Chemical Growth Partnership Established

CGP co-chairs Michael Fallon Business and Energy Minister, and Neil Carson Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey launched the industry-led sector strategy, Chemistry-Fuelled Growth of the UK Economy, at this inaugural meeting (accessible below).

Michael Fallon said: ​‘As we move to a low carbon economy, it is imperative that the UK chemical industry is at the forefront of innovation and has a skilled workforce adaptable to changing technologies. Working with industry, we can confront any challenges early and ensure the sector is building on its already impressive track record.’

Neil Carson said: ​‘The products and technologies of the chemical industry are delivering huge benefits for society including vital medicines, food and climate change solutions. Growing the sector in the UK is critical for the economy, social progression and the environment.’

Vince Cable, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, also attended and made the following comment: ​‘The chemical industry in the UK is already a leading exporter but there are considerable future growth opportunities if we can create the right conditions. Key to this is a strengthening of our supply chains so chemical technologies and products are sourced in this country rather than overseas. By working together with business on a long-term vision, we can build confidence to invest, grow and create British jobs in one of our most important sectors.’

Members of the Partnership discussed the state of the industry, the opportunities for growth that the current position and future outlook presented and reaffirmed commitment to speedy delivery of ambitious growth potential.

About The Chemistry Growth Partnership (CGP) The sector Partnership will enable Government and industry to work together over the long term to address the key challenges and opportunities for the chemical sector. The Partnership comprising business leaders from the chemical sector has agreed to pursue key work themes around energy, innovation and supply chains in order to achieve its vision of a 50 per cent growth by the year 2030. Founding members of the CGP are: •Neil Carson, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey •Tony Bastock, Group Managing Director of Contract Chemicals •Paul Booth, SCI Honorary President and European Director of Government Policy at Sabic UK Petrochemicals Limited, •Tom Crotty, Director of Ineos •Steve Foots, Group Chief Executive of Croda •Torben Jensen, Managing Director at BASF Northern Europe •Ian Shott, Managing Partner at Shott Trinova •Harry Swan, Managing Director Thomas Swan & Company •Dave Tudor, Vice President Pharmaceutical Operations at GlaxoSmithKline •Adrian Whitfield, Chief Executive of Synthomer

The terms of reference for the CGP are: •Deliver growth of the UK chemical and chemistry‐​using industries so that their value‐​added is increased by 50 per cent by the year 2030 •Establish, guide and monitor action plans and teams to deliver the recommendations of the chemicals sector strategy, Chemistry-fuelled growth of the UK economy. •Ensure the chemical and chemistry‐​using sectors are integrated into the evolving national Industrial Strategy.