MPA Scotland

ALAN DOAK, DIRECTOR, MINERAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND

MPA Scotland has undergone some significant changes recently with Alan Mackenzie being appointed Chairman of MPA Scotland and also with three new Directors, those being Shaun Davidson, Wallace Menzies and Alan Doak being appointed. These steps have been taken in order to assist in the re-energising of the Association as it continues to move forward representing the interests of its members.

MPA Scotland recognises the benefits of a close working relationship with MPANI as well as across the wider MPA family. Indeed, Alan Doak recently visited MPANI to explore the further development of this relationship recognising the importance of a partnership approach between us all within the Mineral Products sector as we endeavour to meet the challenges of climate change, resource efficiency, being good neighbours, health and safety and sustainable economic growth. The Scottish economy grew by an average of 0.8% per annum in the period 2015-19, before a Covidinduced contraction of 10% in 2020. In 2021 the value of the Scottish construction sector amounted to some £14.4bn. Indeed construction output increased some 15.2% in 2021.

In 2021 annual asphalt sales volumes rose by 40.3%. Ready-mixed concrete increased by 24.4%, crushed rock by 23.4%, and sand & gravel also saw increased sales of some 10.1%.

In Scotland contract awards for new construction projects in all sectors rose by 31.9% in 2021 compared to 2020 according to Barbour ABI. Infrastructure had the largest value of contracts last year, making up 28% of the total contract awards.

Construction output is expected to continue rising, by 3.3% in 2022 and 2.5% in 2023 according to the CITB, and by an average of 2.6% per annum across 2022-25. Infrastructure investment should be strong across road and other transport areas, namely the A9 Dualling Programme. Offshore wind projects off the north east coast and western coasts of Scotland will drive renewable energy capacity, while Scottish Water has begun its 2021-27 investment programme. Commercial property, driven by office investment, is expected to continue its recovery from the pandemic as businesses compete to secure high-quality workspace. MPA Scotland has recently responded to the Scottish Government’s draft National Planning Framework No.4. This document sets out the Scottish Government’s approach to planning and development which they consider will help to achieve a net zero, sustainable Scotland by 2045. Whilst we responded on a number of points we highlighted in our response the need to provide for a continued sustainable supply of building materials, these being essential to the delivery of many of the aims and objectives of the NPF. It is important to ensure that the Scottish Government give sufficient consideration as to how the building materials required to fulfill the ambitions of the document will be sourced.

The Scottish Government have also recently issued a number of consultation documents which MPA Scotland is currently reviewing. The consultations deal with such matters as new National Parks, the development of a Scottish Biodiversity Strategy for 2022, the draft strategic plan for the new environmental standards body, a call for evidence related to coal extraction policy in Scotland and also a consultation on Delivering Scotland’s Circular Economy which document has highlighted that the Scottish Government will consider how both the Aggregates Levy and the Landfill Tax can be used together to incentivise the use of secondary aggregates and support circular economy practices. The Scottish Government have advised that their proposed package of measures are designed to improve collaboration between Government and industry, incentivise sustainable construction practices, promote best practice and improve their understanding of how and where waste is generated in different construction activities. It is clear that there is much work to be done in continuing to ensure that our members have a voice through MPA Scotland. MPA Scotland look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with MPANI for the benefit of our members through sharing experiences relating to devolution and continually seeking ways for better collaboration with our stakeholders in efforts to drive out more efficiencies.

Alan Doak.