KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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New president and vice presidents take BMA helm

A huge turnout marked the recent AGM of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. The record 85 members, associates, press people and guest speakers attended the event which was held for the first time at the Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire.

In the formal proceedings, members elected Paul Massey, Group CEO of AKW and DLP Group as the new president of the Association where he will remain in post for two years.

In his acceptance speech Paul gave an overview of the work of the Association over the last 12 months. He went on to look at what the future holds and talked about membership growth, stronger partnerships and driving the organisation forward from the solid foundations already laid by David Osborne, the outgoing president.

"We are looking forward to another busy year at the BMA," said Paul. "We will meet the industry's challenges head on. I am privileged to have been elected to this important position and look forward to serving the membership and furthering the BMA as The Voice of the Bathroom Industry."

In strict accordance with the constitution, members also elected two vice presidents, Alan Dodds of Roca and Nick McGrellis of Croydex. The management team was re-elected 'en bloc' and Simon Fleet of Thomas Dudley joined for the first time.

The BMA's Technical Director, Christian Taylor-Hamlin gave an in-depth review of the technical aspects of the Association.

With the formal requirements of the AGM concluded members and guests enjoyed three important and interesting presentations.

Ron Berry of Courtprice, a composite insurance broking company, explained a new benefit stream for members' health and insurance that could save them money on their current policies.

Richard Soper of CHIPE described the work and development he and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering had been doing, working with their 7,500 members and 180 industrial associates.

Suzanne Cater and Amanda Adams from the CMA, the government's Competition and Markets Authority, provided an excellent presentation on the findings of the recent investigation into the retailing of bathroom and kitchen products. The authority works to promote competition for the benefit of consumers, both within and outside the UK. Its aim is to make markets work well for consumers, businesses and the economy. Suzanne and Amanda provided members with excellent information to avoid falling foul of the law particularly regarding the rules for using the internet.

Concluding the day was a presentation by the BMA's marketing manager, Amy Kirk. Amy reviewed the recent work of the team and gave more details of the forthcoming Industry Business Conference on 4th October, at The Belfry Sutton Coldfield. (www.bathroom-association.org)

"This was a busy, packed and productive meeting," commented Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA. "Once again our members showed that they have their finger right on the pulse of our industry. I'm delighted with the progress we are making."

T: 01782 631 619
E: [email protected]
W: www.bathroom-association.org

8th July 2016