2021 Directory

www.bfpa.co.uk 51 maintain equipment more effectively,” he says. “In fact, I believe digital transformation can be a good way to get more young people interested in our profession by showing them the wide range of computer-based skills that can now play an important role in our industry.” Simpson points to Industry 4.0 as having an increasingly strong influence within the world of fluid power equipment and systems. He maintains that this type of technology – helping to facilitate greater levels of connectivity and data utlisation – will continue to enhance traditional fluid power solutions in a positive way. “Support from the market- leading manufacturers such as Parker, Rexroth, Eaton and Danfoss are producing products that are literally leading the way in design and performance,” he says. “Technology has started to move forward at an increased pace in recent years. It seems as if advancements have become almost a daily occurrence and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. Along with more digital advances, the fluid power industry itself has also enjoyed its share of technology advances over the past few years, e.g. servo technology in pneumatics and hydraulics as well as industrial product developments. Indeed, the products we sell are ten times more advanced than they were a decade or so ago. Reputation As a distributor, Dunlop maintains that brand reputation is everything. “So, in terms of job execution Pirtek’s goal is to complete work and breakdowns within four hours, from initial phone call to the job completed,” he points out. “We even aim to send the paperwork within that four-hour window. Pirtek is currently achieving this for over 80% of the 340,000 or so jobs we complete every year, relying on our 86 centres and 356 mobile vans.” Brexit On the topic of Brexit, Simpson feels following the decades of continued support within the EU and being one of the largest contributors, the UK shouldn’t be held accountable and heavily levied. “There is no reason why in the current climate that trade cannot continue to function smoothly,” he maintains. “The systems are in place for both the UK and EU to flourish and prosper. The UK has helped secure strong relations with other trade agreements and will continue to have a positive effect on world trade following Brexit. Brexit should give the UK an opportunity to strengthen its trade with the rest of the world and the EU simultaneously and not be a restriction. Any restrictions would damage UK & EU trade and almost certainly hinder both parties.” Simpson adds that because of the amount of product sold into the UK from EU countries companies ultimately will have no choice but to carry on supplying to the UK. Also, businesses need to be more collaborative as products made in the UK and other countries have a wider scope now. The business world needs to make sure that each country’s certifications are on par in order to keep up with the technology.” Association involvement In terms of Pirtek’s involvement with the Association, Dunlop is very proud of the fact that the company works closely with the whole team at the BFPA and BFPDA to further the interests of both the distributor and manufacturer membership. “Just one of many areas where we and the Association are making notable headway is the Passport Scheme, which we are keen to establish as something akin to our industry’s equivalent to the Gas Safe Register,” he explains. “It has to be said that many people in our industry need to be better trained in order to improve levels of efficiency and safety. So, to be able to display an identity card to show you have a proven level of competency can only be a very valuable asset for the individual and our industry at large. Continuing the safety theme, we introduced the Pirtek Glove a couple of years ago in order to provide a better means for users and installers and maintenance engineers to militate against the risks of sustaining a fluid injection injury in the event of a compromised hydraulic hose. This is proving popular and is something we are selling in part through the Association members.” With regard to key benefits of BFPDA membership, Simpson considers that this should be a mandatory institute similar to the Gas Safe Register. “The training, research and advice provided by the BFPDA is a key resource that members can utilise to help support their business,” he explains. “The drive to raise industry standards, the opportunities to network, share best practice are also highly valuable benefits of membership.” Gunter concludes by making the point that within the world of fluid power equipment and service provision, it is important never to rest on one’s laurels. “A distributor may have a long- established relationship with many of its customers, but it should never be forgotten that custom can be lost in the blink of an eye,” he says. “Therefore, it’s critically important to continually strive to offer the best service possible and never become blasé.”