The UK’s number one manufacturing sector, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries has today welcomed the Government’s announcement on streamlining and improving the process for shale applications.

Speaking on behalf of chemical and pharmaceutical businesses, Steve Elliott said “environmentally safe development of onshore shale gas reserves has a significant potential contribution to make to secure and affordable energy and the UK’s low carbon transition”.

Mr Elliott, Chief Executive of the Chemical Industries Association, continued “This is an important opportunity for the UK Chemical and Pharmaceutical industries because many of our activities are energy intensive. The rocketing energy costs and increased dependence on gas imports we currently face make competing on a global scale more difficult than it needs to be”.

He ended “I hope the industry will continue working with Government, local communities, NGO’s and all stakeholders to ensure shale gas opportunities can be safely exploited. There is a huge social and economic advantage to be gained through shale for our country, for industry and for all people” 

ENDS

NOTES

For further information and/or the opportunity to speak to Steve Elliott, please call Simon Marsh on 07951 389197.

Today’s Government announcement at GOV.UK website.

• The chemical and pharmaceutical industry adds £18 billion of value to the UK economy every year from total annual turnover of £50 billion.

• In addition to gross value added, the sector also contributes to the UK economy in its position at the head of many supply chains within manufacturing and its employment of a well remunerated, high-skilled workforce. We support 500,000 jobs both directly and indirectly Chemical manufacturing adds £9 billion in gross value added annually and pharmaceutical manufacturing £9 billion.

• The wider chemical and pharmaceutical sector (manufacturing plus distribution) is the largest exporter of manufactured goods with annual exports of close to £50 billion. The export of motor vehicle, trailers and semi-trailers is the sector with next highest exports of £35 billion. 

• Government publication showing comparison of energy costs: view here.

• 63% of companies in the sector export what they make to the world, the highest proportion of any goods manufacturing sector in the UK economy. 60% of our exports go to the European Union and 75% of our imports and raw materials come from the European Union.