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Helen Compson

Editor

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Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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KEEPING ONE EYE ON THE FUTURE…

The challenges are certainly writ large for the chemical industry, aren’t they?

Not least among them are the HGV driver shortages currently crippling supply chains. The Chemical Business Association has now written to the Prime Minister calling for urgent Government action to remedy the situation that is getting worse by the month. The combined effect of Brexit and Covid-19 has resulted in more than 60% of the CBA’s members reporting UK haulage capacity issues and 76% problems with cross-channel transport. The road haulage industry itself estimates that more than 60,000 HGV drivers are needed to plug the gaps. Meanwhile, the latest survey carried out by the British Coatings Federation reveals the majority of its members are increasingly concerned about the possible effects of UK REACH. Higher costs, lower competitiveness and shrinking portfolios of available chemicals are some of the fears they talk about. Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, said: “Our latest survey results show that the added complexity of the new UK chemicals regulations is starting to bite. ‘We have consistently called for UK REACH legislation to be amended to avoid the significant additional costs it will bring to business, as well as its potentially devastating impact on raw material availability to our manufacturers in the UK.”

The great thing about this industry though is the innovativeness and solutions-based approach that characterises so much of what we do. We are always looking and moving forward. We’ve got quite a few articles, this issue, about major new developments and investments, as well as a preview of CHEMUK 2021, which will take place at the Birmingham NEC on September 15th and 16th.

The movers and shakers behind many of the technologies and advances will be there.

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