Comment by BVAA Director Rob Bartlett

Spring and autumn are traditionally breathless times for the Association, with a plethora of activities, events and exhibitions that often risk overwhelming the BVAA diary.  Spring 2023 is to be no exception.

The BIG hit of the Spring (so far!) was our exceptional Supplier Day and Regional Dinner event at Brighouse last month. 

As the Association’s Director, I find a genuine joy in looking on and seeing scores of members reconnect over drink and dinner, and then laugh to the point of weeping as they did with this year’s entertainer, Emmanuel Sonubi.

The Supplier Day element however is when the real work starts.  Twenty or so exhibitors, lots of enquiring visitors, and the hubbub of the room of OEMs next door full to brimming with the 120+ speed dates that we organise over just 3 hours.  As the unofficial doorman and timekeeper, I’m in prime position to hear of the triumphs and successes from the exiting suppliers, and to learn from the OEMs and industry customers their delight in finding a new or alternative supplier.

Also hotting up at the moment is our April Training programme.  Face-to-face is clearly our delegates’ preference once again, and everyone seems to be taking up the opportunity presented by our April Training dates Valve & Actuator Training courses - BVAA

I’m often asked why people should train.  Aside from the clear benefit to the individual, their colleagues etc. there’s also the increased profitability and competency of the business as a whole.  For me though, the opportunity to talk with real, life-long experts in topics as diverse as Control Valves, Safety Integrity Levels and Industry Legislation makes it a no-brainer.  Training really is a critical investment, not a cost.

Once that’s over, we’re straight into the biggest member-attendance event of the year – the BVAA Spring Conference!  With many of the attributes of the Supplier Day, this eagerly await event will also feature nine expert speakers on topics as diverse as Hydrogen and Carbon Capture, Additive Manufacturing, the Future of Oil and Gas, alternative FE test gases, T Levels and even the local MP!  Followed of course by our infamous entertainment and golf day – the comedy on this occasion generally coming from my wayward ‘batting’.  As to the weather…  invariably hot!

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