MPA launches ‘Make the Link’ campaign
New research highlights mineral products industry’s critical contribution to economic growth
AT a recent House of Commons reception introduced by Sir Peter Bottomley MP, with guest speakers Sajid Javid MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer; Iain Wright MP, Shadow BIS Minister; and Roger Bootle, CEO of Capital Economics, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) launched its new ‘Make the Link’ publication and campaign, which aims to achieve greater recognition for mineral products industry’s essential contribution to the UK’s economy and quality of life.
Using new research from Capital Economics, the ‘Make the Link’ campaign highlights the criticality of the mineral products industry, which supplies more than a million tonnes of material in a typical day. This is worth some £9 billion a year and provides jobs for 70,000 people, but what is really significant about the industry is the extent to which it supports others and, in doing so, is essential to the UK economy.
Capital Economics estimate that the knock-on benefit of what the sector does supports more than £400 billion in terms of turnover in industries it supplies, and in excess of 2.5 million jobs in the economy as a whole.
Nigel Jackson, chief executive of the MPA, said: ‘The mineral products industry is an essential, indigenous and major primary producer in its own right – but it is also locked into the DNA of a host of other important industries. We are the largest supplier to the £120 billion construction industry, and sectors such as housing and property as well as transport, energy and water all rely upon the supply of mineral products of one type or another.
‘In short, we are critical to the development and maintenance of UK infrastructure and for the improvement of people’s everyday lives.
Mr Jackson continued: ‘For such a significant and complex industry, it is no surprise that we have reasonable concerns about the cumulative impact of taxation, legislation and regulation which can create uncertainty and undermine investment. It is vital for our economy and growth that such an important, long-term and strategic industry is encouraged to continue to invest in the UK and able to maintain security of supply, steadily and adequately.’
Sajid Javid MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: ‘We live in very challenging times, but one thing I clearly do agree with…is that as we recover, there are a few industries that, I think, will be absolutely key. Mineral products – given the importance of it to Britain, the size of it, the number of people it employs, the revenue it directly or indirectly generates – is one such industry. I understand that, but more importantly, this Government understands that.’
Iain Wright MP, Shadow BIS Minister, added: ‘I don’t think we give the mineral products sector the applause that is actually required because, in terms of things we take for granted, and in terms of things we often overlook – roads, buildings, a whole range of the infrastructure and fabric of modern life – you do provide the corner stones, you do quite literally often provide the building blocks.
‘You are a very vital and often overlooked sector within the British economy that we need to shout about and celebrate a lot more. I celebrate what you do, I want to be your champion.’
