According to the BFPA monthly surveys up to February, 2014 started very well for both hydraulics and pneumatics, with good levels of sales and orders being maintained into February (though the month was not as strong as January). The final monthly survey figures for 2013 have now been confirmed, with the hydraulic index indicating respondent’s UK shipments fell by around 3 per cent in 2013 (the mobile sector grew slightly but industrial fell), while respondents to the pneumatic survey recorded growth of around 2.5per cent for the year. The picture for distribution was a little different for hydraulics, with growth of around 5 per cent being recorded for respondents; pneumatics distribution grew by a similar amount to the pneumatic index respondents. Monthly output was up again in February 2014 as measured by the Office for National Statistics’ Index of Production figures for IOP 28 Manufacture of Machinery and Equipment, and IOP 29 Manufacture of Motor Vehicles and Trailers, suggesting UK engineering industries continued to be busy after a good January, and mirroring the increase in activity seen by BFPA and BFPDA members for hydraulics and pneumatics in the first two months of the year. Please contact Sarah Gardner at sarah@bfpa.co.uk if you have any queries about the BFPA/BFPDA statistics service.
By popular demand, the BFPA & BFPDA’s AGM returned to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in London on 8 May. Chris Buxton, present for the first time at the association’s AGM in his role as the association’s CEO, hosted the event, which attracted over 30 member delegates. BFPA president Tony Kay, and BFPDA Council chair Chris Blevins, presented industry update reports, which were followed by two well-received guest presentations. Marie-Anne MacKenzie, deputy director of the Department for Business, innovation & Skills gave a talk on the topic of company law and better regulation. She was followed by Giles Miskin, managing director of The Colour Works, who gave an enlightening practical insight into the world of psychometric analysis, a popular method of determining an individual’s personality, skills and attributes, as well as how different personality types can learn to complement each other better in the working environment. In addition to general association business and accounting issues, the AGM provided an opportunity for members to raise questions on how the association is run.
Published Standards: - BS ISO 3320:2013 Fluid power systems and components – Cylinder bores and piston road diameters and area ratios – Metric series - BS ISO 6358-1:2013 PFP – Determination of flow-rate characteristics of components using compressible fluids Part 1: General rules and test methods for steady-state flow - BS ISO 6358-2:2013 PFP – Determination of flow-rate characteristics of components using compressible fluids Part 2: Alternative test methods - BS ISO 19973-4:2014 PFP – Assessment of component reliability by testing Part 4: Pressure regulators E.U. Regulations - Blue Guide on the implementation of EU product rules – 2014 has been published. - BIS WEEE Regulations 2013 Government guidance Notes – March 2014 have been published. The publication of the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) of the New Legislative Framework Alignment Package, which includes both the new ATEX and SPVD Directives, took place on 29 March 2014 following the final approval by both EU co-legislators, European Parliament and Council.
By popular demand, the BFPA is returning to the IMechE in London. It has secured two highly relevant speakers for this year’s event; one from the Government’s Better Regulation Executive within BIS, and on a lighter but equally informative note, a psychometric analyst and leadership consultant who will be taking a view on our interaction with staff and colleagues in the workplace and in our everyday lives. The AGM is an opportunity to raise any questions on how the Association is run, and also enjoy the chance to network with friends and colleagues within the industry. BFPA CEO Chris Buxton and the BFPA team look forward to meeting you. Coffee and opportunities for pre-AGM networking are available to all attendees from 10am. The AGM officially commences at 11am.
The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), incorporating the British Fluid Power Distributors Association (BFPDA), enjoyed a very positive outing at this year’s Fluid Power & Systems exhibition, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 8 to 10 April. The Association’s staff provided a warm welcome to members, prospective members and other enquiring parties on the BFPA Pavilion. The Pavilion provided an ideal opportunity for visitors to network, while resting their feet and enjoying some light refreshments. For those with particular technical queries the Association was joined by fluid power experts who were available to answer specific application questions. All BFPA advisors are completely impartial and as such any advice provided at the event was free of any commercial bias. Association members and their guests were also cordially invited to attend a drinks reception on the BFPA Pavilion on the second evening of the show. The reception, which was kindly sponsored by SMC Pneumatics, began at 5pm and proved a major success. Chris Buxton, CEO of the BFPA, said of Fluid Power & Systems 2014: “As the new CEO for the British Fluid Power Association I was keen that my first Fluid Power & Systems event was a success for both the Association and for our members. I need not have had any fears. The 2014 event was a great success providing visitors with a panorama of the technology and products available to them and the exhibitors with unrivalled access to serious decision makers from the customer community.”
