Rising energy prices, the impact of life after the EU and labour shortages continue to be the main challenges facing the UK metals sector according to a new report.Nearly a quarter of firms in the UK Metals Council’s ‘State of the Metals Industry in the UK 2023/24’ survey admitted to adjusting supply chain strategies or sourcing alternatives, while just under a third want enhanced Government support to navigate trade barriers and custom procedures in the wake of Brexit.

Some 22% of manufacturers are also looking for improved energy supply contracts to bring prices down to more affordable levels, with just 31% of businesses saying that they have an effective recruitment strategy in place for filling the well-documented labour gaps.However, there were many positive sentiments in the report. For instance, despite the widespread challenges, 70% of respondents are optimistic or very optimistic about future business prospects, underlining the resilience of the sector and its ability to innovate.
For further informationwww.ukmetalscouncil.org