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The British Valve and Actuator Association (BVAA) says an event it held recently indicates that the industry is set to enjoy significant progress in 2019, with business growth and product innovation on the agenda.
Nearly 100 people attended a Regional Dinner and Supplier Day hosted by the BVAA, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Time allocated for one-to-one sessions between customers and suppliers reached full capacity, with 126 meetings facilitated. And the full quota of desktop exhibition space was also filled.
Noteworthy attendees at the event held in Brighouse included engineering services company Worley Parsons, which sent a representative to meet with valve companies. New BVAA members such as Rollstud and Buxton Special Alloys were in attendance, as was returning member Score.
Exhibitors ranged from MSP, a leading manufacturer of springs and stampings in exotic materials, to bolting product specialist SFC Europe.
The BVAA’s CEO, Rob Bartlett, says the number and calibre of attendees, coupled with the nature and quantity of the one-to-one sessions, is a positive sign.
“This is our biggest members event of the year, and the vibe was very upbeat,” Bartlett explains. “There was lots of interest in new and improved components and materials which could help valve and actuator companies stretch the performance of their products. The general consensus was that the future is looking very bright for our industry. Several attendees commented on the quality of opportunities generated and called for similar events to be held in other parts of the UK.”
The highlight of the event for many was the pre-dinner address from John Nichol, retired RAF Navigator and former Prisoner-of-War. His message of triumph in the face of adversity struck a chord with delegates, many of whom have been affected by the ripple effects of the oil and gas downturn, and are now looking forward to a resurgence in the sector.
The BVAA has represented the British valve and actuator industry since 1939, and has around 200 members ranging from specialist SMEs to global engineering firms. The industry is a major STEM employer in the UK: 9,000 people are directly employed by valve and actuator businesses, and the industry contributes £3bn to the UK economy each year.
