A Collective Voice for Fluid Power: The BFPA’s Next Chapter
8 July 2026 
As the fluid power sector continues to navigate technological change, skills challenges, and evolving regulatory demands, the role of a strong, representative industry body has never been more important. The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) is responding to this landscape with
a renewed focus on relevance, engagement, and practical value for its members.
At a time when collaboration and shared expertise are critical, the Association is reinforcing its position as a central hub for knowledge, standards, and industry progression.
Delivering Practical Value in a Changing Industry
For many organisations operating across hydraulics and pneumatics, the pressures are clear: maintaining technical competence, ensuring safety, and keeping pace with innovation. BFPA membership is increasingly seen as a means of addressing these challenges collectively.
The Association’s offering spans technical guidance, accredited training, and access to industry standards, helping members maintain best practice in both design and application. Its training portfolio, delivered through both digital platforms and in-person courses, continues to support workforce development at a time when skills shortages remain a key industry concern.
Alongside technical support, the BFPA provides:
A collective voice on industry matters, representing member interests
Opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement and knowledge sharing
Platforms for raising company visibility within the sector
Access to trusted expertise across fluid power disciplines
Taken together, these services reflect a broader shift – from simple membership towards active industry participation
Strength in Growth: Expanding the Membership Base
The continued growth of the BFPA’s membership signals both confidence in the Association and a recognition of the benefits of industry alignment. New members are joining from across the supply chain, bringing with them a breadth of experience and technical capability.
Their addition not only strengthens the Association’s network but also enhances its ability to reflect the full scope of the fluid power industry. For new members, the value lies not just in access to resources, but in becoming part of an established and influential professional community.
Importantly, membership is not passive. Increasingly, organisations are looking to engage, contribute, and influence – something the BFPA is actively encouraging through its latest initiatives
A New Strategic Focus: The BFPA Pillars
As the fluid power sector continues to diversify and adapt to new technologies and market demands, the BFPA is evolving its approach to ensure continued relevance and impact. At the AGM, the Association introduced a more defined strategic framework built around a series of core
industry pillars – bringing greater structure and clarity to its areas of focus.
These pillars reflect both the established foundations of fluid power and the emerging technologies shaping its future. Together, they capture the breadth of the modern industry, spanning:
Hydraulics and pneumatics
Motion control, systems and automation
Hydrogen and developing technologies
Defence and critical applications
Training, technical support and standards
Health, safety and environmental performance
Industry data, trends and insight
By aligning its activities under these themes, the BFPA aims to provide more targeted support, strengthen industry representation, and ensure it remains closely aligned with the priorities of its membership and the wider sector.
Champions of Change: From Membership to Participation
Central to this new approach is the introduction of Champions of Change, an initiative designed to move members from observers to active contributors.
The programme creates a platform for individuals and organisations to influence key areas of focus – whether through sharing expertise, contributing to working groups, or supporting the development of industry guidance. In doing so, it reflects a broader recognition that the strength of the Association lies in the engagement of its membership.
For the sector, this represents a significant step. Rather than a top-down approach, Champions of Change encourages a more collaborative model – one in which ideas, experience, and innovation are drawn directly from within the industry itself.
It also reinforces a clear message:
The future direction of the BFPA will be shaped by those it represents.
Looking Forward
As the fluid power industry continues to evolve, the need for alignment, standards, and shared expertise will only increase. The BFPA’s evolving structure – underpinned by its new pillars and member-led initiatives – positions it to play a central role in that journey.
For existing members, this represents an opportunity to deepen engagement and influence the direction of the sector. For those considering membership, it offers access to a network that is increasingly proactive, responsive, and representative.
In a rapidly changing landscape, the value of collective strength remains clear – and the BFPA is placing that principle firmly at the centre of its next chapter.
Contact the BFPA – website: www.bfpa.co.uk tel: 01608 647900 or email: enquiries@bfpa.co.uk
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