BFPA Strategy Review October 2021
25 Nov 2021
Having been several years since the last Strategy Review, the members of the BFPA were keen to get stuck into to the process of discussing and analysing the vision, direction, and purpose of the British Fluid Power Association now, and in the future. Held over two consecutive days at the Scarman Conference Building within the University of Warwick, 40 delegates from across the industry had open and honest discussions focussing on 3 key areas, Stop, Start, and Continue.
The BFPA welcomed Joanna Ramsdale of People Puzzles, one of the leading UK HR consultancies, to facilitate the meeting over the two days. At the event Joanna ensured a continuous flow of feedback, comments, and suggestions from the BFPA members. From these discussions and debates, ideas were formed, actions proposed and as a collective agreed to make them happen in achievable timescales.
From the Strategy Review it became apparent that there are fundamental areas of activity that the BFPA stand strong and fast at, as they have done for many years. Health & Safety, Statistics, Standards, Industry Support, Education and Legislation are the six main pillars that support the British Fluid Power Associations status as the only full-service UK Trade Association for all companies involved or associated with the Fluid Power Industry.
Health and Safety is considered to be a pivotal part of the association’s goals. Although some excellent work has been done in areas such as the Hose Assembly Scheme and the Fluid Injection Awareness Campaign, there is so much more that can be done in this area.
The statistics work carried out by the BFPA, its members and Oxford Economics is seen as a very valuable part to the membership, particularly the manufacturing members. Advancements in this area such as capturing statistical information from other worldwide associations would help achieve a larger understanding.
The Technical Standards Committees and the work done in conjunction with the British Standards Institution (BSI) is considered a vitally important area off work undertaken by the BFPA. From discussions there were clear indicators from the members that they would like to become more involved in the various committees surrounding standards.
Education at the BFPA covers a broad spectrum ranging from Online Training Courses to Minimal Educational Standards (MERS) through to printed and digital publications. One of the most concerning things our membership has and is discussed widely is the lack of new talent that we are attracting to our industry. It is an accidental flaw in our industry that has resulted in an extremely inclusive and encompassed workforce and our engagement with all areas of the educational system is the only way we will solve this problem in the future.
There are many things that need to be done and above is an initial overview of the areas in which require evaluating. The Board and Council will assess and prioritise these over the coming weeks. Following this we will look to issue the complete Strategy Report containing further details along with agreed timescales on actions that are to be carried out and completed.
From an events perspective and feedback received, members stated that they felt the two-day Strategy Review was good and the majority commented that the venue along with its accommodation were excellent. Certainly, the evening dinner exceeded expectations with all members rating it 100% excellent!
Having had online video conference meetings dominate our lives for the last 18 months it is safe to say that all agreed it was great to have face to face interactions again. It allowed a more natural flow of conversation without someone shouting, “You’re on mute”!
Lastly, it is safe to say that having the opportunity to have open and honest discussions has allowed the BFPA to move forward in a positive, modern, and transparent way so we want to thank all those who organised and attended this event and look forward to many more.
