SteelCast: Recent Episodes
TataSteelUK
Tata Steel's UK communications team speak to the leaders and workers of Tata Steel sites across the UK. Join us as we discuss current climates and what they mean for the UK steel industry.
Tata Steel UK’s electric arc furnace (EAF) will require up to 45,000 tonnes of high-quality, low-impurity steel scrap every week once operational, making Port Talbot one of the UK’s largest steel recyclers. The UK generates around 10–11 million tonnes of steel scrap each year, providing a plentiful domestic supply. However, producing high-quality steel in an EAF requires scrap with very low levels of contaminants, including non-ferrous materials such as copper and chrome, as well as plastics and other impurities. To help secure this supply, Tata Steel UK is working closely with the recycling sector, academia, and the UK and Welsh Governments to explore policy and regulatory reforms that can increase domestic processing capacity, raise quality standards, and maximise the value of the significant volumes of steel scrap available within the UK. Central to these discussions is the introduction of minimum domestic processing standards for steel scrap. Such measures would help retain a valuable resource within the UK, strengthen domestic steelmaking and manufacturing, and support the growth of a more resilient circular economy. In December, Tata Steel UK joined fellow steel producers and representatives from the recycling industry to publish Circular Steel: Strengthening the UK’s Industrial Supply Chain, a report outlining the policy changes needed to unlock the full economic and environmental potential of the UK’s steel scrap resources.
What are steel tariffs and quotas, and why do they matter to the future of UK manufacturing? In this episode of Steel Cast, recorded outside the Houses of Parliament, host Tim Rutter is joined by Vlad Darahan, Head of International Trade at Tata Steel UK, to unpack the new UK and EU steel trade measures introduced on 1 July. They discuss what tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) actually are, why they were introduced, how global steel overcapacity is reshaping markets, and what the latest decisions mean for Tata Steel UK and the wider steel industry. The conversation explores the balance between free trade and protecting domestic manufacturing, the impact of imports on UK steel producers, and why maintaining a strong steel sector is critical for the UK's economic security. Topics covered: ✅ What are steel tariffs and quotas? ✅ Why were new UK and EU measures introduced? ✅ The impact of global steel overcapacity ✅ What the changes mean for Tata Steel UK ✅ Economic security and the future of UK steelmaking Don't forget to like, subscribe and comment with topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. #SteelCast #TataSteel #UKSteel #TradePolicy #Tariffs #Manufacturing #SteelIndustry #EconomicSecurity #PortTalbot #GreenSteel
One year after we first documented the transformation of the Port Talbot steelworks site, significant progress has been made in preparation for Tata Steel UK's new Electric Arc Furnace.
Join Peter Jones as he takes us around the site, showcasing the major milestones achieved over the last 12 months. See how one of the UK's largest industrial transformation projects is moving from vision to reality.
Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses. 🔔
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A new era for British steelmaking starts here.
We officially broke ground on our new Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot — the heart of our £1.25 billion transformation towards low-emission steelmaking.
In this special episode, host Tim Rutter speaks to some of the suppliers, contractor partners and project managers who are working together as one team to deliver this transformational project — capturing the scale, collaboration and momentum behind it.
Join us for the highlights from this historic day in UK steelmaking — only on #SteelCast.
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GreenSteelFuture
Solar power that blends in beautifully? Yes, please!
In this episode of #SteelCast, we explore the launch of Catnic SolarSeam – a sleek, UK-made bonded solar solution built for modern homes and sustainable construction.
Developed by Caerphilly-based business, Catnic - part of Tata Steel UK - SolarSeam combines flexible CIGS solar tech with Catnic Urban standing seam roofing.
It’s efficient, low-profile, and installer-friendly – ideal for retrofits, new builds, and design-led projects.
🎙️ Host Tim Rutter meets with Catnic, Tata Steel, and solar experts to find out how this new solution is changing the game for solar-ready roofing.
Watch this episode on YouTube: SteelCast S3 E38: Sun-powered steel – inside Catnic’s solar roofing breakthrough - YouTube
Learn more about Catnic: Catnic | UK Lintel & Steel Construction Products Manufacturer | Catnic
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GreenSteelFuture
Our £1.25 billion green steelmaking journey goes way beyond our Electric Arc Furnace...
