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President makes ‘manifesto’ call for improved working relationships
Steel construction enjoyed another successful year in 2016 and is looking ahead confidently to the challenges of the post Brexit world, out-going BCSA President Wendy Coney told the National Dinner audience.
Ms Coney said structural steel consumption rose 4% in 2016, approaching the 1 million tonnes mark. The steel construction sector employed 120,000 people directly in fabrication and erection, and many more when the whole steel supply chain is included. Structural steel made a contribution of £3.2 billion to the UK economy, supporting economic growth in communities across the UK and Ireland.
Ms Coney said following the EU referendum and the general election her personal manifesto would include calls for policies to support business and investment, confirmation of a commitment to steel market development and a plea for improved working relationships in the supply chain.
Ms Coney said she was dismayed at cuts in investment in education and health service buildings which had helped support BCSA members through the recession. “My manifesto calls strongly for renewed investment in education and health infrastructure,” she said.
She said BCSA is pleased that infrastructure investment remains a priority for government and the Association strongly supports new nuclear, HS2 and other energy and transport programmes.
“However, we must continue to push for government and their delivery agencies to maintain the momentum and not delay programme delivery,” she stressed.
Ms Coney thanked the Steel for Life market development sponsors for their invaluable support.