James, who now works for the Department for International Trade, has moved away from composites to focus on the Free Trade Agreements Directorate. However between 2012 and 2016 he was the lead on composites at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (now the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy), and was integral in the development of the UK composites industry. The association wanted to recognise this by awarding him with this accolade.
Although James could not be at the event in person, he released a statement thanking Composites UK, and the UK industry for this award.
James said: “2012-2016 was a crucial time for the composites sector, from the establishment and further expansion of the National Composites Centre, the development and implementation of the composites strategy, and not least the major expansion of Composites UK as a vitally important stakeholder for the Government as well as a true representative of the sector.
“From having little knowledge of composites at the beginning, I grew to hugely appreciate its importance not just in its traditional sectors such as aerospace, Formula One and marine, but also the key role which it can and should potentially play in sectors as diverse as rail, mass automotive, and in developing the national infrastructure.
“I was pleased to play a small role in Government in establishing and securing the importance of composites to the economy, but to be clear this only would have happened because of the drive and commitment of the industry itself. Although I have since moved on, as civil servants do, I continue to follow developments in the industry with great interest. I wish you every success in the years ahead and am grateful for the support and friendship which industry members gave me during my time in BIS. Thank you.”
The application process for the 2017 awards is now open, with a deadline of 31st July. Forms and further information are available via the Composites UK website.
