Priti Patel Visits Milbank Concrete Products for Business Tour and Industry Discussion

Milbank Concrete Products, one of the UK’s leading precast concrete manufacturers, welcomed

the Right Honourable Priti Patel MP to its Earls Colne headquarters on Wednesday, 20th August for a

discussion on the company’s operations, growth, commitment to sustainable construction and the current

position of the construction industry.

During her visit, Ms Patel met with Milbank’s Managing Director, Lee Cowen, before taking a guided tour of

the company’s manufacturing facilities. Wearing full PPE – including hard hat, hi-vis vest and protective

boots – she was shown how Milbank designs and manufactures a wide range of precast concrete products

that are used in major residential and commercial developments across the UK.

In a roundtable discussion following the tour, Ms Patel and the Milbank team covered a wide range of

industry challenges and opportunities. Topics included the recent slowdown in the construction sector, the

difficulties businesses face in sourcing adequate college courses to prepare young people for careers in

construction, and the importance of initiatives to inspire and support the next generation of talent. The

conversation also addressed the implications of the proposed employee rights bill for both employers and

employees across the sector.

Ms Patel praised Milbank for its bespoke manufacturing capabilities and the diverse range of sustainable

products it delivers to housebuilders and construction companies nationwide, noting how impressed she

was with the company’s ability to adapt to customer needs while maintaining quality and innovation.

Over the past 7 years, Milbank has adopted significant changes to reduce its environmental impact and its

commitment to sustainable construction. The company is actively working towards achieving net zero by

2030, embedding sustainable practices into its operations, product development, and long-term strategy.

Speaking after the visit, Lee Cowen, Managing Director at Milbank, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Priti Patel to Milbank and showcase the scale of our operations here in

Earls Colne. It was a great opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, as

well as share how we’re pioneering sustainable manufacturing practices in precast concrete. We are proud

to be a major employer in the local area and to continue innovating for the future of construction.”

The visit highlights Milbank’s ongoing role in both the local community and the wider UK construction

sector, as the business continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable precast concrete solutions nationwide.