The CIA gathers industry insights through a quarterly business survey to advocate for our members’ interests with policy makers, regulators and other stakeholders.
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The CIA is proud to announce the launch of the new Sustainable Health Metrics Tool.
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The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is fundamental to modern society. With an immense variety of products, from vital medicines and foods, the construction of buildings, to transport and leisure, the industry truly does have an impact on virtually every aspect of our daily lives.
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Welcome to the latest edition of CIAMatters. This is a special issue spotlighting the CIA Awards, which took place this summer in Leeds, and welcoming Elish Chambers from GSK as the new chair of the CIA’s ChemTalent network. Alongside these celebrations, we take a look at the Labour government’s first year in office and look ahead as we continue to navigate the challenges facing our industry.
The CIA’s policy work remains focused on three key demands: reducing cost, creating certainty and deploying creativity. From government we have seen a raft of measures and commitments announced, most notably through the Industrial Strategy, the IS-8 sector plans and the Spending Review. With critical decisions expected in the months ahead, our Policy Director Nishma Patel considers where progress has been made and where urgent action is still required to secure the future of UK chemical manufacturing. See page 4.
July marked one year since Sir Keir Starmer entered Downing Street with a decisive majority and a pledge to “change” Britain. The past twelve months have brought ambition, new policy frameworks and the reality of economic headwinds. For the chemical industry, the return of an Industrial Strategy after a six-year absence is a welcome step, though questions remain about how it will be delivered in practice.
The recognition of chemicals as “at the core of Advanced Manufacturing underpinning all domestic manufacturing” represents a major achievement for our sector. This recognition followed months of engagement with government and was reinforced by a high-level meeting between business leaders and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to discuss how our industry can continue to contribute to national growth. Turn to page 40 to read more about this important milestone.
This edition also looks back on a landmark moment for our community as we gathered in Leeds for the Chemical Industry Awards. The event was a sold-out success with record entries, and it carried particular significance as we marked the CIA’s 60th anniversary. It was a chance not only to celebrate excellence but also to recognise the contribution of every individual working in and for the chemical sector, an industry often described as the “industry of industries.” See page 12 for highlights from Leeds.
As we look to the year ahead, we do so with a sense of both urgency and optimism. We will continue to work with government to ensure the Industrial Strategy translates into real-world competitiveness and growth. And we look forward to coming together again in Manchester on 18 June 2026 for next year’s awards.
Keep an eye on our social channels for the launch video and details of what promises to be another inspiring event.
CIA Matters is a magazine for members of the Chemical Industries Association – it is not to be copied or reproduced in any form or distributed by any means to third parties outside of membership without the express permission of the Association.
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In this issue: New direction for the CIA’s Innovation Network. CIABATA releses an update on Climate Change Agreements Scheme. ChemTalent contrinues to represent young professionals in the industry through various events. Meet the CIA’s newest members.
