BFPA News
New Members
BFPA will continue its key role in standards development for the fluid power industry
Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU many questions have been raised. As a trade association with a very high profile reputation within the technical standards arena, BFPA is especially concerned that any future Government policy should support the UK’s ongoing involvement in the setting of those technical standards, because it is against these agreed criteria that most of our trade is conducted. If the UK was excluded from the discussions that determine these standards, the UK fluid power industry could find itself in the position of having to meet standards over which it has had no influence. This issue was high on the agenda at a recent BFPA seminar at which Dr. Scott Steedman, Director of Standards at BSI, was the keynote speaker.
BFPA News and Diary Dates
Members News
BFPA networking dinner
The BFPA invites all members to join us for a networking dinner on Wednesday, 23rd November 2016, at Heythrop Park in Enstone, Oxfordshire. Nick Stanforth, an international management consultant will be the pre-dinner speaker and Declan Curry will make the after-dinner speech. Declan has been a writer and broadcaster for more than twenty years, specialising in business and the economy, and was the business presenter on One's Breakfast TV for almost a decade. Declan will also take questions from dinner guests on any economic or political topic. Although this is a members-only event, members are welcome to bring along guests and places are filling up fast. Please Email Janet Dixon janet@bfpa.co.uk for more details or visit our website to register or download a booking form.
BFPA takes the lead on new minimum recommendations for the fluid power industry
Skills shortfalls have been a challenge for the fluid power sector for what is now at least ten years. Indeed, regular surveys show that the shortage of suitably qualified staff with a good work ethic has been one of the biggest obstacles to business growth since 2006. It is also apparent that the ever more stringent emphasis upon health and safety has been equally pervasive and both topics should, of necessity, be core to the business strategy of both manufacturers and distributors alike.
BFPA News
New Members
BFPA welcome a new member of the team
Karen Gordon-Brander joined the BFPA team in Chipping Norton in June as Administration Executive and will be supporting our work in membership, training and the Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme. Karen’s background is in Further Education and her many years as a college lecturer and departmental leader gives her and us a wealth of experience to call uponin administration, meeting people and familiarity with the world of training. You will find her a friendly, welcoming voice on the phone and a relaxed, confident and approachable contact to deal with in person. Karen is looking forward to building a successful and productive working relationship with all our members and she can be contacted at the BFPA via Email karen@bfpa.co.uk or phone on 01608 647900.
BFPA Seminar on Technical Standards and Health and Safety
At the BFPA we want to encourage more technical experts to join our technical committees. To this end we are holding a Technical Seminar on 1st November 2016 at the IMechE Engineering Training Centre in Sheffield. Speakers will include Jerry Hughes, BFPA Technical & Standards Policy Committee Chairman. Jerry will discuss the various BFPA committees and explain how to get involved. Dr Scott Steedman of the BSI will review the importance of technical standards and the possible impact of Brexit, and Paul Billinger of the Health & Safety Executive, Manufacturing Sector will discuss current and future priorities at the HSE. Both members and non-members are welcome at this event – please Email janet@bfpa.co.uk for more details or visit our website to register or download a booking form
The importance of BFPA’s Technical Standards Committees
One of the main aims of BFPA is to create, raise and maintain standards in the fluid power industry and our technical committees play a key role in framing worldwide best practice through the development of national, European and international standards. Our 10 technical and standards development committees drive standards in the industry forward. These committees are made up of BFPA members who are experts in their particular field who work voluntarily – on behalf of all of our members, using their expertise and experience to benefit the industry. In fact, BFPA holds the external secretariat (expertly managed by the BFPA’s Standards Project Manager Yvonne Pearman) on behalf of the BSI for 500 of the BSI’s 7000 standards, and currently around 100 committees are structured to mirror that of the International Standards Organisation (ISO).
BFPA Membership
Membership of BFPA gives you and your organisation access to a wide range of valuable services and a host of useful information. We are committed to education and our training is second to none. By joining BFPA, you are increasing the profile of this vital UK industry while helping to raise standards and secure its future.
BFPA News
New Members
BFPA’s Brexit poll
In April BFPA and BFPDA members were asked for their company’s view on whether the UK should remain a member of the EU or leave. In this poll, 43 per cent reported that their company wished to remain a member of the EU and 12 per cent stated their company wished to leave the EU. However a very high proportion, 45 per cent, reported they did not know what their company’s position was.
BFPA board matters
On 6 May 2016, Steve Bangs of SMC Pneumatics UK Ltd. was presented with a plaque in recognition of his 15 years’ service on the BFPA Board. Steve was president between 2005 and 2007, and made a significant contribution throughout the 15 years he was a board member. BFPA’s thanks and best wishes for the future go to Steve on his retirement from the board this year.
BFPA statistics overview
The BFPA’s new ‘Statistics’ overview summarises the statistical work offered by the Association to its members. Sarah Gardner, BFPA’s market and statistics manager is responsible for carrying out a wide range of surveys of throughout the year covering hydraulics, pneumatics and fluid power distribution, and increasingly other industry-related motion control products.
BFPA News
Aventics UK has announced the appointment of Brian Hurley as general manager, and the company’s relocation to a new facility in Milton Keynes. Brian has held a number of senior leadership positions for more than 14 years in the fluid power industry. The new address for Aventics UK is: Unit C6, Sunningdale House, Caldecotte Lake Business Park, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK7 8LF.
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