Quarrying partnership with Parliament

Aggregate Industries support Industry Parliament Trust fellowship programme with High Peak MP

AGGREGATE Industries are supporting a fellowship programme with Andrew Bingham MP, through the Industry Parliament Trust (IPT). The unique programme is designed to promote a better understanding between Parliament and industry.

Mr Bingham, who is MP for High Peak in Derbyshire, will visit Aggregate Industries’ operations across the UK to develop a better understanding of the national significance of the quarrying and construction materials industry.

Laurie Quinn, regional director with Aggregate Industries, said: ‘The IPT fellowship offers a mutual, non-political platform for Aggregate Industries and Mr Bingham to gain a better understanding of the drivers for both industry and Parliament.

‘Our industry was one of the first to feel the effects of the global financial crisis in 2008 and the economic climate remains tough. It is recognized that continued investment in construction and infrastructure is vital to help aid economic recovery and gaining a further parliamentary perspective is incredibly useful for us, particularly in light of the recent Government Construction Strategy.’

Andrew Bingham (pictured second from right) said: ‘I signed up to the IPT scheme as I feel it is important that MPs retain a link with industry and business through whatever means are available. I chose the quarrying industry due to the significant amount of quarrying in my High Peak constituency.

‘Aggregate Industries have put together a busy and varied programme for me to see all aspects of their business across the country. It is really valuable experience for me and a tremendous opportunity to learn not just how stone is quarried but other aspects including the treatment and the shipping of the product. I can also see the direct consequences of Government legislation and hear first-hand the challenges faced by the industry as a whole.’

The fellowship programme began in early August with visits to Aggregate Industries’ Cornish quarrying and logistics operations, before moving on to Mendip Rail and Torr Works in Somerset.

The programme will continue in October with visits to the company’s head office and flagship site at Bardon Hill, in Leicestershire, before going on to sand and gravel operations in Staffordshire. It will conclude at the end of October with visits to Ivonbrook and Topley Pike quarries in Mr Bingham’s home county of Derbyshire.