It takes a considerable amount of energy to produce the clean, dry and pressurised air that is needed for so many processes and applications. It also needs to be used responsibly, with personnel receiving the correct training to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation – backed by professional service and maintenance support. 

Sourcing a competent and high-quality supplier and maintenance provider of is therefore critical. The right partner can help ensure the system’s ongoing efficient use to help operators manage this critical business resource for improved productivity – and profitability. 

So where can customers go to ensure that they have sourced a supplier that meets these criteria?  The answer –The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS).

What is a trade association?

Working hard in support of the sector it represents, a trade association will seek to improve standards, raise safety, provide training and encourage research as well as acting as counterpoint to evolving government policies.

Sourcing a supplier that is a member of a trade association is even more important. For example, in the absence of a regulatory code for businesses to adhere to, BCAS operates a code of conduct that all of its members sign up to on an annual basis. This can form part of an end user’s supplier audit and act as a minimum standard that the organisation is expected to meet.

Trade associations also provide a dispute resolution scheme as part of their service. In some cases, they will be able to provide experts to examine work or products if the nature of the problem is in dispute.

Most trade associations work on improvements in quality, health, safety, environmental practices and help set common technical standards for products or for methodologies of working. This can result in the publication of guidelines, information notes, codes of practice, and providing education and training for the industry They also provide a point of reference for their members and act as an important information source; information which is often exclusive to their membership.

Why should I use a trade association member?

First and foremost, a trade association logo on any company documentation is a sign of a reputable and trustworthy organisation. Membership of an association is a commercial decision for the business and a sign that the supplier is serious about providing good value and reputable service alongside other like-minded organisations.

It provides guarantees that the supplier will be working to an adopted and managed standard, helping to provide assurances to the end-user. 

It also means that there is somewhere to go for advice and help if things go wrong. A complaints process can help resolve the problem effectively, with the trade body acting as a mediator between the customer and the member organisation if necessary.

How do BCAS members add value?

In response to the industry-wide need for highly efficient, cost-effective compressed air provision, the society recently surveyed end users of compressed air systems to gauge their views and opinions. The online questionnaire covered the importance of a variety of factors in the supply and maintenance of compressed air equipment and also asked respondents to rate their compressed air supplier across a number of factors, where 0 is the worst possible supplier and 10 is the best.

There were some startling differences between those using BCAS members and those who use non-BCAS members.                                    

There is a clear differentiation between those users of compressed air who source equipment and maintenance through BCAS members versus those who use non-BCAS members. Most noticeably there is a high level of dissatisfaction among the respondents commenting on the support provided by non-BCAS members.

For example, some respondents expressed virtually no confidence in non-BCAS members for compressed air equipment and service. More than 19% scored their supplier either 0 or 1 out of 10 for legal compliance relating to health and safety or environmental compliance and 15% scored these either 0 or 1 out of 10 for value for money.

This contrasts with high satisfaction levels among respondents for the service received from BCAS members, who scored higher across all categories for the effectiveness of support provided, responsiveness, quality of advice and value for money.

In conclusion

Trade assocaitions provide a valuable role, not only in providing a forum for their members but by improving the industry for all stakeholders. There is clear evidence that modern trade associations have a part to play in driving standards in their industry and those organisations who play an active part reap the rewards in customer satisfaction and engagement.

When you consider that compressed air is such a vital component in modern industry, it clearly pays to use a BCAS member to deliver the reliable service and support required.

The BCAS website includes a dedicated ‘Find a member’ area where customers can search for a BCAS member by region, by product or by services provided. Visit www.bcas.org.uk to search for a BCAS member.