A significant and critical part of the investment is also being spent on extending the life of Port Talbot’s Hot Rolling Mill and investing in a brand new Pickle Line.
These upgrades will ensure the low-CO₂ steels from our Electric Arc Furnace are processed as effectively as possible before going for further processing or direct to customers. Join Host Tim Rutter, as Mills CAPEX Lead Andrew McGregor walks us through all the changes being planned – there are a LOT!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VSRZ8sLejbg
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GreenSteelFuture
Step inside the future of green steelmaking at Port Talbot . . .
Join host Tim Rutter and EAF & Casters Programme Manager Peter Jones for an exclusive, all-access tour of the £1.25 billion transformation set to reshape Port Talbot.
From the rail head to the scrap storage area, through the path of the new steel conveyor, and into the space where a state-of-the-art 3.2 million tonne electric arc furnace will take shape — this episode gives you an early look at what’s to come.
Listen or watch to see how Peter and team are managing one of the biggest and most significant investments in steel industry history.
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In a week in which Donald Trump announced tariffs on steel, the UK Government launched its Plan for Steel, and Tata Steel UK gained planning approval to build its 3 million-tonnes-a-year Electric Arc Furnace, SteelCast talks to Head of Public Affairs, Tom Evans about the company’s policy asks of government. In front of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster,
Tom talks tariffs and Trump, examines energy costs, speaks about scrap, and ponders public procurement.
Watch the episode on YouTube here: SteelCast S3 E35: Tom Evans talks Trump and tariffs - YouTube
Read about what it is exactly that Tata Steel UK is after from the UK Government, here: https://www.tatasteeluk.com/sites/def...
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SteelCast
Steelcast host Tim Rutter spoke to a number of key participants at a recent UK Steel-hosted parliamentary event in Westminster, which discussed the issues that the sector feels are so important in shaping the UK Government’s forthcoming steel strategy.
Tata Steel UK Director of Comms and Chair of UK Steel, Martin Brunnock talks us through the event as we hear from UK Steel Director General, Gareth Stace, new Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on steel, Jonathan Brash MP, and MP for Aberafan and Maesteg, Stephen Kinnock.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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The UK Metals Expo 2024 was the third consecutive year the whole of the UK metals industry came together under one roof at Birmingham’s NEC.
Join Tata Steel UK’s Tim Rutter, Abi Thomas and Gareth Brookes as they catch up with industry experts to talk about the big topics around steel, its people and the path to a greener future.
Topics covered in part two are the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the UK scrap market and how we can extract the highest social value from the decarbonisation of steel.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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The UK Metals Expo 2024 was the third consecutive year the whole of the UK metals industry came together under one roof at Birmingham’s NEC.
Join Tata Steel UK’s Tim Rutter, Abi Thomas and Gareth Brookes as they catch up with industry experts to talk about the big topics around steel, its people and the path to a greener future.
Topics covered in part one are the transition from blast furnace to electric arc furnace steelmaking, the £500m UK Government investment announced on Wednesday 11 September, what other support government could bring – including the Back British Metals Initiative, the much-talked-about Celtic Freeport, and challenges around scrap and the supply chain.
This episode was recorded on day one of the UK Metals Expo and includes UK Metals Expo Chairman, Lord Rupert Redesdale; Labour MP for Stockton North, Chris McDonald; Tata Steel UK CEO, Rajesh Nair; Chair of UK Steel, Martin Brunnock; Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute, Jon Bolton; Director General of UK Steel, Gareth Stace; Chief Executive of The Cast Metals Federation, Pam Murrell; Managing Director of Professional Polishing Services, Kirsty Davies-Chinnock; Chief Executive Officer of Celtic Freeport, Luciana Ciubotariu; Head of Policy and Public Affairs for The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), Antonia Grey.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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As the company transitions to low CO2 steelmaking, the £1.25 billion investment over the coming three years inevitably involves things to be built, extended and modified on site – not least the electric arc furnace itself.
