Protecting Jobs at Ensus

Ensus Wilton

When the UK–US trade deal was signed, it was a big step for the country. This deal has bought huge opportunities – making it easier for our businesses to trade, grow, and compete on the world stage.

But I’ve always said that we’ve got to be honest about the full picture. And the agreement on bioethanol bought a real challenge for UK producers, including our own here on Teesside - Ensus – the bioethanol plant on Wilton site.

Ensus isn’t just a big local employer – it’s part of the backbone of our industrial economy. It provides over 100 good, skilled jobs directly, and supports thousands more in the supply chain. It also produces vital products that our country depends on: ethanol for E10 petrol to help cut carbon emissions, and CO₂ used across the food and drink industry.

But the removal of tariffs on US ethanol, as part of the trade deal, risks flooding the UK market with cheaper imports. That puts real pressure on Ensus – and with it, jobs and livelihoods here in our community.

Since this deal was announced, I’ve been in constant contact with Ensus’s executive team to understand the full picture. I’ve also been raising the issue directly with ministers and civil servants – and I want people to know that I’m in daily discussions at the highest levels of government to get the support needed to keep this site viable and secure its long-term future.

We are not in a position to say we are out of the woods yet, but last night we received really positive indication that the government is stepping in with a support team while we look to build longer term market certainly. The government is committed to exploring all options with the urgency the situation requires.

This isn’t about politics – it’s about standing up for our region and making sure our industries aren’t left behind. I’ve always fought for Teesside to be at the heart of a green industrial future, and I’ll keep doing that every single day I’m in this job.

We’ve got the skills, the infrastructure, and the people – now we need the government and industry to back us.

I’ll keep pushing for a solution, and I’ll keep fighting for local jobs, just as I always have. Because this is what being an MP is about – standing up for your community when it matters most.

Anna Turley MP - Redcar Constituency

Press release from ENSUS

Ensus can confirm that it has received a letter from the Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade acknowledging the economic challenges it is facing as a direct result of the recent US-UK Trade Deal.

We welcome the Secretary of State's decision to appoint external advisers to work closely with the business to understand the impact in greater detail and address our concerns.

We also welcome the acknowledgement of our request for regulatory changes that the Department for Transport could introduce that would ensure the UK industry can remain viable and the need for financial support in the meantime.

Ensus and the wider UK bioethanol industry have a significant part to play in helping the government grow the economy, support local and UK supply chain businesses and improve the UK's economic and energy security and we look forward to working with the government urgently on this matter.

Ensus