Business minister backs chemicals industry

London - The UK is establishing a new industrial biotechnology body to support competitiveness and sustainable manufacturing in the sector. The body, called the Innovation and Growth Team in Industrial Biotechnology, is to be chaired by Ian Shott of Excelysn, John Hutton, secretary of state for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, announced at the Chemical Industries Association's Annual Dinner on 15 Nov.

Hutton went on to acknowledge the importance of the chemicals industry to the UK economy going forward: "The benefits of the UK's thriving chemical industry can be felt in all areas of our everyday life ... as well as employing nearly 200,000 people. It can help us make the world a safer and easier place to live and will be fundamental in our fight against climate change."

In his speech, Steve Elliott, CIA chief executive, applauded a Government announcement confirming there will be a National Skills Academy for the Process Industries and urged all chemical businesses to use the new training resource this will provide. He also praised the government's efforts to ensure a fair regulatory climate for business.

While acknowledging that business and government sometimes disagree, Elliot said: "The appointment of John Hutton to be the voice for business in Cabinet and to lead the government's programme of regulatory reform across all Departments should be supported by all chemical businesses. I am looking forward to working with him."