BPF President Reports That The Economic Recovery Is Good News For Members
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
At the Annual General Meeting of the British Plastics Federation today the President Mike Boswell commented on the state of play in his chosen Presidential themes of: Construction recovery; skills needs; energy supply; and availability of finance.
He said “After some very challenging years we do see some positive news for our plastics construction products members. It is predicted UK construction output will rise by 4.5% in 2014 and private housing starts rose 20.9% in 2013."
Referring to the Government’s Green Deal Mr Boswell said “it is simply not working, it would be much preferable to reduce VAT to 5% on energy efficient products such as EPS insulation and UPVC double glazed windows.”
Mr Boswell welcomed the surge in 283,000 people finding work in the first quarter of the year and went on to say that it is vital for a sustainable recovery that the requirement for skilled employees in the plastics sectors is adequately addressed. We are currently short of technical managers,sales force, supervisory and shop floor staff .” He said the BPF had actively supported Cogent’s Science Industry Partnership to greatly increase apprenticeships and traineeships.
Mr Boswell reiterate that on secure and affordable energy supplies said “ we simply don’t believe Ministers’ reassurance that the lights will not go out. We entirely agree with OFGEM that there is a strong risk of power cuts in the winter of 2015-16 which will directly affect manufacturing. " Mr Boswell promised that the BPF will increase its pressure on Government to fast track new power generation and gas storage facilities.
On the availability of Bank finance to SMEs Mr Boswell welcomed the Office of Fair Trading ordering banks to remove barriers to more business lending. “ We are monitoring closely our small companies ability to get the finance they need from banks, and this is vital if we are to secure a long-term economic recovery, within which plastics will have a pivotal role “
Mr Boswell said the BPF put in a strong financial performance in 2013 in which just 43% of income was derived from membership subscriptions, he went on to add that 2014 had started well.
The BPF Annual Review 2013 has been published today Mr Boswell said its 44 pages “showcased the hard work undertaken by members and staff representing, promoting and defending the UK Plastics Industry.”
ENDS
For all media enquiries, BPF logos and images, please contact Laura Hindley, Industrial Issues and Communications Executive on 0207 457 5043 or email [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry – representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.
