Paul McManus, chairman of the British Aggregates Association (BAA) and owner of Cloburn Quarry Company, in Lanark, Scotland, has stressed to BAA members that both he and the association's officers were making every effort to support the membership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement sent to members, McManus said that despite the good relationship built up between the industry and HM Treasury following the recent aggregate levy review process held nationwide, it was unfortunate that the UK Chancellor [Rishi Sunak] had not so far chosen to suspend aggregate levy payments. This despite HM Treasury putting forward many other beneficial measures to help industry.
McManus informed BAA members that he has sent a letter to the Chancellor asking him to clarify and put right the anomaly of aggregate levy payments at this time. The question of loans being provided by banks is always a contentious one even when it is under a scheme supported by the government; and in his statement to members McManus stressed that those companies with healthy balance sheets need to be aware that banks may interpret the rules differently to what the government intended. He stressed that members can seek the advice of the association who are supported by organisations in the legal profession along with the CBI.
McManus has also paid tribute to those independent quarry operators throughout the country who closed operations forthwith, despite the mixed messages coming from Westminster and Holyrood governments about whether or not construction work should cease. He believes it is the right thing to do in order to protect their workforce and families.
For his own company, like so many others, the virus has had a massive effect economically and he has put in place emergency measures and cash preservation policies in order to ensure survival. McManus explained that at the same time Cloburn Quarry Company was committed to maintaining all payments to suppliers, many of whom rely on the quarry for their survival. As such, many have received accelerated payments and he hopes to continue that policy for as long as the crisis continues.
McManus concluded his statement by confirming his full support to members during these troubled times, including any help or advice on the procedures that are being introduced by government to help business.
– View the full statement here