The complex and in-depth planning process has been worked upon for months, with the aim of being submitted in November 2024 and the hope of getting spades in the ground in the summer of 2025.
Digital and Brand Specialist, Gareth Brookes speaks to Head of Legal Property, Natalie Young to find out more.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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A Wales-centred industrial collaboration led by Swansea-based Marine Power Systems has been awarded nearly £1 million of innovation funding.
The project is to develop the use of low CO2 steels from Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site to build platforms for floating offshore wind structures and strengthen local supply chains.
Tim Rutter speaks to Kamal Rajput of Tata Steel UK and Dr Graham Foster, chairman and CTO of Marine Power Systems to find out more.
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As Tata Steel UK moves forward on its journey to net zero with the proposed implementation of electric arc furnace steelmaking in Port Talbot, host Tim Rutter speaks to one of the pioneers of the mini-mill concept in the USA, Mark Millett.
Mark is Chairman and Chief Executive of Steel Dynamics Inc., a 16 million tonnes metals business that was founded in 1993; he was instrumental in developing the use of electric arc furnaces and thin slab casters to make flat carbon steels in Nucor and hasn’t looked back.
In this podcast Mark shares his thoughts and experiences of developing technologies, building a culture of ownership, and the power of having a spirit of adventure to create a successful and truly sustainable business.
This is definitely worth a listen!
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Two weeks after Tata Steel announced its proposal to restructure the UK business, enabling it to transition to scrap-based ‘green’ steelmaking, SteelCast host Tim Rutter speaks to Global CEO and MD of Tata Steel, TV Narendran.
Two years and 27 episodes after the first SteelCast podcast started discussing the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising the steel industry, the topic is as relevant as ever.
Mr Narendran talks about the difficult journey that lies ahead not only in terms of the people and communities affected, but also in keeping customers happy through the transition and the challenges of changing technology and huge capital investments.
But he has a long-term vision to create a world-leading steel business at the centre of a green industrial ecosystem – a business that’s good for steel communities, good for customers, good for the climate and good for a resilient UK industrial economy. With his clarity and determination, you wouldn’t bet against it.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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While Tata Steel has proposed the technology route it will take from the crossroads it found itself at, the construction industry is facing similar difficult choices.
Until now, the construction industry has designed to build, but for a sustainable future it must keep deconstruction and reuse in mind. Can Tata Steel’s Building Systems UK offer sustainable solutions as well as innovative products to be a market leader in the circular economy?
Gareth Brookes speaks to Jo Evans and Barry Rust of Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, along with industry leaders and Welsh Government to find out what the future holds for the construction industry and what part steel has to play.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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The Climate Change Committee’s Senior Analyst for Industrial Decarbonisation, Michael Lord, recently visited Tata Steel’s Port Talbot steelworks with some colleagues to see first-hand the current integrated steelmaking process and to hear about the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising one of Britain’s most important industry.
In talking to host, Tim Rutter, Michael spoke about the role of the climate change committee, the importance of decarbonising energy and his hopes for the future of the UK steel industry.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Two days before Tata Steel announced a proposal to decarbonise its UK operations with support from the UK Government, SteelCast visited the UK Metals Expo. Metal suppliers, manufacturers, customers and competitors alike came together under the same roof and one thing was clear… we’re not going to get far without each other.
What will decarbonisation look like for the UK steel industry? Can we decarbonise the economy without steel? What would electric arc furnaces mean for the company’s operations and customers throughout UK supply chains? Is carbon capture and storage a viable option? With new technology on the horizon, how will we fill the skills gap?
Tata Steel’s Gareth Brookes spoke to industry and academic leaders – including UK Metals Expo chairman, Lord Rupert Redesdale – to find out.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Read the 'State of the UK Metals Industry' here: https://ukmetalsexpo.com/state-of-the-uk-metals-industry-report-highlights-opportunities-and-challenges-for-sustainable-growth/
Hundreds of steel workers from across the UK came together to march upon Westminster and demand that the Government invests in the steel industry.
