SUPPLY CHAIN A cohesive
force
In all industries trade associations can provide valuable resource and insight for their members, and this is especially true for one as fragmented and multifarious as composites. Simon Lott speaks to Composites UK chairman Chris Little and secretary Dr Sue Halliwell about how it is helping the UK maintain and develop world class capability.
Could you give a brief history of Composites UK and tell me how it has grown into a highly active and leading trade association in the last few years?
u Established in 1989 as The Composites Processing Association, the group was rebranded in 2007 to Composites UK to better reflect the broad membership base and remit the group had developed as the trade association for the whole UK sector. The group represents the whole supply chain from research and development organisations through to materials suppliers, manufacturers and end users. Our key objective is to support the UK composites industry with advice on technical and legislative issues in order for it to continue to grow and to compete in the competitive world of global composites production. To do this our mission is to encourage the safe and effective use of composite materials across all industry sectors. Governed by a board of directors, the main activities of the
Association comprise providing technical support including benchmarking, health and safety, training and skills and technology; raising the profile of composites by providing links to other industries and academic bodies; identifying key funding opportunities with bodies such as UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) based on collaboration and research; and dissemination of information through our website, newsletter, annual conference and workshops. Our member directory is an invaluable online tool to search for expertise, materials and manufacturers in specific areas. With over 100 members in the UK, the association is a strong industry voice.
What are the benefits of membership?
u The membership profile for Composites UK represents the complete supply chain and ranges from the small one or two man company to the largest multi-nationals. One of the key benefits of membership is inclusion in the
membership database – this is an online tool available through the public part of our website and enables the user to locate members with specific capability, knowledge and expertise.
38 | Composites in Manufacturing | Autumn 2010
It is also the tool we use for handling enquiries that come in through the helpdesk. In addition, members receive substantial discounts on events offering excellent networking opportunities and links to industry experts; discounts on training courses run through two of our accredited training providers; the opportunity to exhibit through the collaborative Composites UK stand at trade shows; free copies of our publications and the opportunity to contribute to the electronic newsletter, which has a wide distribution.
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