Three hundred member milestone

Over the past 12 months the association has seen more than 50 companies join, ranging from SMEs to OEMs and including manufacturers, material/equipment suppliers, designers, consultants, engineers, end-users and academia, all of whom coming together to influence the direction of the UK composites industry.

In the past month, Composites UK has welcomed Williams Advanced Engineering, Formula Masts, Intelicare, MSD Design, GRP Aberdeen, Composite Metal Technology, McCarthy Environmental Ltd and P.J. Hare as members.

Taking the Association to 300 members is Tricel which has joined, amongst other reasons, to stay abreast of the developments with the EN124 standard. This initially looked to rule out using composites in gully tops and manhole covers for vehicle and pedestrian areas which would be detrimental to many UK composite manufacturers. Composites UK has made it a priority to lobby against this and now has a group of member companies consulting on this standard as it develops.

The Association has also developed closer ties with government working with them to influence their view on fibre reinforced polymer composites, encouraging investment in an industry where the UK could be paramount.

Sue Halliwell, operations manager at Composites UK, commented: “Over the last decade Composites UK has grown and developed from a 50 member strong body to an influential trade association representing 300 companies from across the UK supply chain. As membership increases it gives us more strength to influence those who create standards which affect the composites industry.

“The association has developed alongside the industry, tailoring our member services to meet the changing demands of a rapidly growing sector. I look forward to working with the team and board of directors to take the Association to the next level.”

There are plenty of activities planned for the rest of the year including the launch of a Bridge Design Guidance document, a showcase event for the marine sector, four regional events and joint undertakings with other trade associations.