ALFED welcomes new report on future of UK metals

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has supported the launch of The Building Blocks of Britain: Securing the Future of UK Metals at its Business Briefing, held at Carden Park Hotel in Chester.

Authored independently by Simon MacVicker and Professor Andrew Perchard, the report sets out a clear and compelling vision for how the UK can strengthen its metals sector as a foundation of national competitiveness, sustainability, and industrial resilience.

In her foreword to the report, ALFED chief executive, Nadine Bloxsome, writes:“This paper sets out many of the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the UK metals sector, from competitive industrial energy prices to trade alignment and recycling. These themes resonate strongly with our own priorities at ALFED and through the UK Aluminium Alliance, where we’re working to bring together producers, downstream users, government, and academia to shape practical, long-term solutions.”

The report highlights the metals industry’s role as a strategic enabler of national security, defence and net zero, calling for greater policy alignment between government and industry to support sustainable investment and growth.

ALFED’s involvement in the publication reflects its growing role in championing cross-metal collaboration through the UK Aluminium Alliance, a new initiative designed to coordinate action on energy, trade and sustainability challenges.

“While the views expressed are the authors’ own, this is exactly the kind of thoughtful, evidence-led intervention our sector needs,” Bloxsome adds. “We see it as an important contribution to the conversation on how the UK can compete globally while maintaining strong environmental and social values.”

The report will be introduced as part of the ALFED Annual Business Briefing, which brings together industry leaders, government representatives and members, to discuss current market conditions and future opportunities.

To download the report in full, click here.