The UK chemical industry has handed to Government an interim report on how the sector can grow by 50% in less than two decades. The report; Chemistry Fuelled Growth of the UK Economy was presented by a group of chemical business leaders on 10 July 2013 at a meeting with the Right Honourable Michael Fallon MP, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise.

In the report, industry calls for and commits to rapid exploitation of shale gas, accelerating innovation and rebuilding UK chemistry supply chains. These interim findings are in advance of the official launching of the strategy in the autumn.

The Industrialists led by Keith Wiggins said "This reports shows the criticality of the chemical and chemistry-using industry to the UK economy". Business Minister Michael Fallon said "I welcome this report as an important contribution to our overall industrial strategy. I look forward to the autumn when the full report will be formally launched".

<ENDS>

Notes to Editors:

For further comment please contact Simon Marsh on 07951 389197