PE news in brief: chemicals supply chain, steel closure, overtime issues
21 Aug 2025
The Chemical Business Association has reported “cautious optimism” in its Q2 2025 supply chain survey, with 31% of respondents noting improvements in order books compared with 23% in Q1.
CBA sources said that current sales also showed some resilience, although margins remain under pressure.
Employment prospects were mixed, with 14% expecting to increase staffing levels but 20% anticipating reductions. The survey highlighted logistics challenges, including higher shipping costs and continued disruption to Red Sea and Suez routes, though UK road haulage pressures appear to be easing. UK REACH regulatory delays remain the most disruptive concern. Pic: Eilis Garvey
Liberty Speciality Steel has entered administration following a High Court winding-up petition. The company is now under the control of special managers appointed by the government’s Official Receiver.
The business employs around 1,450 people and supplies specialist steel products used in aerospace, defence and power generation. UK Steel said it hoped a new owner would be found quickly to restore production levels, noting that recent reductions have left gaps in domestic supply chains now filled by imports.
A study by Adobe Express has found that 64% of engineers and manufacturing professionals work overtime more than twice a week, with one in ten working over six hours in a single session.
While many workers cited pay as a motivation, high workloads and deadline pressures were the main drivers. The report said the survey of 1,000 individuals revealed overtime pressures were contributing to staff turnover, with 19% of respondents considering leaving their jobs.
