Launch of BRPPA - Oct 05

establish new UK trade association

London: As a result of strategic change at the British Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (BRMA), a new UK trade association - the British Rubber and Polyurethane Products Association (BRPPA) - is to be launched on 1 January

2006.

While BRMA will concentrate on the interests of the principal tyre manufacturers operating in the UK (changing its name to the British tyre Manufacturers’ Association), BRPPA will represent the interests of British rubber and polyurethane product manufacturers, whose products  and components are used in a diverse range of industry sectors – pharmaceutical, automotive, construction, aerospace and defence, sports and leisure to name but a few – on an increasingly international basis. 

In a recent survey undertaken amongst the existing general rubber goods membership of BRMA, over 70% were in favour of the formation of a separate trade association which would focus on the issues facing  manufacturing companies which are typically SMEs rather than  multi-national conglomerates.

BRPPA intends to promote the rubber and polyurethane components industry, lobbying government and other legislative regulators. At the same time it will  provide an extensive range of pro-active member services covering issues related to employment and HR, health and safety, energy and other environmental matters. 

Richard Gogerty is Chief Executive Officer of the rapidly expanding Icon Polymer Group, which manufactures safety and mission critical technical rubber components from sites in both the West and East Midlands, where it employs over 370 people. As a founding member of BRPPA, he believes the new association has an important role to play in the promotion and support of a developing  industry sector, saying:

“ Rubber component manufacturing in particular is often perceived as an out-dated industry with little to contribute to 21st century life. Nothing could be further  from  the truth: my colleagues and I will  support  BRPPA in raising the

profile of our industry, and I know we will find its expertise relating to this  industry’s health and safety issues of invaluable assistance.”   

The forthcoming REACH (registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals) legislation has some potentially major implications for the rubber and polyurethane industry, and BRPPA will be playing an important role in lobbying Government on it and assisting its members in the implementation and management process.

Companies interested in learning more about BRPPA membership should contact the PR and membership recruitment services office on T: 01263 713070 or E: nigel@ni4b.co.uk. 

Ends

Note to editors:

For further information please contact:

Nigel Tompkins

New Ideas for Business

T: 01263 713070

F: 01263 712060

E: nigel@ni4b.co.uk