Led by Community, Unite and GMB trades unions, their demands were for the Government to create a level playing field with competitors on energy costs, to invest capital in new green technologies, and to stop imports of cheap carbon-intensive steel.
In the shadow of Big Ben, many MPs representing steel constituencies came to talk to steelworkers about their concerns.
We caught up with some of them to ask how they would support the UK’s steel industry.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TataSteelUK
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New CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales, Ben Burggraaf, returns to his former workplace, Tata Steel’s integrated steelworks at Port Talbot, to talk about the huge opportunities that he believes exist for industries and society in Wales on the journey to net zero carbon.
Ben visits the blast furnaces to talk about the new industrial revolution being promised by renewable energy, and takes a look across the Irish Sea to discuss opportunities for the steel industry as part of the South Wales Industrial Cluster and the Celtic Freeport.
In this episode we talk to Professor Jon Gibbins, Centre Director of the UK CCS Research Community Network Plus at Sheffield University about the potential for Carbon Capture and Storage as a solution to the net zero challenge for energy intensive industries such as steel, and the UK’s potential role as a demonstrator economy rather than a country that simply adopts the latest technology that others can’t follow.
Link to Sky News YouTube video, as mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/8Xq9krqt9XU
The SEISMIC demonstrator building at the Building Research Establishment in Watford has been described as the Henry Ford moment for the construction industry. Not only is it bringing standardisation and collaboration to modern methods of construction, but designs predicated on clever, modern steel solutions make buildings that are not only quicker and easier to construct, but also sustainable, energy-efficient and re-usable. It feel like there’s a revolution afoot!
We talk to Tata Steel’s Alex Small about where it all started and what happens next
We caught up with more of the speakers from the Construction Summit 2023 to talk about some of the wider sustainability issues for the sector such as skills and people. We also get a snapshot of the industry beyond 2030 and speak to two of the keynote speakers Tata Steel’s CCO Anil Jhanji and UK Government’s Fergus Harradence.
The central themes at the Tata Steel and Constructing Excellence sponsored “Construction Summit 2023” were sustainability and climate change.
With the great and the good of the UK construction industry speaking, listening and networking, it was an ideal opportunity to talk to some of the industry’s makers and shakers about the progress being made and the role of materials such as steel in the path to net zero.
With lots of January news headlines talking about decarbonising the UK steel industry, SteelCast host Tim Rutter speaks to industry expert Roz Bulleid, Research Director of independent think tank and charity, Green Alliance about the best ways forward for manufacturing industries and governments to work hand in hand to make a significant impact on climate change.
Following Tata Steel UK’s recent announcement to pursue accreditation for its Port Talbot site to global standards organisation, ‘ResponsibleSteel’, podcast host Tim Rutter spoke to their CEO Annie Heaton to understand a bit more about what is involved.
In this SteelCast mini-series, Tata Steel’s host, Tim Rutter, talked to a variety of industry experts who presented at the UK Metals Expo.
In this episode, he caught up with Professor Cameron Pleydell-Pearce, Tata Steel sponsored lecturer at Swansea University, who not only shared a stand at MetalsExpo representing the Sustain initiative alongside the Transforming Foundation Industries network, but was also a keynote speaker at the event.
As a postscript to this latest Steelcast mini-series about decarbonisation from UK Metals Expo, Tata Steel’s host, Tim Rutter, popped next door to the Recycling and Waste Management exhibition, where Tata Steel also had a stand being manned by our very own Packaging Recycling team from Trostre in West Wales.
In this episode, Tim caught up with Manager Steel Packaging Recycling Nicola Jones as well as industry colleague Julie Meeks from Metal Matters, who told us how consumers and local authorities can make their own contributions to the environment and climate change.
In this latest Steelcast mini-series about decarbonisation, Tata Steel’s host, Tim Rutter, talks to a variety of industry experts who were present at the first ever UK Metals Expo.
In this episode, Tim caught up with Tata Steel UK’s Chief Commercial Officer, Anil Jhanji who had just announced in his speech to the conference that the company’s Port Talbot site is to pursue accreditation to Responsible Steel and the UK organization is to follow the Science Based Targets initiative.
