A Journey with Petrochemicals
Industrial Policy and UK Manufacturing

A 35-Year Petrochemical Journey

Why did Britain lose much of its petrochemical industry while other countries strengthened theirs?

From the optimism of the 1960s to the challenges of the 2000s, A Journey with Petrochemicals offers a personal account of one of Britain's most important industries.

Drawing on 35 years with Shell in research and senior commercial roles around the world, Harshad Topiwala combines first-hand industrial experience with historical research to examine how industrial policy, investment, technology and leadership shaped the rise and decline of UK petrochemicals — and how other nations, particularly in Asia, built enduring competitive advantage.

A practitioner's perspective on industry, policy, innovation and leadership — and the lessons for the future of manufacturing.

Explore the Book →
Book cover for A Journey with Petrochemicals

The Book

A Journey with Petrochemicals is a personal account of one of Britain's most important industries and the wider lessons it offers for manufacturing and industrial policy.

Full book cover spread

Combining first-hand experience with historical research, the book explores why some countries strengthened their industrial base while others allowed it to decline.

Although centred on petrochemicals, it examines questions relevant to manufacturing, innovation and long-term national competitiveness.

Changing Ownership Structure of the UK Chemicals Industry

Share of industry sales

Figure 2. Changing Ownership Structure of the UK Chemicals Industry — share of industry sales in 1990, 2000 and 2020.

The figure shows the marked shift from domestic to foreign ownership and joint ventures over three decades, reflecting globalisation, capital mobility and the scale requirements of the industry.

Why This Book?

Britain once had a strong and internationally competitive petrochemical industry. Over time, much of that industrial base disappeared.

This book asks why.

It looks beyond individual company decisions to examine the wider environment in which those decisions were made — including government policy, investment, technology, research and development, infrastructure, education and skills, and long-term strategic thinking.

About the Author

Harshad Topiwala is an engineer, former international business executive and author.

During a thirty-five-year career with Shell he held research and senior commercial positions across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, culminating in his appointment as Vice President of Base Chemicals in Singapore.

He is co-author of Doctors in Colonial Kenya, part of the Cambridge Colonial and Post-Colonial Studies series, and has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five scientific and technical publications.

A Journey with Petrochemicals brings together his industrial experience and historical research to explore the relationship between manufacturing, industrial policy and national competitiveness.

Who Should Read This Book?

Readers of industrial and economic history.
Those working in manufacturing, engineering and technology.
Business leaders, industrialists and policymakers, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Endorsement

“A well-researched and thought-provoking book that makes an important contribution to the debate on industrial policy and the future of UK manufacturing.”
Rein Willems
Former President, Shell Netherlands
Former Member of the Dutch Senate (CDA)

Contact

If you would like to get in touch about the book, please use the contact details that will be added here.

harshadtopiwala@gmail.com
Website domain to be confirmed.