Manufacturing & Supply Chain

The Chemical Business Association (CBA), which represents the UK chemical supply chain, has announced the recent appointment of two key team members. The chemicals and pharmaceutical industry is the UK’s second biggest industry and is the nation’s number one manufacturing exporter, and CBA members contribute more than £3 billion to the UK economy and employ over 10,000 people.

Douglas Leech, who was the CBA’s Technical Director, has been appointed to the newly created role of Special Projects Director, whilst Elaine McGavin has expanded her remit and is now the association’s Regulatory and Responsible Care Lead.

Both positions have been created in response to membership of the CBA growing to record levels, with the appointments being part of an ongoing structural reorganisation to ensure members receive the best possible value from their membership. In addition, to ensure that the CBA can best deal with current and future challenges, not to mention opportunities in the chemical supply chain.

Leech joined the CBA in 2003 following a 20-year tenure in the product formulation sector, where he worked in both Research & Development and Health & Safety.

As Special Projects Director, Leech’s focus will also involve overall strategy and objectives, and close collaboration with key stakeholders and organisations. In particular, he will focus on working towards an alternative UK REACH model. Although his new position will see him taking a step back from core services and day-to-day activities, Leech will continue to play a key role in delivering presentations and addressing expertise-based queries, particularly on legislative issues.

McGavin has been with the CBA since 2019 and boasts more than 20 years’ experience in various sectors, including Research & Development, supply chain and catalysis. In her new role, her core objectives will include supporting members with regulatory and sustainability issues. McGavin is also a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA).

Tim Doggett, CEO of the CBA said: “Both Doug and Elaine have been key members of the CBA team for several years, helping to drive the association forward. They have already contributed enormously to the success of the CBA. I am delighted these new roles will allow them to continue doing outstanding work for the association in future.”

Members are the CBA’s most important consideration and both appointments come amidst a drive by the association to enhance and expand membership activities, whilst providing support to the wider chemicals industry. During 2022, the association has introduced several new initiatives, including Online Clinics and Best Practice Workshops. It has also rebranded its regional meetings as Member Engagement Days and has been placing increased importance on Committees, giving them a sense of purpose and an environment to contribute.

The CBA has also been involved in various programmes aimed at de-stigmatising the industry and highlighting its diverse career options. To encourage young people to engage with the chemical sector, it established its Future Council earlier this year.

Additionally, the association has been continuing its efforts towards government/legislative breakthroughs, collaborating with the Home Office on gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) amendments and working with the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to explore a new UK Reach model/timeline.

“For nearly a century the CBA has proven to be a steadfast partner that members can rely on for representation, training, guidance and assistance on issues around trade, compliance, regulation, sustainability, and more. The creation of these strategic new roles is in line with our unwavering efforts to best serve and support our members,” concludes Doggett.

CAPTION:

Elaine McGavin and Doug Leech with Tim Doggett (centre).