2021 Directory

BFPDA Foreword As I sit down to write this foreword, I can reflect upon the past ten years as a BFPDA Council Member and for me over 40 years within the engineering and fluid power industry. They have been an interesting four decades and I have enjoyed them immensely, which is why I am especially delighted to become the Chairman of our Council, serving alongside the Association’s experienced, highly skilled and, above all, very professional friends and colleagues. I have always been a great advocate of the BFPA; especially of the Distributor community, which has given me and my business so much reward and opportunity. Like most UK engineering industries, we now operate in a highly competitive market, and the challenge of differentiating ourselves against what is invariably stiff competition in a very price-sensitive market is all the more challenging. That is why I have always championed best practice in all aspects of our work. I believe that it is essential to be a member of what should be a stronghold of best practice and the maintenance of only the highest quality standards – something a well-respected trade association such as the BFPA and its partner association the BFPDA holds within its DNA. That is why during my tenancy I hope to be able to build upon the good work that has been undertaken to date and to work with my fellow Council members in ensuring that when a member company places the BFPDA or BFPA logo on their websites, paperwork or on their mobile vehicles, they take a significant step towards that all-important differentiation from their competitors. With a pedigree going back decades, the BFPDA has a wealth of industry experience and information. We can use that knowledge to support members in their day-to-day business, help with training and skills and engage with Government to help members better understand ever more complex legislation and act as a voice for our industry in influencing government policy before it becomes legislation. As the saying goes – the Association is the voice of the industry and, collectively, we are that voice. If we are to embrace our experiences, so dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 18 months, then a greater emphasis upon staff wellbeing chimes particularly well with my own aspirations. Indeed, I am pleased to be able to say that in 2020 my own company, Derek Lane & Co, achieved an outstanding employee engagement score of 73%. This was not only a 20% increase on the previous year but was ‘streets ahead’ of the UK benchmark of 50%. This was achieved through ensuring greater fulfilment among our staff and colleagues, ensuring that they felt listened to with regular one-to-one discussions, tool-box talks and, whenever possible, social events and other opportunities to engage at a personal level – at all times being mindful of mental health issues and the need to provide support. During my time as Chair of the BFPDA Council I hope to be able to translate some of this experience and empathy into the way in which I engage with the Council, the BFPA Board and the Executive staff. Together, I believe that if we support each other and maintain a positive and focused view of the future, we can ensure that the BFPDA gains even greater relevance in the industry and make the BFPDA logo a true mark of quality. So, I begin my tenure and this opening foreword with these key words: Training, skills, quality, best practice and engagement. I very much look forward to the challenge and wish my fellow members a very productive and rewarding year ahead and beyond. Rob Woodley – BFPDA Chairman Training, skills, quality, best practice and engagement are the watchwords www.bfpa.co.uk 5