We are back at the UK Metals Expo in this instalment of the podcast, where Tim is joined by Tata Steel colleague and Senior architect Matthew Teague, to help us to understand the current and future demands of the construction sector.
In this latest Steelcast mini-series, Tata Steel’s host Tim Rutter, continues his conversations with industry experts about decarbonisation.
We are back at the UK Metals Expo in this instalment of the podcast, where Tim is joined by Tata Steel customer Jonathan Sochart, Commercial Director of National Tube Stockholders, who shares how the supply chain is pressure to move towards net zero products, processes and logistics.
In this latest Steelcast mini-series, Tata Steel’s host Tim Rutter continues his conversations with industry experts about decarbonisation.
Recorded live at the first-ever UK Metals Expo, he welcomes a variety of manufacturers, processors and industry bodies who share their latest developments and innovations.
In this first episode, Tim is joined by long-time friend of the podcast, UK Steel’s Director, Gareth Stace, who shares his thoughts on the new UK government and the importance of industry events such as the UK Metals Expo.
In this week’s episode we speak to Stephen Kinnock MP about not only the importance of steel to local communities, but also as a foundation industry to the UK economy. He shares his thoughts about the importance and challenges of decarbonisation and says the Labour party would support a technology transition financially and legislatively as part of an industrial strategy.
Tata Steel’s Shotton site has this year launched a sustainability commitment with four key themes: Reducing the site’s carbon footprint; Developing and producing products and services that support sustainable construction; Protecting and expanding the site’s biodiversity; and maximising material efficiency and achieving zero onsite waste.
Recorded live at Grand Designs Live, ExCel London 2022!
We talk to Phil Bagnall, Managing Director of Matrix Structures about their new partnership with Tata steel brand Catnic about the benefits of offsite modular construction for domestic properties, not just in cost and speed of build but also for the environment, too.
We talk with Dr Chris Williams, Head of Industrial Decarbonisation for Industry Wales about how businesses in different sectors are coming together with government and academia to create geographical clusters for capturing and distributing energy and industrial gases.
We catch up with Director General of Trade Association UK Steel, Gareth Stace, to talk about the challenges of ensuring favourable policies on topics such as energy and industrial strategy, and how decarbonising energy-intensive industries relies on having a supportive political framework.
Host Tim Rutter is joined by Dr Sumitesh Das, Director of Research & Development for Tata Steel UK, and Professor Dave Worsley, Head of Materials Science and Engineering at Swansea University to talk about how industry and academia can work hand-in-hand to solve some of society’s most pressing issues such as decarbonisation. “It is the very act of something not being possible that drives R&D”, says Sumitesh.
Tata Steel UK’s Manager of Process Technology, Richie Hart, guides listeners through the various technology choices available to the world’s steel industry, and the relative benefits and drawbacks of each.
He also talks about the choices governments have to make about industrial supply chains, the dangers of offshoring carbon responsibility and the cost impact on consumers of a ‘polluter pays’ principle.
Tata Steel UK’s Marketing Director Russell Codling joins host, Tim Rutter, to explain that it’s not just pressure being brought to bear by legislators and environmentalists that is driving decarbonisation in the steel industry, but customers too. And Russell reveals another fascinating stakeholder that may be the most powerful of the lot!
Today's guest is Tata Steel UK’s Manager, Process Optimisation (Energy & Environment), Paul Wheeler, who explains how steel is essential in the modern world, how carbon is an essential element in current steelmaking technologies, and the huge changes already made to reduce the material’s environmental footprint throughout the supply chain.
In the latest series of Steelcast, Tata Steel’s host Tim Rutter talks to a variety of experts about climate change, sustainability and decarbonisation in the steel industry.
In this first episode his guest is Tata Steel UK’s Head of Climate Change Policy & Strategy, Pete Quinn, who goes back to the basics and asks ‘Just what is so bad about Carbon?’
After completing her degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of Warwick, Karen joined what was then British Steel, as a Logistics Graduate in 1992.
Working across a number of different departments over the last 29 years, Karen is currently working as an Integration Manager for Supply Chain. It has been quite a career for Karen, who has been able to successfully navigate being in a senior management position while raising her family – but it hasn’t always been easy.
