Construction Index quotes that more than 30 bosses of UK constructional steelwork fabrication companies have written to business secretary Jonathan Reynolds seeking a ‘new deal for steel’.

They want public infrastructure procurement to prioritise British companies over foreign suppliers, even if the foreign suppliers are less expensive.

Among the 36 signatories are executives from Caunton Engineering, Severfield, William Hare and Billington Holdings.
The letter, which has been coordinated by the British Constructional Association (BSCA), sets out how the fabrication companies want the same support that is being handed to British steel producers.

Jonathan Clemens, chief executive of the BCSA, said: “The government’s recent efforts to save British steelmaking are welcoming and are important steps in the right direction. But steelmaking does not stand alone; it depends on a robust supply chain of domestic fabricators, engineers, and constructors. If we are serious about building a strong, resilient, and low-carbon infrastructure future, then investment must extend across the entire steel ecosystem. That starts with ensuring British companies are not priced out or passed over in public procurement. The capacity, skills, and ambition are here. What’s needed now is the political will to act on them. The Procurement Act sets out a framework for public buyers to actively engage UK SMEs on public contracts, so hopefully the government will take a positive stance on enforcing this.