The voice of UK industry

Composites UK doesn’t rest on its laurels – after a busy 2015 which grew the association by an additional 50 members (25%) as well as current member retention in excess of 96%.
This was aided by the launch of key industry initiatives, our online health and safety management system (HSMS), the Hub database and the CAP pilot scheme. The Board of Directors are busy developing the strategy to take the Association through the next 2-5 years. Working with member company, Future Materials Group (who specialise in facilitating strategy development) at an intensive session before Christmas, we identified our key focus areas for increased activity. We will continue to build on the work we already do, but alongside this we will be developing plans for increasing our capability and support to the industry. The full strategy will be presented to members at the AGM on 11th May during the Annual Conference, this year being held in Manchester. The Composites Leadership Forum (CLF) also moves into a new phase with a new Chair soon to be elected and the UK Composites Strategy due for launch at the Composites UK Annual Conference on 11th May. This strategy supersedes the 2009 one, where many of the actions have now been achieved. The 2016 strategy outlines new industry opportunities for composites as well as tackling some of the key issues impacting on the industry including standards, skills and environmental concerns, such as recycling and life cycle assessment. To ensure delivery of the strategy, the CLF is undergoing reorganisation to form industry groups to work on each of the key elements. Composites UK runs the secretariat for the main CLF committee and will have involvement in all delivery groups to ensure the needs of our members are well represented. The Annual Conference and AGM mentioned above will take place on 11th May at the University of Manchester. The conference will focus on the key themes of the UK strategy and look in more detail how UK industry can evolve to ensure continuation of a strong manufacturing base here as end-sector needs change. The event will look at how to breach new markets and is aptly followed on May 12th by a sector showcase event targeted at the rail sector, an industry full of opportunities from infrastructure to rolling-stock – come along and meet the decision makers, get your company known within the supply chain by showcasing your capability. We continue to see consistent growth in the UK composites industry and are looking forward to showcasing 14 of our innovative companies on the UK pavilion at JEC World in Paris from 8-10 March. In collaboration with UKTI and NCC, Composites UK is proud to be part of this initiative – come along and visit us in hall 5A, stand C65. There’s lots more going on – keep an eye on our website and member bulletins for updates on activities, opportunities and critical industry information. Andrew Dugmore, Chairman – Composites UK www.compositesuk.co.uk