UK Steel

🔹 First Industry Minister Roundtable Under the Steel Strategy: A Defining Moment for UK Steel Demand 🔹 Last week, the steel industry took a significant step forward as Industry Minister Sarah Jones chaired the first in a series of roundtables with more than 30 CEOs and leaders from industry under the Steel Strategy and Steel Council process. Held at Sheffield Forgemasters, this session focused on a crucial question: Where is future demand for steel headed? The discussion brought together a powerful cross-section of the industry -UK Steel, manufacturers, trade associations, and key players in the steel supply chain. Three critical themes emerged: ✅ Opportunities in growth markets – With major UK infrastructure, housing, and defence programmes ahead, there is huge potential for increased domestic steel demand. But how do we ensure these projects create maximum value for UK suppliers and the UK economy? ⚠️ Challenges in sourcing UK-made steel – A strong domestic supply chain is essential to securing the benefits of upcoming projects. 🌍 Green steel – As global markets shift towards greener production, the UK must position itself as a leader in sustainable steelmaking. The group explored the market for green steel and how this is expected to evolve in the future. Against a backdrop of rising global protectionism - with the likelihood of increased export barriers to the US - the importance of a strong domestic market cannot be overstated. Yet, UK steel demand has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. This makes boosting domestic demand an absolute priority for the industry’s long-term success. This roundtable is just the beginning. As the Steel Strategy unfolds, UK Steel will continue driving the conversation. 📢 What do you think? How can the UK make the most of its future steel demand opportunities? Let’s keep the conversation going. 👇 #UKSteel #SteelStrategy #GreenSteel #Manufacturing #SupplyChain

✈️ Heathrow’s Expansion: UK Steel backs boost for British industry This week UK Steel signed Heathrow Airport's letter, which was published in The Times on Sunday. The new £2.3bn expansion of Heathrow Airport is a significant investment in the UK’s growth, particularly if UK-made steel is prioritised in the project. An additional runway would pose an even bigger opportunity. The UK steel sector should play a central role in shaping this world-class infrastructure, and 80 lobby groups, unions and businesses co-signed the letter as billions of pounds could flow into domestic supply chains. The construction of Terminal 5 alone required approximately 18,500 tonnes of steel for the main terminal building’s roof. Additionally, the new air traffic control tower used around 1,100 tonnes of steel. Going forward, the expansion will be a major opportunity to utilise more UK-made steel, uplift steel regions and boost local jobs. 🔗 Details on the £2.3bn expansion plan: https://lnkd.in/gT_A7Yr4 #UKSteel #HeathrowExpansion #BritishIndustry #Infrastructure #Steel #UKMfg

📣 The National Manufacturing Conference 2025 will host a pivotal UK Steel panel on the Steel Strategy 2025. This session will focus on: ➡ Increasing demand for UK-made steel across renewable energy, housing, transport, and infrastructure ➡ Creating skilled jobs in steel-producing regions ➡ Strengthening domestic supply chains to support critical industries ➡ Building resilience and reducing reliance on imports Held just weeks after the first Steel Council meeting, this discussion is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the UK steel industry. 📢 The National Manufacturing Conference 2025: Where Industry and Policy Converge For decades, the National Manufacturing Conference has been the go-to event for driving forward the UK’s industrial agenda. Bringing together Ministers, senior Government officials, and industry leaders the conference is more than just a gathering - it’s where decisions are shaped, collaborations are forged, and the future of UK manufacturing is charted. This year’s event promises to be one of the most impactful yet, with discussions centred on the transformative opportunities in steel, energy, infrastructure, and sustainability. ✅ Influence policy discussions with senior decision-makers ✅ Gain insights into upcoming industrial strategies ✅ Network with the UK’s leading manufacturers and innovators 🗓 Tuesday 4 March 2025 📍 QEII Centre, Westminster 🔗 Reserve your place: https://lnkd.in/eg4CffY5 #UKSteel #SteelStrategy #NationalManufacturingConference #Manufacturing #Mfg #UKMfg Make UK

