A year of change and progress

When the new Labour Government came into power in May 2024, like every trade association, we were braced for a period of change.

A change in administration always brings with it a certain element of review, especially in the area of standards and legislation.

Navigating a New Political Landscape

For example, despite leaving the EU, we are still seeing many UK regulations updated to align with changes to EU regulations, even though this is no longer mandatory. This is certainly the case with the issue of CE Marking, which you can read more about on page xx and serves as a good example of European regulation continuing to be adapted for the GB market.  

We're waiting with interest to see the outcome of the Government's call for evidence, which closes on the 20 October. But it is encouraging that departments including the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) frequently turn to trade associations for input. Working with our members we can gather genuine input and feedback, helping to lobby for better outcomes for the industry, and its end-users as a whole.

Noise Regulations: Member Input in Action

A good example of this in practice is with the changes to the outdoor noise regulations. Thanks to member input, these accounted for the requirements placed on mobile compressed air equipment, mandating a number of practical and viable adjustments.

It's not just legislation that has been impacted. Our members and the wider industry were naturally concerned when the changes to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) were first announced, requiring engineers to prove professional competency in order to work on construction and new build sites.

Our training and development team were quick to respond with the launch of our NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Installation and Commissioning - an industry first that enables experienced compressed air technicians to prove their professional skills and gain a recognised qualification.

Raising the Bar on Skills and Certification

The resulting Compressed Air Pathway is recognised by the Building Engineering and Services Association as a formal industry standard, including Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) recognition. It is designed so that learners can demonstrate their existing knowledge and credentials, without requiring additional training; a huge benefit for the industry which is already formed of many highly skilled engineers that have years of experience of installing and maintaining compressed air systems.

Elsewhere, changes are on the horizon for apprenticeships, and the BCAS training and development team are keeping an active eye on the Government's new foundation apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships Evolve to Meet Tomorrow’s Needs

From August 2025, foundation apprenticeships were launched in England, including a brand-new pathway for Engineering & Manufacturing. These Level 2 programmes are designed for 16-19-year-olds and typically delivered in 8 months. They combine classroom learning with real-world work experience and are already proving their worth in Scotland, where students can learn practical skills while still at school. We are already exploring the ways in which our existing Compressed Air and Vacuum Technician apprenticeship could be adapted to suit this model in England.

These are supported by changes to apprenticeship funding rules, including simplified off-the-job training hours, stronger recognition of prior learning and flexibility around English and maths qualifications. The changes are designed to increase flexibility for employers and support entry-level routes, particularly in engineering and manufacturing which continue to struggle with skills' shortages.

Market Headwinds

The pressures on the manufacturing sector continue to be felt by our members and between the period from 2021 to the end of 2024, the total number of compressors sold in the UK market has contracted by around 29% (9703 in 2021 versus 6934 in 2024).

This downward trend is certainly worthy of note and while there is no specific analysis, it is probable that rising employer costs, such as the increase in National Insurance contributions and rising minimum wages alongside increased raw material and energy costs are impacting on capital expenditure budgets.

Conversely, volume sales year on year remain very steady, with 569 units sold to the end of Q2 2025 (June) compared to 571 for the same period in 2024, although it would appear that the average kilowatt size of compressors has reduced this year.

The final area of change comes from the BCAS team itself, which has doubled in size in the past year. On the technical standards side, Steve Downham joined Tim Preece as our second technical officer, and we have welcomed both Terry Collier and Fay Hutchinson to our training and development team.

In addition, the BCAS board continues to support the interests and concerns of air users, with continued broad participation from both manufacturer and distributor members.

Ashley Quarterman is executive director at the British Compressed Air Society 

www.bcas.org.uk

Tel: 0207 935 2464