the downward supply chain.
The report highlights key challenges from supply chain disruptions due to Brexit, raw material shortages, energy costs, and skills gaps hampering sector growth.
We aim to spotlight these issues to Government at UK Metals Expo on 13–14 September at the NEC Birmingham.
The UK Metals Council represents 12 trade associations from across the metals supply chain, supporting over 11,000 companies and nearly one million jobs.
Launched to offer a sector snapshot of the opportunities and challenges ahead, the report’s findings will be sent to Government to influence future policy and support measures, and will be accessible to industry specialists, companies, and academia.
In conclusion, Lord Redesdale said:
UK Metals Expo is the ideal platform for launching this report. With more than 200 exhibitors and 4,000 industry professionals from 52 countries, it aligns perfectly with the UK’s Net Zero ambitions through advanced materials, manufacturing excellence, and engineering innovation.
A strong domestic metals supply chain is essential for achieving sustainable progress through energy-efficient production and circular economy practices.
He added:
We anticipate lively discussions around the report’s findings during the two-day Expo and eagerly await the feedback from the industry.
About UK Metals Expo 2024
UK Metals Expo is the UK’s leading event for Metal Manufacturing and Engineering, bringing together the entire supply chain at the NEC Birmingham on 13–14 September 2024.
The exhibition, seminar programme, and networking opportunities are completely free to attend, offering unparalleled access for SMEs to stay ahead in the dynamic metals industry.
Register now to secure your place, network with industry leaders, and future-proof your business: www.ukmetalsexpo.com.
