Manufacturer member companies have faced similar hurdles to many other capital equipment markets, including supply chain disruption and the rising costs of both the energy and components used in the manufacture of compressors, dryers and related equipment. 

Our distribution members too are facing increased business costs and skills shortages and yet, all our members continue to deliver continuity of service with many companies growing during these challenging times.

So what is the key to this continued service provision across our sector?  

One of our key member services is to monitor the market and its performance.  You will see from the graph below that the demand for services from our distribution members grew in the past year, despite the market uncertainties, along with an increase in the total kilowatts of new compressors sold.

It is a clear indicator that despite increasing costs, the industry continues to invest in power generation from compressed air and consequently, the proactive behaviour of preventative maintenance.

Growth in membership

As we move through these unusual times, the compressed air industry has proved its resilience yet again and our membership numbers have increased.

It’s interesting to explore the reasons for this growth and its importance to users of compressed air.  

If there is one thing that BCAS membership demonstrates loud and clear, it is the willingness of compressed air suppliers to invest in their business; remaining abreast of legislation, staying well informed and ensuring they have the resources needed to keep their businesses at the forefront of information in our chosen discipline. 

My colleagues on the technical support line will always tell you that Google does not have the answer for everything, and a resource to help interpret support and understand information in context is a valuable one.

A changing landscape

As we settle into our new legislative frameworks, trade associations are working together to ensure that common messages are not only delivered to the corridors of political power, but also that we provide a resource for Government when it looks to make legislative changes. 

These new changes will be very welcome if they give business the freedoms promised, but in the short term, they are keeping trade associations busy and engaged in the area of information provision. We are very fortunate in the UK to have specialist associations that can concentrate expert resource in supporting not only the legislation makers, but the legislation users too.    

Energy is one of those areas that has come to the forefront not only from a global resource and cost point of view, but also to the legislators. It really pulls into sharp focus how a trade association such as BCAS can act as a conduit for all interested parties. 

Tim Preece discusses the current state of legislation in page 12 of this publication, but in the meantime, I’d really like to draw your attention to the case studies and guides available on our 10% Taskforce website (taskforce10.bcas.org.uk). Can you help us to reach our target and take 411,000 tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere?

There is a full article later in Air User all about this new energy-saving initiative, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity of highlighting this excellent resource that the team at BCAS have put together for you.  This ranges from guides on how to save costs from your compressed air system, through to an area to pledge your support and share your compressed air energy saving tips, to real-life case studies that may provide you with inspiration. 

And if you are leading the way with your energy saving project, can we make a small appeal for your stories that we can share on the 10% Taskforce website to help inspire others in our quest for CO2 reduction? Please send any examples you have to [email protected]

Support and resource for the future 

So, as we continue to look at how the association can continue to deliver for our industry, we have a few exciting projects in the pipeline

1. Our installation guide should be ready to download for the end of the year – an encyclopaedia providing everything you need to know about specifying and operating your compressed air installation 
2. Energy auditing training – our interpretation of ISO 11011, soon to be followed by an energy auditor's qualification
3. The data sheet verification program – a scheme to allow you to compare like-for-like energy performance from compressors

These are just a few of the resources we will be making available, but don’t forget about the wealth of practical free advice available on the BCAS website.  

Most importantly, use a BCAS member as your supplier – they have our expert resources and support at their disposal. All members adhere to our code of conduct, so you can be sure that you are receiving trusted advice.  You can find a supplier local to you in our 'Work with a BCAS member' section on our website.

Don't forget if you have any suggestions, feedback or requests, please feel free to get in touch. We always welcome ideas from across the sector! 

Vanda Jones is executive director, British Compressed Air Society (BCAS)

www.bcas.org.uk

Tel: 020 7935 2464