BFPA update (March 2013)
European Standardisation
The purpose of European standardisation is primarily to support the single European market. In contrast to international standardisation, it can have a quasi-regulatory role in certain cases. In these cases compliance with relevant technical provisions of a standard provides presumption of conformity to the essential requirements of one or more European Directives established under the New Legislative Framework (NLF).
Adoption of European Standards
As the UK member of CEN and CENELEC, there is an obligation on BSI to adopt, without change, all European standards ratified by those bodies. The obligations regarding European standards (EN) are, in effect, legal obligations and therefore non-negotiable.
Dinner and all 2013 – a night to remember
Close to 370 ladies and gents are savouring the exquisite flavours of the chef’s tender, aromatic lamb amid the gilt and marble splendour of the Dorchester ballroom.
Suddenly, a disturbance; a figure in white coat, tall hat and bottle in hand is addressing the guests from the stage. It is Pierre, the head chef. Tonight is his last night at the Dorchester, so he wishes to bid us farewell by way of a little song. The guests exchange uneasy glances. Good Lord, is he drunk? Are standards slipping at the Dorchester? Moments later Pierre’s rich, melodic voice rings out with a rendition of ‘Figaro, Figaro!’. The cabaret has commenced.
This is just a snapshot of a very special evening laced with humour, elegance and vitality. The success of every BFPA dinner and ball owes much to the generous support of its membership. The BFPA would like to thank all those who attended and to extend a warm welcome to members who have yet to experience a truly memorable night at the Dorchester Ball.
BFPA Directory
The BFPA raised the bar some years ago, giving far more than simply a tabulated list of members but an interesting read representing the industry of choice. The 2013/14 directory is currently being compiled and over 8000 copies will be circulated around British industry. Not to be featured in it is to miss probably the most effective and low-cost marketing opportunity around. From the company profiles, the boardroom report, the indexed entries by category to the colour-coded nationwide map for distributors of fluid power there is something of relevance for all.
The distribution happens in a number of ways to ensure good market penetration. The main bulk are sent out with the Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine which is highly respected as the only journal devoted to the fluid power industry, and many others are distributed at exhibitions both in the UK and overseas. We ask that when you receive the paperwork asking you to check and submit details that you respond with all speed, as delay will hold up the production of this ever popular publication.
Double engineering apprenticeships by 2015/16
As part of a major new initiative Semta is committed to doubling the number of level three and higher apprenticeship by 2015/16. Launched in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service in May 2011, this ambition not only recognises the importance of such schemes in the Engineering, manufacturing and Science sectors at technician and craft level, but is doing something concrete to address the subject.
In saying ‘double’ what do they mean? In 2010 there were some 8000 apprenticeships in the industry, it now stands at 9920 and is heading steadily to the 16000 2015/16 target. A few BFPA members have already had involvement with this scheme but for those who have not and would like to, please contact: National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 60 or Semta 0845 6439001. The Semta web site www.semta.org.uk will provide more information and the staff there are very keen to advise and help those companies that have no or little experience with the subject.
ECGD is dead, long live UK Export Finance
The BFPA was recently present at a meeting at which it was all explained, the following is that explanation in the words of the department, if you export even in a minor way this will be for you.
UK Export Finance is the UK’s export credit agency. As a Government department (formally named the Export Credits Guarantee Department) that operates under an Act of Parliament, we complement the private market by providing Government assistance to exporters and investors, principally in the form of insurance policies and guarantees on bank loans. Our range of products and services has recently changed, providing the potential to assist a wider range of UK exporters. We offer: A range of credit insurance and financing products to complement the commercial finance and insurance markets; and political risk insurance on overseas investments.
Exporters can go to their bank or to specialist financial organisations to help them get finance, and to credit insurers to get insurance against the risk of not being paid. But if some exporters are unable to get help from these private sources, UK Export Finance may be able to assist. For more information visit: www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Events
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LAMMA Show 2025
15 January, 2025, 8:30 - 16 January, 2025, 16:30
NEC, Birmingham UK -
SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS SHOW 2025
04 February, 2025, 9:30 - 06 February, 2025, 15:30
Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, off Aerospace Boulevard, Farnborough GU14 6TQ -
SMART Manufacturing & Engineering Week
04 - 05 June, 2025
NEC, Birmingham UK -
PPMA 2025
23 September, 2025, 9:30 - 25 September, 2025, 16:00
NEC, Birmingham UK
