Britain’s manufacturers have welcomed the setting up of a new Business Energy Forum, believing that it will help put the needs of the economy at the heart of future decisions on ensuring a secure and competitive supply of energy in the future.
Commenting on today’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, Director General of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation (one of the members of the Forum), Martin Temple, said:
“The lights might not have gone off for manufacturers last winter but there is no doubt that the competitive position of many companies was put at risk by the extra costs they faced. The situation currently looks little better ahead of next winter and companies will look to government through this Forum to ensure they receive a secure supply of energy.”
In addition, EEF also welcomed the announcement of measures to speed up planning decisions on new gas important storage facilities which are vital given the UK’s increasing dependence on imported gas. EEF had called for extra storage facilities in its own energy strategy ‘Sustainable Energy - A Long Term Strategy for the UK’ published last Autumn.
“Whilst we can do nothing about the short term, this announcement shows government is now focussing on planning for the future. It is essential that it builds on this in the forthcoming energy review by putting in place a balanced strategy which includes all sources. This will ensure a secure a competitive supply of energy in the medium to long term for UK business” added Mr Temple.