REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd OBE, who campaigned for Brexit, has commented on the pros and cons of departure from the EU as the tenth anniversary of the referendum approaches. He said that despite the best efforts of the establishment to frustrate the Brexit dividend, progress - although sluggish - has been and continues to be made. He said that the full benefits of Brexit will not be realised until the government embraces the freedoms that the British people voted for: i.e. taking back control. He said that Brexit is working but its benefits have not been capitalised upon and there is much more that needs to be done by Government for the UK to fully realise the opportunities. He said that in this regard, this includes regulatory reform in the interest of British businesses which remain hamstrung by poor regulation derived from EU diktats despite the country no longer being a member of the EU ‘club’. Simon said that both the Conservatives and, more lately, the Labour party have failed the country in this regard. Simon was regional chair of Business for Britain South West during the EU Referendum campaign and has more recently campaigned to save steelmaking in the UK. He highlights that the action Government has taken this far to protect steelmaking would not have been allowed under EU rules. According to the Parliament.UK website, in May 2019, the Government rejected British Steel's request for emergency financial assistance, stating that it was constrained by EU state aid rules. The company was subsequently placed into liquidation. As a result of his work, Simon was made OBE in the New Year Honours for services to British steel manufacturing and more widely SMEs. Simon is also a trustee of the Jobs Foundation , which is a charity that champions business as a force for good, as does the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he sits as vice-president. Simon said: “Brexit progress from 2016 was deliberately stalled by the establishment until 2020, following which less than a year later we had the Covid pandemic, economic volatility and geo-political tensions resulting in two wars. None of which was the fault of Brexit. “Many people are trying to say that returning to the EU would stimulate growth in the UK but the facts do not support this. “The UK economy has fared better than leading EU nations since Brexit and the current challenges have been caused by ill-conceived government policies as well as world events. “Since the 2016 referendum, UK GDP has grown by 12.9% in total, according to figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlighted by economist Liam Halligan. That is more than the 12.5% in France, 10.3% in Italy and 6.3 % in Germany.” “If we look at the statistics, trade deals are coming through although not as quickly as perhaps we would like but we now have a trade surplus outside the EU of £50bn while our trade deficit with the EU still sits at £89bn a year. “Clearly more needs to be done and I do not want to see us returning to the debate over in or out and right or wrong. “A democratic decision was made and government no matter the colour needs to deliver on that decision.” Since Brexit, the UK has signed trade deals and agreements in principle with more than 70 countries, as well as one with the EU, including rollovers from EU deals and some new ones. There have been deals with Japan, New Zealand, Australia, India, South Korea and most recently in May 2026, the Gulf Cooperation Council. The UK has also joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and signed an Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) with the US. OECD figures show that the UK’s total global exports were second only to Canada as the fastest-growing in the G7 since 2016. The UK’s good/services exports increased by more than 45.2% - behind Canada with 51.2% but ahead of the US with 42.9%, Italy with 42.4%, France with 37.6% and Germany with 31.8%. When Great Britain joined the then European Economic Community in 1973, the nine member states accounted for 35 % of the global economy . Today the EU generates 15pc of world GDP – a share that is expected to fall below 10pc by 2040. Simon said: “Notwithstanding the above, the conditions the EU would insist upon for us rejoining would be akin to reboarding the Titanic upon condition that we surrender our life vests first. “The EU did not work for us and to consider rejoining or getting closer will at worst cancel Brexit or at best not only impede progress but result in Brexit In Name Only (BRINO). “The British people have always been resourceful and resilient. I firmly believe that the best is yet to come if only our incumbent government understands the important principle that economic growth comes from businesses. “The way we are going to get out of the mess we are in now is through growth; it is current government policy that is hampering growth, not Brexit. “Government is right to be wise about the threats of dictatorships around the world, and to maintain our own democratic decisions and freedom of speech. Of course, part of which means respecting the historic democratic decision of the British people in 2016.” Simon added: “In this country we severely under-estimate the strength of ‘brand Britain’ overseas with its reputation for quality of workmanship, product and service. “There is so much potential in the world outside of the EU and that is what we must focus on. This does not mean that we don’t want trade with our European friends but we must stay out of the Brussels club.” The referendum vote was on 23 June 2016 but Britain did not officially leave until January 31, 2020 with a transition period until 31 December 2020 when it left the single market and customs union. Labour pledged before the general election of 2024 that there would be no return to single market, freedom of movement or customs union but PM Keir Starmer has since then promised a ‘full reset’ with EU.