🆕𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗞’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 This week, The Independent highlighted how rising energy prices and other high costs are eroding the UK’s industrial competitiveness, with factories and output shrinking steadily. UK Steel’s Gareth Stace spoke to Howard Mustoe about these concerns, emphasising that high energy costs are crippling the steel industry’s ability to compete. “We pay more for electricity than France, Germany, and the rest of the world,” Gareth said. “That makes our business environment uncompetitive and allows our rivals to dominate even within our own market.” 🔗 https://lnkd.in/etqqEGHe 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 While steel is the backbone of key Government priorities - renewable energy projects, infrastructure expansion, and national defence - the sector faces an uphill battle in competitiveness due to steep electricity costs. If this issue is not tackled, it will undermine the positive progress of the Steel Strategy and formation of the new Steel Council. UK steelmakers currently pay up to 50% more for electricity than their counterparts in Germany and France, resulting in a price disparity of up to £22/MWh. This significant cost difference is driven by higher wholesale energy prices, grid connection charges, and a reliance on natural gas. Since 2016, this disparity has cost UK producers an additional £807 million compared to French competitors and £697 million compared to German producers. As the industry transitions to cleaner electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, which relies heavily on electricity, this challenge will only grow. Without decisive action, these uncompetitive costs will undermine profitability, discourage investment, and threaten the sector’s ability to meet Net Zero targets. To address this, UK Steel is urging the Government to take the following steps: ⚡ Increase compensation for network charges to 90%, aligning with levels in Germany and France. ⚡ Reform the wholesale electricity market, considering options a UK ARENH tariff as implemented in France or the introduction of CfDs for EIIs. ⚡ Reject locational pricing models (REMA) that could penalise steelmakers based on their geographic location. By implementing these measures, the UK can ensure the steel sector remains competitive on a global scale, supports domestic jobs, and becomes a leader in low-emission manufacturing. The future of the UK steel industry depends on bold action. Let’s make competitive electricity costs a reality. Read our full industrial electricity report and recommendations here: https://lnkd.in/epbM5dSP #SteelStrategy #Manufacturing #NetZero #UKSteel #EnergyReform

𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙: 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙆 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 – 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 As we look forward to the the launch of the UK Steel Strategy in spring 2025, the newly established Steel Council’s ongoing work will be vital in shaping policies that ensure the sector has the tools it needs to thrive. Join us at the National Manufacturing Conference on Tuesday, March 4, for a breakout session hosted by UK Steel. We'll explore how the Steel Strategy and the Council can drive competitiveness, attract investment, and expand steelmaking capacity. Building on discussions from the December Parliamentary Steel Summit, this session will focus on aligning the strategy with the UK Government’s broader missions, such as renewable energy, housing, and transport, ensuring UK-made steel underpins critical infrastructure projects and serves the nation. The Steel Strategy aims to tackle key areas like increasing competitiveness, supporting innovation, expanding capacity, and integrating with government priorities. With the opportunity for growing demand for UK-made steel, especially in offshore wind and other infrastructure construction, the strategy offers significant opportunities for careers, supply chain integration, and stronger local economies. A more resilient steel industry will also reduce reliance on imports and strengthen national security. Stay tuned for speaker announcements! ‼️ Early bird tickets for the National Manufacturing Conference are available until 23:59, Monday, January 13. 🎫 Book now to secure your place: https://lnkd.in/eT3VDxAY 🔗 Breakout session details: https://lnkd.in/e6zsJA94 🔗 Summary of the December UK Steel Summit: https://lnkd.in/eWsPYBKj Make UK Make UK Defence #UKSteel #SteelStrategy #Manufacturing #Investment #Innovation

🚨 Steel Council Announced: A New Era for UK Steel 🚨 Today marks a turning point for the UK steel industry with the unveiling of the Steel Council. This initiative, launched by the Government, signals a commitment to securing the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK. The sector faces numerous challenges, but this is an opportunity to revitalise the industry and create a competitive environment. The Council will play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming Steel Strategy, which aims to foster growth, innovation, and job creation. Key areas for the Steel Strategy include: 🔋 Competitive electricity prices 🌍 Bold trade policies addressing global overcapacity 🏗️ Strategic public procurement 🌱 Investment in low-emission steelmaking In addition, the Government’s commitment to invest £2.5bn through the National Wealth Fund will support innovation and long-term growth. Industry leaders, trade unions, and experts will collaborate closely to turn this vision into a shared success. This is a defining moment. Together, we can secure a prosperous future for the UK steel industry. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eEdVGjXW British Steel Tata Steel UK Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield Marcegaglia Sheffield Forgemasters LIBERTY Steel Group Celsa Steel UK Gareth Stace Department for Business and Trade Community Union #UKSteel #SteelCouncil #SteelStrategy #Investment #Innovation #Sustainability #NationalWealthFund #Decarbonisation #TradePolicy

