Ceramics UK Executive to Chair the Energy Intensive Users Group

The Deputy CEO of Ceramics UK is to play a key role in steering the nation’s foundation industries towards fair and competitive energy prices, as the new chair of the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG).

Dr Andrew McDermott is taking up the leadership role for a two-year term. The position was previously held by Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel.

The EIUG is an umbrella organisation representing the collective interests of the UK’s major energy intensive industrial (EII) consumers, including manufacturers of steel, fertilisers, paper, glass, cement, lime and industrial gases, as well as ceramics.

Its focus is to secure fair and competitive energy prices, maintain energy supply security, and support the cost-effective decarbonisation of British industry without de-industrialisation, thereby enabling members to compete effectively on the global stage.

As Deputy CEO of Ceramics UK, Andrew McDermott, is already helping to shape the ceramic industry’s response to energy and decarbonisation policy.

Andrew said: “There’s never been a more challenging time to address energy policy in the UK, and we need to deliver change.

“I am looking forward to building on the outstanding work of Gareth Stace and continue working with EIUG members to advocate for an environment where they can compete globally, with secure, internationally competitive energy supplies and measures in place to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage.”

Representing a significant slice of the UK economy, EIUG members add an annual contribution of £29 billion gross added value to the nation’s economy, and support 210,000 jobs directly, as well as 800,000 jobs indirectly around the country.

These essential industries form the backbone of the economy, underpinning every sector by supplying the essential materials and infrastructure on which modern society depends.

Andrew added: “It’s vital the voice of EIUG is heard, and that action is taken to ensure these industries have the confidence, competitiveness and continuity in energy supply and policies, to continue to operate and invest in the UK.

“Our greatest concern is that inward investment, growth and competitiveness have been hampered for years by persistently higher UK energy costs compared with international competitors. 

“This has increased exposure to carbon leakage and deterred investments in decarbonisation, in some cases leading to investment, economic activity, emissions and jobs moving overseas.

“The result is a rise in imports, a drag on productivity, and a loss of UK GDP.

“Addressing this must now be treated as an urgent national priority.”