REIDsteel is proud to be the official sponsor of the 2026 Dorset Chamber President’s Ball. The countdown has started for this celebration of the county’s business community on 18 June at the Marriott Hotel in Bournemouth. Hosted by Dorset Chamber president Gareth Sherwood, the back-tie event will include a prosecco reception, three-course dinner and entertainment. Our managing director Simon Boyd, who is chamber vice-president, will be attendance with members of our team. The prestigious occasion is one of the highlights of the business calendar, bringing together members, business leaders, family and friends to celebrate the superb and supportive business community we have in Dorset. We’re a longstanding chamber member and a platinum business partner which believes in giving back and playing a full and active role in the community where it is based and where so many of its employees live and work. Gareth brings a unique and inspiring perspective to his role as president. With a diverse background spanning medicine, charity leadership and community development, he has dedicated his career to building strong, supportive communities. His passion for creating positive change, developing people and bringing organisations together is reflected in his presidency and in the spirit of this special event. It’s an honour to sponsor the event and work with him. We’re very much looking forward to the ball! It promises to be a wonderful evening – and tickets are going fast. So, get yours now by visiting the Dorset Chamber website here .
Simon Boyd OBE, managing director of REIDsteel, said: “This long overdue decision is very welcome. “Public ownership is the only way for British Steel to secure its long term future. “This will require substantial public investment that will pay back major dividends for our country in the medium term. “It would be a great mistake for any government to consider private investment as an option until the necessary public investment has been made to put British Steel at the forefront of steelmaking in the world. “We must also retain the ability to make virgin steel which means investment not only in an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) as it is logical to use recycled scrap but investment in a new blast furnace with supporting infrastructure and carbon capture technology which will put us ahead of the competition. “There is a forward looking business opportunity here to steal a march by making the UK the leading producer of high grade steel worldwide. “We would not only be able to extend the lines that we can produce in the UK, we would also be able to produce more virgin steel for export. “If the government truly wishes to once more make the UK a powerhouse of international steelmaking, with all of the benefits for the supply chain, economy and society that brings, it must hold its nerve and give British Steel and its workforce the investment, support and time it needs to succeed. “I would be very pleased, along with others from the structural steel sector, to meet with officials from the Department for Business and Trade and Ministers to discuss this further.” PM Keir Starmer announced on 11 May that legislation will be brought forward this week – expected to be in the King’s speech on Wednesday 13 May - to give the government powers, subject to that public interest test, to take full national ownership of British Steel. It comes just over a year after the government took over the daily running of the business from its Chinese owner Jingye. Simon Boyd was made OBE in the New Year Honours for services to British steel manufacturing and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). He has previously campaigned to save the blast furnaces at British Steel. REIDsteel is a 130-strong structural steel business based in Christchurch, Dorset. It designs, makes and builds steel structures across the UK and worldwide, including bridges, aircraft hangars, offices, warehouses, hospital, airport terminals and disaster resistant buildings.
