S04E04 | Steel Quotas, Trade Pressure, and Supply Chain Survival: Paul Whitehouse on the Current Crisis
Episode Summary:
In Episode 4 of Season 4, we sit down with Paul Whitehouse, Managing Director at Steel & Alloy, part of Gonvarri Industries, to unpack the biggest trade and supply chain pressures currently facing the UK steel sector.
Steel & Alloy is one of the UK’s leading steel service centres supplying the automotive industry, and Paul brings a sharp, honest view of how businesses are reacting to tariffs, trade restrictions, and market volatility.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone operating in metals, manufacturing, automotive supply, or logistics.
We explore:
- How recent quota changes are disrupting supply chains
- The unintended consequences of the UK's trade policy
- What stockholding risk looks like in today’s market
- Whether service centres can plan long-term under current systems
- What Paul would say to UK policymakers
“We saw this coming. The issue was, no one wanted to deal with it.”
“We’re not just competing on price — we’re competing on certainty.”
“Our customers don’t care about quotas. They just need their steel.”
“We’re not just competing on price — we’re competing on certainty.”
“Our customers don’t care about quotas. They just need their steel.”
Key Topics:
- Tariffs, quotas, and the problem with residuals
- Stockholding risks in volatile trading environments
- Brexit, steel safeguards, and policy blind spots
- The reality of automotive supply chain pressures
- Why stable leadership matters in uncertain times
- Steel & Alloy’s role inside Gonvarri Industries
- Real-world views from the commercial front line
- What’s needed to futureproof UK steel supply
🧷 Episode Quote:
"This isn’t just about steel. It’s about the systems that decide who gets to compete." – Paul Whitehouse
🔗 Sponsors:
SteelBuy is a digital marketplace built for the metals industry, helping buyers and sellers connect with speed, transparency, and simplicity.
NERO Pipeline Connections is a trusted UK stockholder of stainless steel valves, fittings, and pipeline products, supporting industries from process to precision.
Comton Group Ltd. is a specialist recruiter for the metal, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, helping businesses hire the right people from shop floor to senior leadership.
🎙️ About The Metal Guys Talk Business:
Hosted by Peter Comerford and Mike Bolton, The Metal Guys Talk Business is the go-to podcast for professionals in the metals, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Each episode explores the challenges, changes, and big ideas shaping the industry from the shop floor to the boardroom.
🤝 Connect with the Hosts and Guest:
Peter Comerford – Connect on LinkedIn
Mike Bolton – Connect on LinkedIn
Paul Whitehouse – Connect on LinkedIn
Mike Bolton – Connect on LinkedIn
Paul Whitehouse – Connect on LinkedIn
