UKLA President’s Report


A warm welcome to you all as I pen my first President’s report.


As I hand over the reins of the VLS Chairmanship to Jacquie Berryman of Infineum UK Ltd, I wanted to thank the UKLA secretariat, the support of the VLS board and the TRP team lead by Alan Outhwaite for providing this vital service to our market and consumers.


The industry stands at the edge of a period of tremendous change. The automotive transition from ICEs to electric and alternative fuels presents some significant opportunities, and UKLA is pressing the Government to recognise the value that hydrogen and e-fuels have in the future transport mix.


In industrial and metalworking sectors, increased regulation risks hampering our ability to meet our customers’ needs efficiently and effectively if it is disproportionate and overly bureaucratic.


It remains key that the UK, wherever possible, is aligned with the regulatory framework of the


UEIL President’s Report


On 13th September, Ms. von der Leyen, the EU Commission President, delivered her last State of the Union address before the upcoming 2024 European elections. As expected, it was the occasion to comment on the achievements of the past and to chart the path for the future. As also expected, the strong commitment to the EU Green Deal was confirmed. However, the EU President emphasized the commitment to support the European industry throughout the transition and announced the start of a series of Clean Transition Dialogues with the European industry. The stated aim is to support every sector in building its business model for decarbonization.


It is of paramount importance for the lubricants industry to be involved in such dialogues. You may rest assured that UEIL is going to do whatever it can to make that happen. We cannot do it alone. For this reason, we are increasing cooperation with other associations, first and foremost ATIEL. Independent lubricants manufacturers and big oil companies should work together on this vital goal.


4 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.177 OCTOBER 2023


European Union, our closest and most valuable trading region. On skills and succession, UKLA is proud to host the ‘Succession & Sustainability – A New Perspective Conference’ in London on 18th October. In future, with an ageing workforce,


the sector will have to continue to attract the best talent available if we are to meet the challenges that lie ahead.


For any organisation to be sustainable it means managing its own internal resources, such as people, as much as its external outward-facing assets of products, customers and markets. It is all of our responsibility to ensure our industry continues to attract the best and provides a pool of talent from which to draw its skills.


I look forward to meeting the attendees and receiving feedback both at this event and at the UKLA AGM in Manchester on September 22nd .


Mike Bewsey, UKLA President


At the same time, the EU also announced a state subsidy investigation into Chinese Electric Vehicles (EVs). This is a clear sign that the EU Commission has finally understood that the Clean Transition, if not adequately managed, has the inherent risk of seriously destabilising the European Automotive industry.


If Europe wants to keep and defend higher standards, such as in labeling and product classification, without destabilising its manufacturing base, it has to defend its industry from unfair competition by those who do not abide by those standards and are still free to import into Europe.


Although von der Leyen wants to avoid a state- subsidised race to the bottom, Europe also needs to avoid regulating itself out of global markets and racing to the bottom of industrial competitiveness rankings.


Mattia Adani, UEIL President


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