ICOM Energy Association - New President at the helm

At the recent ICOM Energy Association Annual General Meeting Barry Webster was appointed President of the association for a two year term.

In his opening address Barry said, “I would like to express my thanks to the ICOM Council for inviting me to become President, which is a post that I consider an honour and privilege to undertake”.

He then outlined his background and association with the manufacture and application of Industrial Steam and Hot Water Shell Boilers. He was involved in both design and engineering prior to moving into sales, which he continues to enjoy as the Sales Director of Cochran Ltd.

Barry hails from ‘The Black Country’, which is where he is based and was of course once the very centre of UK Industrial Shell Boiler manufacture.

“If the heating industry is to meet the future challenges in emerging markets, suppliers will be expected to utilise technical advances, meet or surpass the continued increased demand for higher operational efficiency, product safety and of course the latest statutory regulations and codes of practice. A well run, member supported trade association such as ours, helps to ensure that we, as manufacturers and suppliers, are able to meet those demands. Acting in isolation, any one company would not be able to achieve what we accomplish as an association. In isolation we would have great difficulty in always being aware of and influencing changing legislation and standards. This awareness ensures that our technological developments are in step with current and future requirements and ensures that our companies have the best opportunity to succeed in an ever more competitive market”.

Barry closed by saying, “I am delighted that the association is developing a training scheme, that will make it a statutory requirement for any individual who undertakes work on Industrial Boiler Plant to hold current competent person qualifications. A situation that at present does not exist! This currently leads to the ‘man in a van’ being employed to undertake work on boiler plant that through ignorance, often leads to inefficient operation at best and at worst, him leaving behind a ‘time bomb’ when he finishes ‘tinkering’ with our products.

The stature of ICOM and its broad representation of our industry provide us, as manufacturers and suppliers; the opportunity to embody within the training schemes that we are developing, the degree of knowledge, which is essential for all those working on or associated with, industrial and commercial heating appliances. This is an objective that we desperately need to achieve. I urge you all to continue to actively support your trade association by ensuring that you allow your staff to attend meetings and provide your input wherever possible”.

For press information please contact ICOM Energy Association

Peter McCree 01905 779480, peter.mccree@icomenergyassociation.org.uk