BCAS 2018

About BCAS 6 www.bcas.org.uk A united voice Founded in 1930 at the instigation of the British Government, the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is the only dedicated UK trade association representing manufacturers, distributors and end users of compressors, air treatment, gas, vacuum, blowers, pneumatic tools and allied products. In these times of change the governmental consultation is once again forming a key strand of our activities. W e provide an impartial united voice in the face of ever-changing needs of industry and legislation. As an unbiased authority on technical, educational and legislative issues the society provides a reference point for best practice. We actively represent the interests of our industry sector to the UK Government as well as to many European and other overseas institutions. The society and its members provide industry statistics and have an active input into all proposed UK and European compressed air systems’ energy and environmental legislation and standards through its membership of the European body PNEUROP, and by its association with the prime voice of the EU engineering industry, ORGALIME. So you may ask why can companies don’t do this without trade association membership. The answer is clear, the risk of anti competitive behaviour and the drive to protect the consumer has led to more and more legislation with global reach and large risks for those who do not pay attention. In a trade association competitors can come together in a safe regulated environment to handle the issues of the industry and work together to improve standards, regulations, training and reputations. Expert guidance and advice To our members we act as a business information resource not only on legislation but on technical matters too. Compressed air / pressurised air & vacuum is vital for many businesses and BCAS assists its members in ensuring their staff have the right skills for the job and access to specialist commercial and technical information when it’s needed. Our training services offer industry specialised courses as well as general business training both online and in a face to face environment. Our fact sheets and best practice guides help members to be best in class as demonstrated by our recent end user survey results. Mission The Society’s mission is to be the leading impartial and united voice of the UK pressured air industry, serving as the unbiased authority on technical, educational, promotional and other matters that affect our industry and its customers. BCAS fulfils its mission through the following primary objectives: ● To promote the safe, efficient maintenance and use of equipment. ● To cooperate with diverse groups such as government departments, regulatory authorities and research organisations. ● To bring industry specific training and the experience of its members to bear on the conduct of business in industry for the common good. ● To develop and publish standards and engineering data and statistical information. ● To engage in cooperative educational and research activities providing development for the next generation of industry engineers. * ● To cooperate with governmental departments and agencies and other bodies in matters affecting the industry. ● To promote cooperation amongst members for improved production, proper use and distribution of equipment. ● To provide a best practice forum where members can develop their professional competence. Structure BCAS is governed by the Board of Directors, elected from member companies under a formula that ensures representation of both small and large companies across the different sectors whilst being led on a daily basis by the Executive director and supported by the BCAS team. The Society’s Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic direction of the Society, and the President of BCAS also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The term of office is two years for each position thus ensuring a regular fresh approach as to how the Society can best meet the changing needs of the industry and its members. The articles of association have been recently updated to ensure greater transparency and accountability of the board to the members. The members will now have the ability to vote on board and committee appointments, which previously was not the case. There are currently Seven permanent committees: ● Compressors, ● Low Pressure & Vacuum ● Industrial & Contractors’ Tools ● Air Treatment & Applications ● Distribution ● Statistics ● Training & development Add to this the working groups from portables and you can see that the Society is very active in driving change in the industry. The diversity of the our industry gives rise to a wide spectrum of subject areas covered in numerous special committees and working groups that are set up from time to time to address specific issues. The permanent committees, special committees and working groups are made up of member company specialists and representatives, as well as invited experts who can contribute to the scope and output of the meetings. So this is your Society, and being involved makes a difference. The Society team turn ideas into actions and produce meaningful business change. Support your trade association by being involved.