Our Special Profiles team was delighted to meet Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and recently elected Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen at our Skinningrove mill.
The steel industry attracts attention from many politicians due to the importance of steel in creating a sustainable future. British Steel’s Skinningrove site has hosted Labour Leader Jeremy Corby, and also recently elected Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and the area’s new MP Simon Clarke – both Conservatives.
The Labour leader, who was accompanied by Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald, discussed the transformation of our business with Special Profiles Managing Director Peter Gate, Plant Manager Paul McNulty and representatives from the Community and Unite unions.
He then toured the mill to see how we transform our steel into special profiles like track shoes, cutting edges and crane rail.
Two TV crews and local newspapers joined Mr Corbyn on the visit and he told the Gazette: “This plant here produces very good quality steel…we’ve been talking to the management and unions here about what a Labour government would do on our industrial plans…our investment strategy for the future, and above all our training strategy.”
On a further visit by Mr Houchen, accompanied by Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of the Tees Valley and Combined Authority, Peter was able to outline how the Special Profiles business plans to move forward in the challenging times ahead. He said: “It’s pleasing that so many politicians have taken such a great interest in British Steel, particularly in Special Profiles.”
The wider business has also enjoyed hosting various other VIPs. Prime Minister Theresa May visited our Scunthorpe plant in the run-up to the general election.
Peter said: “It was a good opportunity to discuss how far we’ve come during the first 12 months of British Steel.
“We outlined our development plans as we look to build a future for our business, our people and the wider Teesside economy.
“While we’ve come a long way, we made it clear that we’re only just starting out in our journey. There’s a long way to go, and significant challenges to overcome, if we are to become sustainable so it was reassuring to receive their support.”