Letter from the Managing Director This industry impacts our everyday lives and is overflowing with engineering excellence, world-leading technology and 1000s of talented people. I am looking forward to working with the BFPA team and Board members to continue the excellent work of the BFPA and further strengthen and grow our fluid power industry. Wide impact I believe it’s important to remember that we’re not just hydraulics and pneumatics – more and more we are encompassing electronics, mechatronics and robotics. We are the hidden force in manufacturing. Most people do not see it, but our technology impacts everything we do from the minute we wake to the minute we go to sleep. Indeed, even the bed we sleep on has had some form of hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics used to produce, pack and even test it. Key focus So, our industry is critically important and therefore our members must be served in the most efficient and rewarding way possible. That is why the BFPA continues to evolve the way it serves its membership and the wider industry. Indeed, following a strategy review in 2021 it was decided to put in play a new strategy to directly address some of the most important aspects of people working within the fluid power sector. This new strategy – which because of its importance will be a key focus of this edition of the Yearbook – is known as the four pillars. It comprises Education and Training, Industry and Standards, Health, Safety and Environment and Business Intelligence/Industry Insights. While still in its early days, it was firmly recognised by BFPA staff and our members who were present at the strategy review as being of major importance and something that will be the focus during this year and beyond. Fresh blood Clearly, bringing in fresh blood into the industry is paramount, so we need to start creating an extra level of interest in the four pillars not only among younger members, but also by opening up to people studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines in universities, schools and colleges. The question we asked ourselves is how do we link the younger generation today to become the manufacturers and fluid power professionals of tomorrow, with a view for them ultimately to become BFPA members further down the line? So, we are starting that journey by generating that curiosity, awareness and, ultimately, opportunity in the fluid power industry. Keeping safe With all the usual pressures of business growth and development, the health and wellbeing of our members is paramount. As you might expect, this topic is a key feature of our Health, Safety and the Environment pillar. Clearly, the fluid power industry often works in very challenging, demanding and dangerous environments. Therefore, we must make sure that everything we do is conducted in a safe way and that the standards we set are adhered to. Our members understand that. By encouraging more people to get involved in this aspect of the BFPA’s strategic plan, we can continue to fine-tune the rules and guidelines that ultimately can save lives. The equipment used in our industry often needs to operate in hazardous conditions. Furthermore, the equipment itself needs to be properly maintained frequently and correctly. Failure to do so can impact machinery performance and, more importantly, it can be dangerous to operators or other people. For example, pinprick holes in worn hoses can result in an operator suffering a fluid injection injury that can be life-changing or, in a small number of cases, even fatal. Health and safety legislation is forever being tightened, so the importance for The hidden force in manufacturing 16 www.bfpa.co.uk Chris Butcher, the newly appointed Managing Director of the BFPA, outlines his roadmap for the Association and discusses some of the current key trends within our industry. The BFPA is in good shape to begin the detailed process to roll out our new strategy roadmap.
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