COVID-19: BAA statement of support to members

British Aggregates Association chairman Paul McManus issues statement of support over coronavirus

IN a statement of support to members, Paul McManus, chairman of the British Aggregates Association (BAA) and owner of Cloburn Quarry Company, has explained how both he and the officers of the Association are making every effort to support the membership throughout the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

In his statement, Mr McManus said that despite the good relationship built up between the industry and HM Treasury during the recent nationwide aggregates levy review process, it was unfortunate that the Chancellor had not, so far, chosen to suspend aggregates levy payments, despite the Treasury putting forward many other beneficial measures to help industry. In a recent letter to the Chancellor, Mr McManus asked him to clarify and put right the anomaly of aggregate levy payments at this difficult time.

On the question of loans being provided by banks, Mr McManus said this was always a contentious issue, even when under a scheme supported by the Government, and that those companies with healthy balance sheets should be aware that banks may, perhaps, interpret the rules differently to how government intended. Members, he said, could seek advice on this from the BAA, which is supported by organizations in the legal profession as well as the CBI.

Mr McManus also paid tribute to the independent quarry operators throughout the country who had closed their operations without delay, despite the mixed messages coming from the Westminster and Holyrood governments about whether or not construction work should cease, saying he believed this was right thing to do to protect their workforces and their families.

For his own company, like so many others, Mr McManus said the virus had had a massive effect economically and that he had put in place emergency measures and cash-preservation policies in order to ensure survival. At the same time, he explained that Cloburn Quarry Company was committed to maintaining all payments to suppliers, many of whom rely on the quarry for their survival. As such, he said many had received accelerated payments and Cloburn hoped to continue that policy for as long as the crisis continues.

Mr McManus concluded his statement by confirming both his and the BAA’s full support to members during these troubled times, including help or advice on the procedures being introduced by the Government to help businesses.

A copy of the chairman's full message to members can be downloaded below.