🆕 UK steel industry calls for government to buy British in offshore wind push, reports The Guardian Only 2% of the steel used in British offshore wind projects over the past five years was made in the UK, according to a study by the consultants Lumen Energy & Environment, commissioned by UK Steel. Demand for steel in Britain’s offshore windfarms is due to rise rapidly to more than 1m tonnes a year on average over the 2026 to 2050 period, peaking at more than 2m tonnes, according to LumenEE. That compares with about 300,000 tonnes a year for the 2021-25 period. This 25 million tonne, £21 billion opportunity is just one example of where UK-made steel could be the foundation of a major Government project. Over the next decade, government steel requirements will exceed £4.3 billion (Government steel pipeline data, 2024) without even accounting for new major initiatives such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen infrastructure, nuclear energy, and offshore wind. As the largest buyer of steel in the UK, the Government has a unique opportunity to support the domestic steel sector, and the wider supply chain from fabrication to installation, ports and beyond. 🔗 Read Jasper Jolly's article here: https://lnkd.in/etfCxWQb 🔗 Read the LumenEE report here: https://lnkd.in/e9G7Bxdk RenewableUK Offshore Wind Growth Partnership Community Union BCSA - British Constructional Steelwork Association

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭: 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 In his first public address on the upcoming UK Steel Strategy, Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the importance of reshaping the sector, and that he wanted to make it “the best strategy it could be… an absolute turning point in the industry,” marking a decisive moment for steel. While acknowledging the tough global challenges ahead, Reynolds stressed the need for a “hard-headed” pragmatic approach focused on the UK’s national interests. UK Steel’s Director General, Gareth Stace, highlighted the difficulties facing the global steel industry, particularly excess capacity, the design of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and rising energy costs. However, he framed the UK Government’s understanding and investment in steel as a beacon of hope, urging that this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the sector’s future. The Steel Strategy should focus on addressing key challenges - reducing electricity costs, incentivising investment, supporting domestic production, and ensuring fair competition. Both Jonathan and Gareth underscored the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and trade unions to build a sustainable, competitive steel industry that drives economic growth and environmental progress. 🤝 As the Steel Strategy develops, it is clear that all industry stakeholders are eager to contribute and work together towards a stronger future for UK steel, and we at UK Steel look forward to collaborating on the Strategy as it develops. 🔗 Read the UK Steel Summit summary in full here: https://lnkd.in/eWsPYBKj

“Let’s look at this as the moment we can say ‘this is the time we got it right’” – this was the message the Rt Hon. Jonathan Reynolds MP delivered to the UK Steel Parliamentary Summit on Monday evening on the future of the Steel Strategy. UK Steel was proud to host the Secretary of State as he spoke on his vision for steel. In his keynote speech, Reynolds said he wanted to make it “the best strategy it could be… an absolute turning point in the industry.” He said there were some tough global challenges ahead, and that the UK should be “hard-headed” about its national interests. Thank you to our panellists who digested and dissected his speech, adding their own vision of what UK steelmaking could look like in the next decade, and to our guests who all contributed to this public discussion. As our Parliamentary host, Anna Turley MP put it - we had the expertise and the passion in the room to make a strategy that works. Our Director General, Gareth Stace said that UK Steel stands ready to work with the industry and with the Secretary of State and his department and we have a selection of 'oven-ready' policies that will make it work. ➡️ If you are interested, you can download any of our recommendations here: https://lnkd.in/g87CPX27 Jonathan Brash MP Community Union Roz Bulleid Tim Pick MBE Liam Bates British Steel Tata Steel UK Celsa Steel UK LIBERTY Steel Group Sheffield Forgemasters Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield Suzuki Garphyttan Metinvest BRIGHT STEELS LIMITED Bridon-Bekaert The Ropes Group Cooper Coated Coil Barnfather Wire (Midlands) Ltd Kiveton Park Steel Materials Processing Institute Somers Forge Ltd Swansea University United Cast Bar Group

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭: 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 📣 We are delighted to say that Business and Trade Secretary of State, the Rt Hon. Jonathan Reynolds MP, will address UK Steel’s Parliamentary Steel Summit next week, where we expect he will set out his vision for the future of the steel industry and how this will be delivered via his eagerly awaited Steel Strategy, to be published in the spring. His keynote speech will be followed by a fantastic lineup of panellists who will explore the Secretary of State's vision and how it aligns with UK steel sector priorities, the Industrial Strategy, Net Zero mission board plans and union ideas. Our panellists include: 🔵 Gareth Stace, panel chair, Director General, UK Steel 🔵 Liam Bates, President, Long Products, Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield 🔵 Jonathan Brash MP for Hartlepool, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group for Steel and Metals Related Industries 🔵 Roz Bulleid, Research and Policy Director, Green Alliance 🔵 Tim Pick MBE, UK Government Clean Power 2030 Net Zero Commission Board 🔵 Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary, Community Union ➡️ We will also discuss how the Strategy can deliver a competitive business landscape to attract investment in our sector; level the playing field to give industry a fair chance to gain market share; and create the strategic expansion of steelmaking capacity and capability. This will be followed by a question and answer session.