The profile and representation of Britain’s £60 billion chemical industry took another major step forward this week when it was announced that Chemicals Northwest had joined forces with the industry’s fully privately funded national trade body, the Chemical Industries Association.

In a move first announced in November to an audience of business leaders and Government ministers including Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, CIA spelt out its intentions to secure a much stronger and coordinated profile, voice and influence for the UK chemical industry through the Chemicals Northwest deal, and has invited other regions to work more closely with the national trade body.

CIA Chief Executive Steve Elliott said “Chemicals Northwest joining forces with CIA will help ensure national sector leadership combined with local, on-the-ground business support delivery”.

“The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is a vital component of the UK economy and deserves full representation and support across the sector from the smallest company to the biggest multinational.  I am delighted that the CIA has been able to offer a private sector solution to the withdrawal of Government funding.  By bringing together national and regional representation I am confident that this puts us in the best possible position to attract investment into the sector and to businesses in the UK. The Northwest is a key part of our country’s economy. This move will ensure it gets the national recognition it deserves and I hope it will encourage other regions to seek greater cooperation with the CIA”.

Contact Name: Fiona Ferguson