SubscribeAn industry-led membership organisation to support and promote the £2.2 billion chemical sector in Yorkshire was launched in October.
Yorkshire Chemical Focus (YCF), an independent, not-for-profit company, initially funded by Yorkshire Forward, is to provide a voice for 450 chemical businesses and is a sister organisation to Humber Chemical Focus.
YCF will have a particular focus on West Yorkshire where there is the largest concentration of chemical businesses. Its aims are to increase the competitiveness of the industry, encourage growth and to promote a better understanding and awareness of an industry that is crucial to the region’s economy.
Dr Jane Mockford, chief executive of YCF, was formerly global research and development director for Uniqema, a member of the ICI group. She brings to the job hands-on experience of working in and managing a small business with predominantly Asian customers and has headed up a number of teams successfully delivering new products and processes often developed in collaboration with external partners or customers.
She said: “We recognise the chemical industry is under pressure, particularly with competition from overseas, increased regulation and increases in raw material prices. It is the fastest growing industry in Yorkshire and Humber, with productivity more than double that of the West Yorkshire economy as a whole.
“A properly resourced and credible organisation like YCF can work with its members to influence decision makers on behalf of the industry, and help businesses to collaborate in vital matters such as reputation, regulation, skills and innovation.
“Our agenda will be determined by our members’ needs. YCF exists for its members and we will be listening to what they want and seeing where we can add value.”
Glyn Hughes, Humber Chemical Focus Chief Executive, believes the creation of YCF can only be Good news for the region’s chemicals industry.
“We offer a voice for the sector – but it’s a voice with many tones” he said. Hughes sites the creation of the £8million CATCH training and development facility, and the creation of strong regional networks, amongst HCF’s key achievements.
YCF’s launch follows several months of planning and research commissioned into the needs of an industry where 80 per cent of businesses employ fewer than 50 people. Initial research shows that top priorities for members are: the opportunity to co-operate on sharing functions such as sourcing and buying raw materials; consultation on new regulations; advice on intellectual property and human resources; and sharing best practice to reduce costs.
Other issues likely to be high on the YCF agenda will be educating the public on the value of the chemicals industry; lobbying local authorities; training and recruitment; brownfield site development and forging closer links with colleges and universities.
The YCF board includes two local industry representatives: Rhys Marks, deputy chairman of A H Marks and Company Ltd, from Wyke, near Bradford, and Julian Driver, chief executive of Vickers Laboratories Ltd, Pudsey. Both worked with Yorkshire Forward to obtain funding to set up YCF.
Marks, who is chair of YCF, said: “This is an opportunity for chemical businesses in Yorkshire to collaborate to secure the future of our industry. I am proud to be associated with the foundation of an independent organisation that will be a major voice for the chemical sector.”
For more information about Yorkshire Chemical Focus visit www.ycf.org.uk