Government to level playing field for UK steel suppliers

New guidelines released to support UK steel suppliers in competing for major government contracts will require main contractors to reveal from where they are sourcing their steelwork during the bidding process.

The Government says this will help to level the playing field for the UK industry as the new guidelines encourage all public clients to look at the carbon footprint of steel supplies, including transport costs, when judging bids from main contractors.

Procurement chiefs have also been told to take into account the social impacts of competing suppliers. This includes the impact on jobs, protecting the health and safety of staff and the social integration of disadvantaged workers, as well as placing a responsibility on firms to upskill the workforce.

The British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) says it fully supports a level playing field for UK steel manufacturing.

BCSA Director General Sarah McCann-Bartlett said: “The government’s new Procurement Policy Note for steel in major projects will help deliver a broader economic benefit to the economy by focusing on the use of local supply chains.

“A UK supply of high quality steel creates a competitive and efficient market, and importantly supports the UK economy and UK jobs.”

“BCSA strongly supports the use of a UK based supply chain for structural steelwork. Using UK steelwork contractors delivers a range of advantages to clients including shorter lead times, contractual security, exceptional quality of design work, better logistics on site and an excellent health & safety record” she said.

The new requirements have been spearheaded by the Steel Procurement Working Group and Matthew Hancock, Paymaster General and Chair of the Group, said: “By asking procurers on major UK projects to consider social and environmental impacts, we are building a Britain that is happier, healthier and better off.

“We will always strive to get the best value for money for taxpayers and we are going to do so in a way that strengthens our economy and bolsters the long-term prosperity of people across the country.

“I don’t want contracts going abroad if the best bid is a British bid with all the social and economic benefits that brings.”