Funding to bolster UK ceramics and chemicals industries
Government packages aim to boost economic resilience.
Ceramics and chemicals are considered strategically important parts of the economy, and the UK Government funding is intended to help firms stay competitive, modernise infrastructure, decarbonise and transition their energy supplies from gas to electricity.
The £120mln support package for the ceramics sector will focus on capital investment in energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects, as well as operational support for successful applicants who require additional support to manage increased costs.
Backed by the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, ceramics are needed for housebuilding, everyday items like plates, bowls and smartphone screens, and strategic industries including advanced manufacturing, defence and tech.
Support will be open to eligible UK manufacturers across the refractory products, clay-building materials, household and technical ceramics subsectors.
The government will work closely with the industry on delivery of the support, with further details to be confirmed in the summer.
Ministers are also urging ceramics producers to engage with the Trade Remedies Authority, who can impose tariffs, to provide evidence where they believe existing trade remedy measures are insufficient, or to support new investigations.
The £350mln Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund will support chemical producers that supply inputs relied on by sectors including food, energy, water and healthcare.
It is designed to keep these key producers competitive, put businesses on a more sustainable footing and strengthen supply chain resilience, and will be developed in partnership with industry representatives and independent experts.
The government will work closely with industry to ensure broader policy delivers decarbonisation rather than deindustrialisation. It says it is committed to tackling unfair foreign trade practices, as well as driving down regulatory costs and removing duplicative procedures for businesses.
These funding packages come alongside temporary help the government has announced to support people and businesses this year.