Karen opens up about how it's vital to take time for yourself, the importance of prioritising your mental health, and how her own journey has made her a better leader.
After joining the industry as an apprentice, Barbara has enjoyed a varied career specialising in the Energy department. With a thirst for learning that has carried her across the last twenty years, join us for a conversation on how Barbara is now navigating the next phase of her career, as it collides with an important issue for many women in the workplace – menopause.
With insights on how the support of female colleagues, alongside a robust workplace policy can make this transition period smoother for lots of women plus some brilliant book recommendations from Barbara that she has found to be essential over the last few years this podcast isn’t just for women experiencing menopause, but partners, colleagues and workplace policy makers.
Links to resources as mentioned in the episode: https://www.gen-m.com/ https://www.themenopausecharity.org/ https://henpicked.net/ https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_mosconi_how_menopause_affects_the_brain?language=en https://www.themenopausecharity.org/2021/06/09/the-menopause-explained-webinar/ https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause
Aimee is a Process Technology specialist at Tata Steel’s Llanwern site, having studied forensic science at De Montfort University it was by chance that Aimee discovered that there could be a field of study and work around metallurgy. Completing her PHD in 2019 Aimee is also vice-chair of the IOM3 Student and Early careers committee.
Growing up in the steel town of Corby, Aimee was always aware of the steel industry, but never once imaged herself working in it herself.
Join us for a conversation on finding your passions, working hard to achieve your goals and the benefits of allowing yourself time to relax.
After joining the Royal Navy following a bet with her dad, Natalie successfully enjoyed a career as a Weapons Engineering Officer for over a decade, having 2 of her 3 children whilst in service; gaining operational campaign medals for service in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Libya.
Following the Navy, she began her career in steel working as an operations planner for Harsco and an advanced refractories technician for Vesuvius. Now, as a specialist in refractory maintenance on Port Talbot’s iconic Blast Furnaces, Natalie is open about the struggle of being the absent parent, the lessons she’s learned along the way and why she would encourage any girl to follow a path like hers.
Listen in for an honest, entertaining and informative chat with a formidable Women of Steel.
Despite hailing from the north east of England – a region rich in heavy industry history – Heather Rowland never dreamt she’d be at the coalface of a south Wales steelworks.
Now, more than a decade into her career, Heather has overcome imposter syndrome to cement herself as a key figure in Port Talbot’s steelmaking plant, playing a large part in projects and processes that keep the site operating safely and efficiently.
As one of the 4% of women in operational roles across Tata Steel’s hub in Port Talbot and Llanwern, Heather is keen to see more female representation in the workforce, and while she has achieved so much already – she is not done yet. Heather is a true woman of steel.
While carving out a successful career in a private law firm, Natalie Young wanted to pursue a career that would give her an opportunity to have a more active input in legal projects. One way to achieve that was to join an in-house team.
Natalie joined Tata Steel back in 2009 as a solicitor in the property team. Since then, she has not only climbed the ladder to become Head of Legal for Property at Tata Steel Europe, but has made a conscious effort to extend her hand and assist others during their own climb.
A passionate singer in her spare time, Natalie hits all the right notes when harmonising potential obstacles for women in a man’s world, and how to overcome them.
Growing up in India, Rouha saw two obvious career choices - a doctor or an engineer. Having an aptitude for maths she decided that Mechanical engineering would be the best choice for her. Being one of only a few women on her university course, and following a tough experience on a placement where she wasn't allowed onto a site due to her gender, Rouha joined Tata Steel's Blast Furnaces team in 2007 and never looked back. There she found a supportive community of colleagues and mentors who challenged her and encouraged her to develop regardless of gender. Playing an integral role in some key construction projects, Rouha firmly cemented her name in the Tata Steel history books, but now after over a decade in steel she is working on sustainability projects. Full circle perhaps? A tenacious spirit, can-do attitude and strong work ethic helped Rouha face career challenges head on. A motivational conversation with one of Tata Steel's senior engineers, demonstrating that gender barriers are there to be smashed!
