With just over half of all the steel used in Welsh, English and Scottish construction projects, 6 million tonnes annually, currently coming from abroad, the potential to purchase more steel from Welsh producers, and those elsewhere in the UK, is significant and would boost steel production, support steel jobs and communities, and increase GDP in Wales and across the UK.  

The UK Steel Charter, building upon existing Welsh Government policy in this area, asks organisations such as Welsh Government, Whitehall departments, and major infrastructure projects to sign up and commit to a range of simple procurement steps. These steps could transform the way we purchase steel and other materials, ensuring decisions aren’t simply made on the basis of ‘lowest upfront cost’, but take into account longer term strategic aims such as social and environmental considerations, and Wales’s long-term economic growth.

Download full press release.