The British Compressed Air Society is the only UK trade association dedicated to the compressed air and vacuum industry and represents the entire supply chain – manufacturers, distributors and end users.  

Membership not only gives you a single point of reference for your business, but also a single point of contact for the legislators and organisations that could impact it.

Membership provides best practice guidance, expert knowledge and an opportunity for you to influence the direction of the industry.

By representing such a wide membership throughout the supply chain we can work across the industry to improve practice standards and legislation.

Our growing membership through 2016 is evidence of our influence and success. Our focus this year has been on the end user to work on best practice and industry improvements. The final customer, or compressed air or vacuum user, has greater access than ever to products and services and to BCAS members so that they get the best possible solution and service moving forwards.

Air User portal 

Central to this is the launch of BCAS’ website, which gives end users an interactive link to other members who all work to the association’s code of practice.  

It is also a place to post questions and information about projects to BCAS for comment or quotation from its members. This has proved a popular tool, with the most common questions covering tricky supply issues and legislation such as written schemes and inspections (See article ‘Pressure On’ in this issue).

Compressed air user survey

To help us understand what the end user really needs from its compressed air suppliers and maintenance providers, BCAS is running an end user survey. It will help us further improve the industry and to shape future thinking.

The results will be published later this year.  To take part and enter a free prize draw for an IPAD Mini, visit www.bcas.org.uk/survey.

Compressed air user free membership

If you use a BCAS member to service any part of your compressed air system, you may be entitled to free BCAS membership.  This allows you greater access to impartial expert advice, plus discounted training and services.

Air-Rated reviews

The Air-Rated tool allows customers both to leave and to read reviews about BCAS members’ performance, helping businesses find recommended compressed air equipment suppliers and service providers.

It is published on the BCAS website and is independently managed by Referenceline to ensure its impartiality and to give end users the confidence that they are dealing with capable and competent companies that have been recommended by their peers.

Promoting best practice

A crucial part of BCAS’ remit is to promote best practice to help both end users and members become more competitive and effective and to stay abreast of legislative changes.

The society acts as a coordinated voice when talking to government to help influence policy at the draft stage and then quickly communicate updates on government policy to industry.

Member benefits

It pays to be part of an organisation that shapes your industry’s future so that your voice is heard. Beyond this, members benefit from training and educational materials, technical advice, HR and health and safety advice lines, publications and networking opportunities with other members and potential customers at conferences and exhibitions. And – not to be underestimated – is the reputational benefit of being a member and the business opportunities that result.

Ultimately the aim of any trade association is to add value to its industry sector on behalf of its members. That is the acid test by which BCAS and other trade associations will flourish or dwindle.

To find out more about the benefits of joining BCAS and the services available to its members visit www.bcas.org.uk or email [email protected]