UK Valve & Actuator Leaders meet Trade Envoy at House of Lords

The British Valve and Actuator Association (BVAA) recently hosted an event with the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, the Right Honourable Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne.

Baroness Nicholson presided over a dinner at the House of Lords where a wide range of topical matters was discussed. These included insights and challenges surrounding the trade of valve and actuator products and engineering services, as well as wider issues such as development, recruitment and retention of talent.

BVAA members and guests in attendance included business leaders from Spirax Sarco, Emerson, Severn Glocon Group and Heap & Partners. Representatives from the Iraq Britain Business Council also joined the discussion.

BVAA CEO Rob Bartlett says House of Lords dinners are expected to become an annual event for the association, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Attendees welcomed the opportunity to meet Baroness Nicholson in an informal setting and explore ways to improve trade relations in regions of strategic importance.

“International trade presents both opportunities and challenges for many of our members, particularly in emerging markets.” Rob Bartlett explains. “Engaging with Trade Envoys enables us to gain insights which we can pass on to the wider membership. It also gives us a platform to raise concerns in person, ensuring government representatives are aware of what’s happening on the ground. This helps inform and shape their own strategies. We’re very grateful to Baroness Nicholson for taking the time to facilitate this event.”

The BVAA’s mission is to support and raise awareness of the British valve and actuator industry in line with relevant issues, opportunities and prevailing conditions. It was established in 1939 and has around 200 members ranging from specialist SMEs to global engineering firms. The industry is a major STEM employer in the UK: 9,000 people are directly employed by valve and actuator businesses, and the industry contributes £3bn to the UK economy each year.

For further information on the BVAA, visit: www.bvaa.org.uk

Published: 30th May 2019