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.”

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