The Annual Conference on 15-16 May at NCC, Bristol, had a brand new format, taking the form of an Industry Briefing Day with day two looking at new opportunities for composites in various end-user sectors. This was well received with a record number of delegates attending over the two days. “We felt it was important to provide our members with an opportunity to gather as much important industry information in one event as possible – information that they can utilise within their own businesses to enable development and planning for the future,” stated the organisation’s chairman, Chris Little. “As usual the conference provided excellent networking opportunities to make those new contacts, exchange ideas and drive the industry forward.” At the AGM, members voted for who they wanted to represent them on the Board of directors for 2013-14. Six new directors were elected as a result to work alongside the existing Board members. Directors are elected for a two-year period, with half the Board positions elected each year to ensure continuity, and also an influx of new ideas and representatives. The Board of directors for 2013-14 comprises: • Dr Faye Smith, Avalon Consultancy Services • Matthew Herbert, Broadwater Mouldings • Dr Paul Darby, CCP Composites • Paul Collier, Combined Composites Technologies • Chris Little, Consuta Training (Chairman) • Graham Mulholland, EPM Technology Group • Peter Chivers, National Composites Centre • Neil Appleton, Parton Fibreglass • Prof Paul Hogg, Royal Holloway University of London • Steve Austen, RNLI • Andrew Dugmore, TRB Lightweight Structures Dr Sue Halliwell, Operations Manager, looks forward to working with the newly elected Board: “As a trade association, Composites UK continues to grow in size and stature, supported by the Board of directors who work to ensure the association represents the best interests of our members. Key priorities for Composites UK remain our members, representation of our industry at various forums, improving industry-industry and industry-academic collaborations, and supporting training and education needs to enable the industry to grow and remain competitive.” Composites UK say there are many activities and initiatives in the pipeline and it promises to be a busy and exciting time for the association and the industry as a whole. www.compositesuk.co.uk
