The BCF has been consistently requiring a long-term and robust industrial strategy with the industry itself involved.
The British Coatings Federation has recently announced that it has welcomed the publication of the Industrial Strategy Green Paper by the British Government. As a matter of fact, the organisation has been consistently requiring a long-term and robust industrial strategy with the industry itself involved in its development.
The proposals outlined in the Green Paper provides the bedrock for that vision to be delivered upon, as the overall strategy focuses on building on already identified strengths in eight growth-driving sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services.
The plan also identifies the need to provide policies for those fields on which the growth-driving industries have critical dependencies, including foundational sectors which provide critical inputs and infrastructure. Moreover, the strategy identifies the importance of strong supply chain linkages between sectors, as supporting upstream players can enhance the productivity of downstream businesses.
According to the British Coatings Federation, if the Government wishes to bring in more investment
from companies working in markets such as aerospace, automotive, life sciences or green energy, it also needs to ensure that there is a strong domestic manufacturing supply chain of enabling sectors like paints and coatings.
“We welcome the publication of the Green Paper and the vision for a holistic and long-term UK Industrial Strategy. In particular, we are pleased to see the recognition of the importance of foundational sectors – such as coatings – in the strategy,” has declared Tom Bowtell, the CEO of the British Coatings Federation.
Furthermore, the Green Paper has been created with positive policies on people and skills, innovation, energy and infrastructure, the regulatory environment, crowding in investment and international partnerships and trade. The association has expressed satisfaction for the recognition that a broader pro-business environment
needs to be in place for the strategy to work. Finally, the Federation agrees with the creation of a correct regulatory environment, since a solution on chemical regulation environment is crucial to the paints and coatings sector.
“It is also pleasing to see a joined-up approach with references to a need for a pro-business regulatory environment, that is fundamental to those businesses working in the chemicals sector and where we need to see, finally, workable and proportionate post-Brexit regulatory regimes put in place, especially for UK REACH,” has added Bowtell. “We look forward to responding to the consultation, and talking with Government, to set out how the coatings sector can help deliver on the positive plans for a strong and growing domestic UK manufacturing base. We already have a positive story to tell but with the right policies we can, collectively – Government and industry working together – make British manufacturing an even greater success.”