Scotland's Economy

Open letter to members of the construction and manufacturing sectors

July 28, 2021 by Ivan McKee MSP No Comments | Category Construction, Economy

As you will be aware construction materials from plasterboard to timber, steel to insulation, are in short supply because of a combination of global factors in addition to EU Exit and COVID 19.

This is having a significant impact as some businesses are unable to source the construction materials they need at a stable price. That is why we have been working at pace with you on what solutions Scotland can offer to these challenges.

I have already met with some manufacturers of key commodities, specifically bricks, timber and cement. I will continue that programme of meetings over the coming weeks. I have also formed a working group to examine where the immediate shortages are most acute to see where we can help to remove barriers and build capacity.

I want us to consider every opportunity for Scotland to manufacture as many of the construction materials we require as possible and I would encourage businesses to come forward and work with us to ramp up our own manufacturing supply chains.

The Construction Leadership Forum, which I chair and our Supply Chain Development Programme, are also exploring how we can grow home supply chains which can improve resilience, support net zero ambitions and help grow the Scottish economy.

We know that spending on construction has multiplier effects and creates additional value elsewhere in the economy. I want to see every penny of that outlay go back into the pockets of Scottish businesses as we rebuild a sustainable economic recovery from the pandemic.

Please contact enquiries@scotent.co.uk if you wish to discuss this further.

Ivan McKee

Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise  

Tags: business, construction, construction sector, economic growth, economy, scottisheconomy

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