Dan Mann, UK Corporate Affairs Manager, attended Reform UK’s annual conference this month as part of Cemex’s ongoing programme of engagement with policymakers and stakeholders from across the political spectrum.
As a business operating across every region of the UK, Cemex is affected by decisions relating to infrastructure, industrial policy, energy, planning and decarbonisation. Political conferences provide valuable opportunities to engage with MPs, councillors, local government representatives and policy advisers, helping ensure the voice of our industry is heard as policy develops.
With Reform UK continuing to expand its presence in local government and national politics, the event provided an important opportunity to better understand the party’s priorities and discuss issues affecting the construction materials sector and wider UK industry.
During the conference, Dan participated in a series of meetings with elected representatives, councillors and senior party figures. A key highlight was taking part in a roundtable discussion with Richard Tice MP, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, where conversations focused on industrial competitiveness, carbon leakage, energy policy, infrastructure delivery and the challenges facing energy-intensive industries.
The conference also provided opportunities to strengthen relationships with local government representatives from across the country, discuss the importance of minerals planning and construction materials to regional economies, and identify future engagement opportunities, including site visits and ongoing dialogue on issues affecting British industry.
One of the key themes emerging from the event was the growing influence of local councillors within Reform UK. As local planning and infrastructure decisions play an important role in our operations, building relationships at this level will continue to be valuable.
More broadly, discussions throughout the conference reinforced the party’s focus on supporting British industry, domestic manufacturing, energy security and infrastructure delivery. The event highlighted the importance of early engagement and ensuring Cemex is well positioned to contribute constructively to future policy discussions.
By engaging with policymakers at every level, Corporate Affairs helps ensure Cemex’s perspective is represented in discussions that shape the future of our industry, while identifying opportunities and potential challenges that may impact our business.
To discuss any of the issues raised at the conference, or our wider political engagement programme, please contact Dan Mann at [email protected]