Kevin Hollinrake MP discusses industry concerns during a recent visit to NTS

07/04/2023

Category: General

Kevin Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton has acknowledged issues concerning retentions, training, and public contracts that continue to trouble the constructional steelwork sector.

During a recent visit to National Tube Stockholders (NTS) in Thirsk, Mr Hollinrake, who is also a minister at the department for business and trade, met with executives from NTS, Severfield, and members of the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) to discuss the industry’s contribution to the UK economy and what companies like NTS and Severfield are doing to generate more growth across the sector.

A market leader in the supply of structural hollow sections in the UK, NTS has supplied large structural projects over the years with recent projects being in stadia and energy sectors.

With retention clauses affecting the cash flow for firms across the steelwork sector, Mr Hollinrake was happy to engage on the issue.

The allocation of publicly funded projects to UK based firms was also discussed, along with concerns over the skill set of the future workforce.

David Moore, chief executive of BCSA said: “I would personally like to thank Mr Hollinrake for visiting NTS and discussing with me the important issues facing the Constructional Steelwork sector.

“It’s great to see two of our members engage with their local MP and highlight all their amazing ongoing projects.

“We represent more than 100 steelwork and construction firms across the UK and often help facilitate meetings between MPs and members to ensure their issues are heard, and raised by policy makers.”

Jeanne Bianco Managing Director at NTS said: “It was a pleasure to host and take part in the meeting with Mr Hollinrake during which we covered many topics ranging from the very local through to National issues”.

Mike Mannion, Group Manufacturing Director at Severfield, said: “It was a great opportunity to highlight to Mr Hollinrake some of the challenges faced by the steel industry, whilst also debating how best the industry can overcome these.”

Kevin Hollinrake MP said: “The steel industry is a vital part of the UK economy and it was great to discuss with leaders from NTS and Severfield about how we can plan for more growth in the future.

“I've been continuing my work connecting local engineering businesses with apprentices and it's clearly so important we source skilled workers from the local area for future projects for these firms.”

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