Local MP champions a stronger British steel sector during visit to Littleton Steel

25/04/2025

Category: General

Local MP champions a stronger British steel sector during visit to Littleton Steel

Tessa Munt, the MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, recently visited Weston-super-Mare-based Littleton Steel, a constructional steelwork fabricator supporting major infrastructure projects across the South West.

The visit provided a chance to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the constructional steelwork sector. During her visit to Littleton Steel’s site, Tessa Munt MP met the team to hear about their ambitious plans for growth, including the proposed extension of their Weston-super-Mare facility, and the company’s commitment to preserving traditional skills and creating long-term career opportunities.

Formed originally in 1997 and rebranded as Littleton Steel Ltd in 2020, the company now employs 18 people and carries out projects across the South West. Littleton Steel has worked on some of the largest building refurbishment and new-build projects in Bristol, and continues with the fabrication of large temporary works projects for Hinckley Point C. This significant contribution was recognised by Tessa Munt as a strong example of delivering local social value through skilled jobs and regional investment. This significant contribution was recognised by Tessa Munt as a strong example of delivering local social value through skilled jobs and regional investment.

Discussions also covered the importance of apprenticeships and the need to safeguard traditional engineering skills, such as draughtsmanship, which risk being lost without targeted support from government and industry. Tessa Munt echoed concerns raised by Littleton’s leadership about the changing attitudes of young workers, and the impact of remote working trends on skills transfer and in-person training.

Another key issue raised during the visit was the challenge of cash retentions, where payment for completed work is withheld, affecting businesses like Littleton Steel. Tessa Munt expressed her support for initiatives aimed at creating fairer payment practices across the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Tessa Munt said: “At such a critical time for the steel industry in this country, it was brilliant to meet this talented team and to learn about this complex design and construction process. The skills and craftsmanship demonstrated at Littleton are second only to their commitment to fostering a genuine team spirit and a great place to work.”

Claire Matthews, office manager from Littleton Steel said: “We were delighted to welcome Tessa to our site and discuss the important work we are doing across the region. Maintaining traditional skills, offering apprenticeships, and supporting local talent are at the heart of our ethos. We appreciate Tessa taking the time to hear about the challenges we face and the opportunities we want to create as we continue to grow.”

Zoe Williams from the British Constructional Steelwork Association said: “The team at Littleton Steel did a fantastic job of hosting Tessa and highlighted very important issues and opportunities for growth across the sector. 

"British steelwork fabricators like Littleton Steel are central to many major infrastructure projects currently underway across the UK. Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we support British-based firms as we navigate an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.”

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