What started as a summer job to cover a hefty phone bill turned into a lifelong career for Jo Evans.
Starting at 17 in the sales office, within 10 years Jo was sales Director managing a large team of mostly men, twice her age.
Was this intimidating?
What lessons did she learn along the way?
She is a woman forged from her experiences in steel.
In this conversation, we learn about Jo's passion for helping others to learn on the job, she believes in giving people a chance, taking that risk and always learning from your mistakes.
Starting her career as a Graduate in hospitality and working her way to the top of that industry in HR some people might wonder why Amanda chose to move to a career in Steel. But as we discuss in the podcast Amanda loves a challenge.
Thriving on learning about people and what drives them, she sees her gender as an opportunity, not a challenge. She understands what she brings to the table, and knows her own worth. An inspirational conversation with a powerful female leader.
To kick off series two of Women of Steel, we speak the founder of Tata Steel’s Steel Women’s Network, and recent Institution of Engineering and Technology award winner, Susan Jones.
Following a first taste of the steel industry while studying for her Masters, Susan had stints in the aerospace and automotive sectors. Since her return to the steelworks, Susan has not only flown the flag for women in STEM, but planted it firmly in the middle of the traditionally male-dominated workplace.
There’s no getting away from it, Susan is a true woman of steel.
Tata Steel’s Director for Strategic Business Development, Deirdre Fox, recalls the incredible amount of work that has taken place across Tata Steel Europe, with customers, suppliers, peers and governments in preparation for the separation of the UK and EU on 1 January 2021.
While there is a ground-rush of preparations to oversee in the next 60 days, we discover that the journey is far from over as so many aspects of business life still remain to be settled.
Chief Technical Officer for Tata Steel Europe, Ernst Hoogenes, reflects on the many challenges steelworkers have faced and overcome since the start of the pandemic, and talks of his confidence in the steel family to adapt again and make the very best of any upturn that the steel markets might provide in the coming quarters.
Executive Director HR, Tor Farquhar talks about the journey that Tata Steel’s people have been on during the pandemic, the monumental efforts that they have made, and the challenges of ‘Our New Workplace’, both from a physical and a people perspective.
Construction Marketing Manager Paul White shares his experiences of dealing with the ups and downs of the pandemic for the Tata Steel’s largest market sector.
High-value, branded products have again proved their worth, but the sector is changing faster than ever—some of that as a result of the pandemic and the lifestyle changes that are resulting from it.
Sector Head Automotive Kevin Edgar tells the tale of how steel demand for the automotive supply chains fell off a cliff in March, how the sector is recovering and changing, and the challenges it still faces from the pandemic and Brexit.
Joanne Lane has seen 25 years in steel. Starting as a junior buyer in 1993 she is now Director of Procurement and Stores across Tata Steel's UK sites. But how did Joanne reach the leadership position she's in? Taking the lessons learned from her family to her workplace; hard work, commitment and dedication. Joanne's grounded viewpoint and positive outlook has enabled her to develop a strong team who give back to the steel communities they serve. Joanne has enjoyed a successful career, but it hasn't been without its challenges. Navigating motherhood and career made her re-evaluate everything she thought she wanted. An inspirational conversation with a woman who see's leadership as her greatest learning opportunity. Leading with integrity, confidence and humility.
Starting her career with what was then British steel in her late teens in Corby, the daughter of a furnace-man Carol Hughes had steel in her blood. In her first role as a record clerk, Carol was able to see what else the company had to offer and was keen to join the buzz and energy of the commercial team – working hard to finally to get a role in the team she had longed to join after a few years of trying. Surrounded by alpha males, sales was exciting, but not without its challenges. Carol traveled the world with the company, returned to education and climbed the career ladder to manage a commercial team of 12. An inspirational conversation with a woman who demonstrates that working hard and being respectful of others can lead to a fulfilling career, having fun along the way as well.
