Achieving the best outcomes for members and customers

27 September, 2023

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has long been recognised as the leading, independent source of trusted advice for the compressed air industry and it’s fair to say, I’m joining the team at a great time.

Vanda Jones, who has provided excellent leadership and governance to the Society will be continuing as company secretary and working on several key projects. This means I can draw on her wealth of expertise as we work together to lobby for the best outcomes for compressed air users and our members – on important topics ranging from energy legislation to safety standards.

It is this industry representation and working on behalf of our members and the wider compressed air end user base where I will be concentrating my efforts to begin with.

A renewed member focus

Just like any trade body, our members really are the lifeblood of the organisation. It is through their input and valued expertise, as compressed air specialists, that we can continue to deliver timely, practical and relevant advice to the industry.

In fact, despite the rollercoaster ride of the last few years with the Covid pandemic, energy crisis and the changing EU landscape post Brexit, the compressed air industry has proved its resilience and our membership numbers have increased.

Our members continue to demonstrate their willingness to invest in their businesses; remaining abreast of legislation, staying well informed and ensuring they have the resources needed to stay at the forefront of information.

Understanding the needs of our members is therefore a steppingstone to help us better serve the demands of a changing compressed air industry. From our manufacturer members, who are developing new technologies that help lower cost of ownership, to distributors who are often the key interface between the Society and its end users, to our associate members and the vital advisory role they can play.

I will therefore be starting my tenure by visiting members across the country to learn more about the challenges they – and their customers – face.

For example, our smaller distributor members often rely on us for more practical business support, such as our HR or health and safety assistance programmes, so I will be exploring if there are other value-added services the Society could be offering in this area of advice.

In recent months, we have also lobbied on behalf of our members to help overcome some of the challenges posed by the post Brexit landscape - and worked with our European Trade partners, supported by both Pneurop and Orgalim to help influence the legislative process.