Commercial director Tim Cook has hung up his hard hat after half a century in the steel industry – including 38 years at REIDsteel. He bid a fond farewell to the Christchurch-based company after playing a major role in shaping the business’ growth, success and development as the powerhouse it has become today. Tim and fellow long-serving retirees, company accountant John Sinkinson and structural engineer Peter Mrosinski, celebrated their retirements with colleagues and family at a party at the Captain’s Club in Christchurch. Tim said: “I’m very proud to have been part of the success at REIDsteel, especially as commercial director over the past 12 years. “I have enjoyed great relationships with clients and contacts worldwide, and have been lucky to have had the opportunity to visit interesting places, including Africa and the Caribbean, and to do things I would never have done elsewhere. “The ambition of REIDsteel and the tenacity of its team to work in some of the most challenging countries have seen award winning success, including the Queen’s Award for export/international trade four times, as well as numerous other accolades for engineering excellence over the years.” Tim, who is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Export and past Wessex Branch chairman, said: “I have really enjoyed being part of a business that trades internationally and exports the best of British engineering worldwide. “There have been many changes in the industry, especially improved health and safety, and the development of technology which has allowed for the design, detailing and fabrication of structures which would have been previously impossible. “I am of the firm belief that business is about people and relationships, especially the export market where trust is so important. “Building relationships with people while embracing the latest technological developments is an excellent formula for success.” Tim, aged 67 and married to Wendy with three adult children and one granddaughter, added: “My thanks go to everybody I have worked with, the great team at REIDsteel, the supplier network, our loyal customers, and everybody out there who has helped me over the years. I wish them all the very best for the future.” Tim left school in 1975 as a 16 year old and took a four-year engineering apprenticeship in Southampton, qualified as a draughtsman and became a drawing office manager in Somerset before joining REIDsteel as contracts manager in July 1988 and became commercial director in 2014 . The majority of his 51 years’ working life has been spent at REIDsteel. Tim, who lived in the New Forest for many years before moving back to his hometown of Totton, is looking forward to spending more time with family and exploring Europe in a new campervan with Wendy. Simon Boyd OBE, REIDsteel managing director, said: “Tim has made an immeasurable contribution to the success of the company and the structural steel sector over five decades. “He has left a lasting impression on all those colleagues, customers and suppliers who have had the privilege to know him, with his professionalism, commitment, integrity and insight. “Along with Tim, John Sinkinson and Peter Mrosinski have been indispensable to the company over the past 30 plus years and have played a key role in supporting the next generation coming through. “On behalf of REIDsteel, I thank them for their exceptional service and wish them all very long, enjoyable and fulfilling retirements.” REIDsteel, with 130 staff, designs, manufactures, supplies and, where required, builds steel structures of all kinds across the UK and the world – including all primary and secondary steel, cladding, doors and glazing. Founded in 1919, it has exported to more than 140 countries and was the first contractor to sign the UK Steel Charter with UK Steel in support of British manufacturing. It is a founding member of the Jobs Foundation’s business council and Simon Boyd is a trustee of the foundation, a charity that champions business as a force for good. REIDsteel is also a platinum business partner of Dorset Chamber where Simon is vice-president.
We placed our terminals and hangars in the spotlight at one of the leading international airport conferences and trade shows in London. Our business development managers Chris Evans and Luke Cleaver-Harris represented the company at PTE World (Passenger Terminal Expo) at the Excel centre in Docklands. They made many new contacts and held valuable conversations about the industry and how our design, fabrication and construction expertise for steel framed terminals fits into the picture. Chris and Luke were based on the prominent and very busy British Aviation Group stand at the event where they meet fellow delegates from across the UK, Europe and the World. They also rubbed shoulders with fellow members of the BAG, including chair Tim Walder. More than 10,000 delegates from airports, airlines, aviation authorities, governments and related businesses attended the event. If you missed Chris and Luke at the show or wish to follow up conversations, please don’t hesitate to contact them on +1202 483333 or email chrisevans@reidsteel.co.uk and lukecleaver-harris@reidsteel.co.uk .
