The voice of UK industry

Composites UK Chairman, Andrew Dugmore, gives the latest news on the workings of the industry's association. Composites UK has had a busy year so far with the launch of our three key initiatives: our online health and safety management system HSMS (October), the Hub database (November) and the CAP pilot scheme (July).

In addition, over the summer, we worked with the UK Department for Communities and Local Government, Highways England, EuCIA (European Composite Industry Association), Small Business Standards and several member companies, to lead an objection to the European Commission about the revision of a standard which, if cited, could lead to the exclusion of composites for a well-established application. The Commission agreed to a full investigation of the standard and probable return to the CEN committee for the rewriting of relevant parts – a prime example of being stronger by working together under one voice.

We have seen a consistent growth in the UK composites industry and are looking forward to the Composite Engineering show (November 4-5 2015) at Hall 5 in the NEC, Birmingham. It promises to be a busy couple of days and we are working closely with the new organisers Easyfairs to ensure its continued success. We are running several forum sessions during the two days, including sessions on Supporting UK Industry Growth, feature sessions on Construction and Rail, progress within the CiC programme of projects and of course presentations from our innovation awards shortlisted entries.

Our Annual Industry Black-tie Awards Dinner takes place at the Hilton Hotel, NEC on Wednesday 4th November, the middle evening of the Composites Engineering show. Over 220 places had been sold at the time of writing this, so it looks to be another sell-out event with numbers increasing year on year. It promises to be an exciting evening celebrating UK composites industry achievement.

This year our awards cover eight areas from Innovation through to Employer of the year with two entries shortlisted in each category and the winners being announced at the dinner itself. The standard and number of entries increases each year which is fantastic and demonstrates the breadth and depth of capability here in the UK, although it makes choosing a worthy winner all that more challenging!

Come and visit us on stand E158 at Composites Engineering to find out more about the activities mentioned above and what we have planned for 2016.

Andrew Dugmore, Chairman – Composites UK

www.compositesuk.co.uk