A CHRISTCHURCH business leader has called for greater financial backing for the structural steel sector.

Simon Boyd, managing director of REIDsteel, demanded the government deal with the difficulties businesses face in seeking access to finance.

Simon made his views known at an event held by the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA).

The BCSA, which is the trade body for UK and Irish steelwork contractors and its wider supply chain, held the summit at the House of Lords to set out five key measures to sustain and promote its members and the industry.

Mr Boyd, whose company designs, manufactures and installs steel structures, was among the speakers urging politicians to take action.

He said: “The focus of government over financial institutions and big businesses needs to be adjusted to see the potential for UK plc through the many SMEs who provide most of the employment in this country.

“We need government to facilitate access to finance so that we can vastly improve our productivity and the pay packet of our people.

“This could be done by government making regulatory changes to the banking world or by giving the British Business Bank or LEPs the financial firepower to provide appropriate loans direct to SMEs.”

Mr Boyd also reminded government that businesses like REIDsteel create employment, enable social mobility and pay the taxes that government needs to spend on services.

He said: “Give us the access to finance we need and we will improve productivity and level up.”

The BCSA’s manifesto launch came as political parties begin to formulise policies for the general election later this year.

Its five measures are end cash retentions, public project procurement. fit for purpose apprenticeships to meet the growing skills gap, access to finance to innovate and support for the steelmakers.

Dr David Moore, CEO of the BCSA, said, “It is our hope that a future government, of whatever political persuasion they may be, will recognise both the value and potential of the constructional steelwork industry and take the action we need to flourish and grow.”