With sales of £34 billion, the Chemical Industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the UK and has one of the highest growth rates.
It is the UK’s manufacturing number one exporter, having generated trade surplus of £4.6 billion on 2000. Approximately 240,000 people are employed in the manufacture of chemical ingredients used in the production of a wide range of products such as pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics and textiles.
All chemicals end up being used in products and services purchased by the consumer, There may be many stages between the processing of a chemical and the final consumer, but it is estimated that each UK household either directly or indirectly spends around £30/week on chemicals.
The Chemical Industry is fundamentally research based. It spent £3.2 billion on research and development in 1999. It also spends around £400 million per annum on training.
In an increasingly knowledge based society success will depend on the knowledge and skills of everyone Cogent has an important part to play in providing support and advice to employers, government, those who establish qualifications and education, and training providers.
Cogent works with other partners to provide strategic solutions to the acquisition of skills, to enhancing employability and to improving competitiveness in the sector.
On behalf of employers, Cogent advises government and others involved in the development of formal education so that those entering the workforce will have the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their industry's productivity and overall performance.
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