There was lively discussion around the critical topics of standards, sustainability and skills with several organisations highlighting why investment in training and the new composites apprenticeship are so important for the future of the industry. The conference attendees witnessed innovations in materials, design and processing to meet the demands of emerging sectors such as automotive – a great lead-in to the sell-out automotive showcase event the following day where Nissan and JLR laid out their challenges for industry to respond to.
Exhibitors networked with delegates during the refreshment breaks, brokering new business deals and making new working relationships. Some continued the following day networking with over 100 delegates at the automotive showcase event. Exhibiting at Composites UK events is a great opportunity to showcase your wares, meet a varied audience and develop your business network.
At the AGM in the evening of the 10th, members elected their new Board of Directors. Four positions were open for election this year, with nine applications received. Voting took place by members electronically before the AGM with an additional vote at the meeting to resolve a tie for the final place.
Re-elected on to the board this year were prof. Peter Chivers, CEO of the National Composites Centre; Ben Wilson, director at MPM and Dr Clara Frias, technical lead (composites) at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Newly appointed is John Doyle, managing director at Millfield Composites Group. Doyle has worked in a number of different sectors including industrial and leisure vehicles, marine, rail, construction and housebuilding, and is keen to ensure the voice of the SME remains built into the policy and decisions of the Association.
He replaces Paul Collier of Hexion CCT who has resigned from the Board. Composites UK would like to thank Paul for his four years of support and guidance, particularly in his role of finance director.
At the event, Andrew Dugmore stood down from the role of Chairman after a three-year term of office during which time the Association has grown considerably in both size and stature. The board, members and staff of the Association wish to express their thanks for the time and hard work he has put in to help steer Composites UK during this rapid growth phase. Andrew however will continue to support Composites UK as he remains one of the 11 Directors.
Dr Faye Smith takes up the reigns as Chairman, bringing with her considerable knowledge and experience – indeed, there’s not many within the industry who don’t know who she is.
“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Chairman of Composites UK at this exciting time, following on from Andrew and all the previous Chairmen’s excellent work,” says Dr Smith. “I am certainly not expecting a quiet year as we help UK companies capture market share in the growing national and global composites sectors, while managing the growth of the organisation itself in line with sector growth and our increased ability to provide support.”
The Association looks forward to an exciting 12 months under her helm.