We‘re looking forward to the Careers and Apprenticeship Show at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday March 12. Our team will be on stand D2 to talk about the rich variety of exciting roles available at REIDsteel, from our offices and workshops at our headquarters in Christchurch to construction sites across the UK and world. The free-to-attend event, organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council , is aimed at young people aged 15 to 19 considering their future careers. As well as students from schools across the area, it is open to teachers, parents and careers. We will be among about 100 exhibitors at the show. As a company we are committed to investing in the development of trainees, apprentices, and graduates across the business. We have a ‘one team’ ethos which values every employee individually. Last year’s show was fully booked and we had a busy event talking to lots of fantastic young people about opportunities at our company and careers generally. The show will be open to students and schools based in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole from 9am to 3pm. The general public – parents, carers and young people – can attend from 4pm to 7pm. Book online at https://www.careersandapprenticeshipshow.co.uk/
Our award-winning aircraft hangars and airport terminal buildings will be in the spotlight at PTE World in March. Chris Evans and Luke Cleaver-Harris from our business development team will be on our stand with the British Aviation Group in Hall N8-N23 on Booth D-190 . PTE World 2026 (Passenger Terminal Expo & Conference) is being held from March 17 to 19 at Excel London. The world-leading event will connect more than 11,000 delegates from airports, airlines, aviation authorities, governments and related businesses from across the globe. Chris and Luke will be on hand to talk about our structural steel engineering, design, fabrication and installation expertise. Our complete solutions include: Primary and secondary steelwork Mezzanines, decking and staircases Steel balustrades and handrailing Wall cladding including translucents, screens, louvres, flashings and trims Roof cladding including translucents, guttering and rain pipes In-house glazing design and fabrication Doors, including personnel, hangar, roller shutter, glazed sliding, revolving, up and over and steel fire rated Hostile vehicle mitigation barriers We’ve built terminals and hangars across the world in 107 years of trading , with exports to more than 140 countries to date. Recent https://www.reidsteel.com/steel-buildings/kumasi-airport-terminal projects have included major airport terminals in Africa, such as Kumasi Airport Terminal in Ghana. Chris and Luke are looking forward to meeting with aviation contacts new and old during the event. Please call in at our stand – in Hall N8-N23 on Booth D-190 – or get in touch to arrange a meeting at the show
REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd has called on the government to safeguard blast furnaces at British Steel in any talks about its future. Simon, who was made OBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to steel manufacturing and SMEs, warned that the UK must possess the capability to make virgin steel from iron ore. Along with a small group of business leaders in the steel industry, Simon has written to the Secretary of State for Business and leaders of other political parties calling for a meeting to discuss threats to the industry. His comments come after PM Keir Starmer and Business Secretary Peter Kyle failed to secure an agreement for the future of British Steel on a recent trip to China and amid interest in the company from investor Michael Flacks. The Manchester-born businessman is preparing a bid for British Steel through his Miami-based Flacks Group and will combine it with the Ilva steelworks in Italy, according to the Financial Times. Simon said: “Now is not the right time to be looking for private investment. “British Steel needs to be taken into public ownership, reinvested in and brought up to date before consideration of some level of privatisation involving a British company is considered. “This must include continued use and eventual replacement of the company’s two blast furnaces along with construction of two new Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and carbon capture capability. “If we lose our blast furnace capability we will be one hundred per cent reliant on imports of foreign virgin steel and foreign EAF steel, with a devastating impact on critical infrastructure, rail and defence sectors. “While the government dithers, the clock is ticking.” The first anniversary of the government’s takeover of British Steel in April 2025 is fast approaching. Blast furnaces at British Steel in Scunthorpe will reach the end of their working life within the next five to 10 years and there is currently no large scale producer of EAF steel in the UK. The government is running British Steel at a cost to the taxpayer but Chinese firm Jingye remains the legal owner. Simon added: “The government missed a golden opportunity in China to take British Steel under full public ownership. “Its dismal failure is symptomatic of the apathy which has left the company, its employees, contractors, supply chain and local community in limbo for nearly a year.” Simon also hit out at the government for policies which have undermined the steelmaking giant. Contract specifications for low carbon levels in many UK infrastructure projects mean that British Steel products are often ruled out in favour of EAF steel – such as for the Net Zero Teesside (NZT) gas-powered electricity plant in the North East. China’s Modern Heavy Industries was given the contract by NZT for part of the steel needed to build the facility because it can supply so called ‘green steel’ produced in electric arc furnaces (EAF) using scrap steel. The steel could have been made in British Steel’s own blast furnaces and rolled five minutes down the road from the new development in Teesside. Simon said: “There are glaring contradictions in government policy. “On one hand, it has put measures in place to safeguard the future of British Steel at a cost of about £350m a year yet on the other hand its own policies are damaging the company’s ability to win business and survive. “it is being excluded and denied access to very market upon which it depends. Why spend all of this money if British Steel is not able to sell into the market. The irony is incredible.” Simon previously campaigned to save British Steel when its blast furnaces came under threat last March.
REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd has called on PM Keir Starmer to resolve the future of British Steel on his impending visit to China. Simon, who was made OBE in the New Years Honours for services to steel manufacturing and SMEs, insisted that the government must seal a deal in Beijing to bring the company under full public ownership. The government seized control of British Steel in April 2025 to stop its Chinese owners Jingye from closing the UK’s only two remaining blast furnaces. Simon said: “There can be no prevarication or delay – the government must return with an agreement for full public ownership of British Steel. “The blast furnaces at British Steel in Scunthorpe will reach the end of their working lifespan within the next five to 10 years, so there is no time to lose. “Investment is required for two new blast furnaces which can make virgin steel from iron ore with carbon capture technology along with two new Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) which use scrap steel. “But that can only happen if British Steel is taken into public ownership with a long-term vision and funding which can turn the company into a viable, profitable business providing a return for the taxpayer. “Following which, private-public ownership can be considered with a model that forbids the company from ever again being sold to a foreign body.” Simon added: “The British people have to ask themselves whether or not they want to retain steelmaking in the UK. “If we lose our blast furnaces we will be one hundred per cent reliant on imports of foreign virgin steel and foreign EAF steel that suit our mills. “EAFs are a viable investment but we need two of these and they need to be built on British Steel land and they must belong to British Steel. “There are a multitude of uses for steel produced by EAFs but the fact remains that for our country to lose the capability to make virgin steel we will never again be able to make the highest grade steel possible. “Currently there is only enough scrap metal globally to meet one third of the world demand for steel, so there is clearly a need for virgin steel. “It would be an act of great national harm if we were to exclude ourselves as a maker of virgin steel for which there is worldwide demand which is currently fulfilled by some of the dirtiest producers on the planet. “If we invest in blast furnaces with carbon capture technology we can be the greenest producer and the market leader of virgin steel production. “It will remain critical for our country’s economy, skillset, infrastructure and nationally important sectors such as defence and rail to be able to make our own virgin steel.” PM Starmer is expected to visit Beijing this week with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business Secretary Peter Kyle. It follows the government’s approval of controversial plans for a new super-embassy for China in the heart of London. The government is running British Steel at a cost to the taxpayer but Jingye remains the legal owner. The company is expected to demand compensation of upto £1bn for loss of ownership although the government is not prepared to meet this figure, according to latest reports. The UK steel sector directly employs 33,700 people and a further 42,000 in the wider supply chain. British Steel is one of the leading steel manufacturers in Europe, with the capability to produce around two million tonnes of quality steel products annually. Speaking on economist Liam Halligan’s When the Facts Change podcast, Simon invited the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform leader Nigel Farage and deputy-leader Richard Tice and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey to meet with him and fellow steel firm bosses to discuss the future of steel in the UK. This would include the future of British Steel and net zero driven procurement specifications and policies that exclude 25-30% of contracts being fulfilled in the UK by British Steel and encourage cheap imports. Simon previously campaigned to save British Steel when the blast furnaces came under threat last March.