As the first female Technical Manager and one of three women on the Tata Steel Colors (Shotton site) management team, Lyndsay Penn is ambitious and driven, but what inspired her to pursue a career in manufacturing? After enjoying an immersive 'Girls into Engineering' week while at school, Lyndsay later went on to study Process Technology & Management degree in Loughborough, but it was during her sandwich year at uni she really discovered her passion for manufacturing in particular the operations side. Lyndsay's career to date, is an example of the power in finding out what you enjoy, not being held back by the assumptions placed upon you because of gender and taking the opportunities offered. Insightful and inspiring, Lyndsay is a true #womanofsteel
In this week's episode we talk with Deirdre Fox, Director Strategic Business Development for Tata Steel.
Deirdre joined the business as a HR graduate and little could she have imagined the journey her career would take her on. A senior leader, in a male dominated environment, Deirdre is uplifting and motivational. Talking about the challenges that came with being a woman working and living alone abroad, how she faced up to the 'boys club' mentality across the industry and how she has been able to develop a career on her own terms. A successful working mother, Deirdre appreciates the power in diversity across the board in business and makes a compelling argument for a flexible workplace that will benefit us all. Deirdre really is a woman of steel. Optimistic about the future, and determined to succeed.
In this episode we speak to Dr Laura Baker, a steel veteran with 19 years of experience under her belt. Laura is currently head of product management and development for Tata Steel Strip Products. She was the first female president of the metallurgical society in Swansea, heavily involved in the Institute of Materials, minerals and mining (IOM3) and a staunch advocate for women in industry – Laura takes her position as a senior leader in steel seriously. Laura talks us through her career in steel, what motivates her, the importance of "finding your gang" and believing in the value we each can bring to the table.
According to the Women’s Engineering Society, only 12% of engineers in the UK are women. Yet during schooling girls across the board do better than their male peers at STEM subjects (not including chemistry). So why is it that young girls, who have the capability to achieve, choose not to enter a career with high earning capacity and diverse opportunities across a number of sectors? Is it all to do with gender?
In discussion with four recent graduates and relative newcomers to the steel industry, the podcast explores what it means to be a young woman in a traditionally male workplace, the barriers young girls face in choosing a career outside of the 'norm' and how being a women can have its advantages.
Tata Steel’s Head of Safety, Health & Environment Governance, Ian Russon, tells the story of how experts from across the company have helped to steer it through difficult waters over recent months, and what comes next in preparing for a new kind of normality.
35% of the UK’s steel is consumed within a 30 mile radius of Tata Steel’s Distribution UK & Ireland business headquarters in Wolverhampton, from where Director Malcolm Boyles joins SteelCast. We discover that with local supply chains, high-value products, and short lead-times the business could be amongst the earliest to see some recovery.
When a shift team from Port Talbot’s Cold Mill decided they wanted to show their appreciation for the NHS and frontline care workers, they never believed their version of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline would go viral. With the song and dance routine already having reached more than 600,000 people on Facebook, SteelCast chatted with some of those who made it happen.
A stagnant oil & gas sector and a stymied infrastructure building programme isn’t stopping Works Manager Andrew Ward and his team looking to a bright future with a technically-advanced operation, a driven workforce, iconic projects and loyal customers. What’s not to love about Tata Steel’s Hartlepool 20” Pipe Mill?
Tata Steel’s UK Director of Procurement Joanne Lane tells how her team are working night and day to keep people safe and the industry running by scouring the world for everything from fluxes to facemasks and gases to gloves; even finding time to support hospitals and care homes across the country with much-needed PPE.
Tata Steel’s Corby Works Manager, Gary Blackman tells how the site’s workforce and community is pulling together in adversity to keep supplying tubes and hollow sections for a huge variety of end uses including emergency care units and even hospital beds.
Tata Steel’s Shotton site lead Bill Duckworth talks about how the lessons currently being learned around agility, flexibility and authentic communications could set the company up to perform even better once the world recovers and operates in a new kind of normal.
Tata Steel’s Trostre Works Manager, Joe Gallacher tells how the West Wales tinplate plant is supporting the national effort, max-ing out steel production for can-makers as the nation fills its cupboards with canned food and drinks.
This morning Tim Rutter spoke to Hub Director Martin Brunnock about how the business is navigating its way through turbulent times.
Listen to the podcast here.