The new chief executive of the British Compressed Gases Association has set out future plans for the national trade body.
Ellen Daniels has taken up the leadership role, following the retirement of Doug Thornton earlier this year.
Formerly the Head of Public Affairs and Policy at the British Coatings Federation, Ellen joined the BCGA with a remit to further develop the strong foundations established by Doug during his 14-year term at the helm.
In her first year in the post, negotiating the Covid-19 environment will be a key priority, with Ellen keen to build on the vital role BCGA members played in providing medical gases and other related essential gases and equipment during the pandemic.
She’ll also be preparing to work with the government on transport, standards and regulations in a post-Brexit era.
Ellen said: “Like all industries, we face some challenges ahead. However, the expertise and skills in our membership and the emphasis placed on innovation means we are well-placed to support key sectors and services in the future as the economy adapts to the changes ahead.
“Despite a challenging start to the year, I am excited about the opportunities in front of us.
“This is a dynamic industry which impacts so many aspects of our every-day lives, from technology and transport to food and drink and more.
“It is also a sector which puts great emphasis on developing products and services to ensure a safe, successful and healthy nation.
“We will be broadening our work in the digital space to get that message across and to attract new talent looking for rewarding careers in STEM.”
Sustainability and the environment will also be a priority area, with Ellen and the BCGA team setting out how compressed gases, such as hydrogen, LNG and CNG, can underpin greener economies and support better air quality.
That includes urging government to change its current direction of policy in the use of compressed gases for greener energy.
Ellen added: “The government frequently refers to greener transportation, but the reference is generally to electric vehicles.
“We need to see a greater mention of hydrogen, CNG and LNG included in policy going forward.
“BCGA members have the expertise to support this emerging industry with trusted innovation and safety standards, to ensure the UK can move to this new technology.
“The government talks about using hydrogen for powering homes but seems to focus on electricity and its benefits when talking about vehicles.
“We need to broaden that debate and we are really excited at the prospect of working with government on such an innovative area.”
ENDS
Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR – jane@shepherd-pr.com 01538 308685
Notes To Editors – About BCGA
The ‘invisible industry’ underpinning a safe, successful and healthy nation – industrial medical and food gases are essential to the existence and wellbeing of thousands of people in the UK every day.
Industrial gases perform a wide-ranging role, supporting the manufacture of information technology, as well as key UK industrial sectors including steelmaking, refining, welding, chemical processing and electronics. They also help keep homes warm, water clean and food nutritious, appealing and affordable – while medical gases play a critical role in applications including respiratory care, pain therapies and anesthesia.
The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) is the UK membership body for this critical industry. With a commitment to stringent quality, safety and environmental measures, BCGA members employ 19,000 people directly and account for an annual turnover of £2.7 billion.
Members of BCGA operate in a highly regulated industry and work together on technical, safety, health and environmental issues to achieve high standards of integrity and environmental care, both within their own and customers’ working environments.
BCGA promotes safety practice through its publications and also participates in the preparation and revision of National, European and International Standards.
