Chemical industry experts optimistic for future growth

Briar Chemicals attended the Chemical Industries Association annual business conference, which this year was focussed on “Brexit” and the UK Chemical Industry’s future strategy.

The event provided an excellent forum for senior management of UK chemical manufacturing companies, alongside UK Government Ministers and other stakeholders, to come together and define policy and opportunities.

There is no question that following the “Brexit” vote on 23^rd June 2016 there is uncertainty in the business environment and that this has resulted in a great deal of lively dialogue in our industry and in the media as a whole.

Susan Brench, Briar Chemicals’ Head of Commercial, said: “Whilst we understand our stakeholders’ concerns, I would like to offer the following perspective; Briar Chemicals believes that the current economic and political climate has also resulted in several opportunities presenting themselves:

• Sterling devaluation makes our selling prices more attractive
• There is the potential for reduced regulatory burden
• Government action can make the UK an even more attractive investment location

From a recent survey, the UK chemical industry, being a long-established, highly export-orientated manufacturing sector, maintains a positive outlook to business prospects; Briar Chemicals is no exception and we are certainly still Open for Business.

Briar Chemicals continues to focus on operational excellence to drive down costs and deliver shared benefits for all stakeholders, investing in its employees and manufacturing assets (capex and maintenance spend will be maintained at a rate above the European industry norm).

Susan added: “We believe that Briar Chemicals will remain an efficient and cost effective partner regardless of any challenges presented during the “Brexit” process.”

Read more from the Chemical Industries Association press release in which UK Chemical and Pharmaceutical companies say exports can drive growth.