A major new survey to capture the latest views of the UK Metals sector has been launched – at a time that many bosses believe is the most critical in its history.
The State of the UK Metals Industry Survey 2026/27, which is organised by the UK Metals Council, is looking to gain valuable insight on current trading conditions, the impact of tariffs and how firms are attempting to come to terms with rising energy costs.
It will also tackle the complex subject of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), whilst trying to understand how recent changes to skills support is going to affect attitudes to upskilling and apprenticeship recruitment.
“This is the biggest report we do in our industry and the best chance to have your say. With this in mind, we’re looking to get as much feedback – both positive and negative – from companies who produce or supply into the metals sector,” commented Rachel Eade, Chair of the UK Metals Council.
“It will ultimately provide valuable insight into the challenges, opportunities and priorities facing our sector and explore the support we need to remain competitive in this globally uncertain time.”
She continued: “A successful metals sector is critical to every part of life in the UK, whether that is defending our shores, powering the move to cleaner mobility or supporting new advancements in energy generation and breakthroughs in life-saving medical devices.
“We will use the findings to help inform future industry discussions with government and policymakers, ensuring we champion what our firms really need and not what Ministers think they do.”
The survey should only take ten minutes to fill in and will remain open until September 5th, with the full report set to be launched at UK Metals Expo on November 4th at the NEC.
It will be promoted through the twelve trade association bodies that make up the UK Metals Council, including the Aluminium Federation, British Stainless Steel Association, the Confederation of British Metalforming, the Cast Metals Federation and TWI.
Rachel Eade concluded: “Another focus of ours will be the steel safeguarding quotas that the government are introducing on July 1st. If these go ahead as planned, it could be a massive hammer blow to our industry, so the more data and insight we can get will help us to fight this issue now and in the future.”
Responses can come from any organisation who operates or supplies into the UK Metals sector. If firms are not members of one of the trade bodies, they can still access the survey via this link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WLYRQBL
