NEWS W


elding World recently caught up with Mike Vacher, known by many


in the industry as a gentleman of integrity with great business ethics. He retired in 2006, after 11 years in various roles with the association, his last role as Director. At 82 years young, today Mike


is following his lifelong passions based around country pursuits, including shooting and fishing. “I get far more opportunities to do this now than I did during the working week, and it’s a great way of keeping myself fit and healthy,” he says. During his business life he was


Managing Director of one of the founding companies that conceived of the Association – the AWD back then. “We firmly believed in the advantages, both commercial and social, of being part of a professional trade association. I recall joining the Association’s National Committee because I wanted to make a contribution to the industry,” he says. He continues: “There are many


benefits that trade associations offer, but one of the key elements is to get people together, because like all industry sectors there is of course a


degree of competitiveness which can be a sticking point. But AWD played a role in giving people the chance to get to know each other better in a social atmosphere rather than a commercial environment and that was, and remains, a strong benefit. “Annual conferences, trade shows


and other association organised event provide a social element that does a lot of good for the industry and the people within it. I would place equal emphasis on the professional and commercial engagement with the social interaction. “Within the Association membership


you gain access to knowledge and experience that can go way beyond your own, and networking with the other members provides a sounding board for any challenges that you might face. It is good to discuss these with people you get to know and trust, and the Association is always there to provide some counselling. “It also adds power to the elbow


of the smaller businesses, that might not get a fair hearing from Government departments, banks and other large institutions. If there are concerns or requirements from enough members then the Association


can approach these on behalf of the membership. It is a voice for those that might otherwise not be heard. As part of the AWD’s support for UK


Skills, Mike chaired the subcommittee for Welding and Fabrication that, with the support of Members and the Welding Institute, entered young people from the UK in international competitions. He explains: “The association has always been key to getting more young people involved with the industry raising funds to support them in such competitions. The skills shortage is not new, but it has unfortunately not got any better. The mainstream media still portray the industry as dirty and grubby which, for most businesses, it is far from.” Having retired to a small rural


village close to his children, Mike is engaged with many of the social activities within the parish. “It reminds me of being in the Association,” he says, “everyone knows everyone and we all look out for each other.” Another of his long-held passions is


bellringing which has been an activity for nearly five decades, and he has assumed responsibility for some of the local church towers for ringing on special occasions and maintenance.


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