The Cast Metals Federation took part in the Back British Metals Initiative (BBM) roundtable discussion in November in Westminster. This pivotal and exclusive event brought together senior parliamentarians, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the metals value chain to explore the essential role of critical metals supply chains in delivering the UK Government’s growth and Net Zero ambitions.
Organised in partnership with Labour in Energy & Industry, this invitation-only event marks a significant step in aligning the BBM initiative with the UK’s evolving industrial strategy.
The roundtable, chaired by Chris McDonald MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ed Miliband and former CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, convened around 30 senior executives, including representatives from prominent organisations across industries critical to the UK’s Net Zero mission. Confirmed participants from industry include Castings plc, William Cook Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Vattenfall, Vestas, Johnson Matthey, JDR Cables, EMR Recycling and Macquarie, representing key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, manufacturing, and materials recycling.
BBM event welcomed Minister of State for Industry, Sarah Jones MP, to represent the UK Government and who delivered a keynote address during the event. With her brief including industrial decarbonisation and infrastructure as well as green jobs, her insights are expected to further strengthen the dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders, emphasising the shared mission of achieving sustainability and economic growth through robust metals supply chains.
This roundtable builds on the momentum generated by BBM’s official launch at the UK Metals Expo earlier this year. During the expo, BBM highlighted the growing demand for critical metals and the UK’s unique position to lead the world in sustainable and innovative practices. The UK’s metals sector already combines world-class financial markets, commodities expertise, and competitive industrial regions, making it an ideal hub for critical metals development.
The industries represented at the roundtable reflect the diversity and significance of the UK’s metals value chain, which is critical to UK infrastructure and the wider economy. Organisations such as the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), Cobalt Institute, International Wrought Copper Council and International Lithium Association all joined in, alongside the Cast Metals Federation to bring their expertise to the discussion, ensuring all perspectives across the value chain start to be seriously addressed.
As global demand for aluminium, steel, and critical metals and minerals continues to surge, the UK metals sector faces challenges in financing, regulatory coherence and trade alignment. The roundtable tackled these issues head-on, providing a forum for collaboration between government and industry to shape future policies that ensure the metals industry’s resilience and growth.
Following the roundtable, BBM pledged to amplify its advocacy efforts, including following up on its response to the Invest 2035 Strategy Consultation, enhancing communications, and fostering broader collaboration with trade associations and companies. These steps are integral to ensuring that the UK’s metals sector is recognised as a cornerstone of the national economy and a key enabler of the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.
The Back British Metals Initiative remains committed to championing the UK metals industry as a leader in sustainability and innovation. By facilitating meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships, BBM aims to position the UK as a global hub for critical metals, ensuring a secure and prosperous future.
For more information, visit https://backbritishmetals.org or contact Contact@backbritishmetals.org
