Final Steel Procurement Taskforce recommendations for UK competitiveness
The Steel Procurement Taskforce has presented the findings of its final report to the Steel Council and UK ministers.
This final report explores how the steel sector can best position itself to compete for major public projects. Recommendations include the development of new technology, improving data and promoting greater transparency
The report was presented at the meeting of the UK Steel Council, which brings together government and representatives from the UK’s six major steel companies, trade unions and the devolved administrations, to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future.
The Taskforce final report recommends:
- procurers engaging with the steel supply chain early in the buying process
- government setting a requirement for new contracts involving steel to report and record the origin of the steel
- government updating the steel Public Procurement Note to ensure it represents best practice
- highlighting for public buyers the relevant methodology and tools that should be used when purchasing significant amounts of steel
- the UK steel industry exploring the future development of a ‘steel standard’
- industry and government assessing the potential to use UK norms where harmonised standards do not exist when publishing the specification of steel required in public projects
The government and the sector will consider the Taskforce’s recommendations over the coming months.
The Council also further discussed the finalised UK Steel Sector’s Net Zero Steel Report, which is due to be published soon and outlines the needs for effective steel sector decarbonisation.
