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Two industry associations are to merge and pool their collective voice as one trade organisation.
The merger of the Brick Development Association and Ceramics UK will align the ceramics industry as one unified trade organisation with the aim of having a stronger voice when lobbying Government with industry concerns alongside raising awareness.
The current Chief Executive of C-UK, Rob Flello, will become CEO for the BDA from 26thJune 2024. The chief executive of the BDA, Keith Aldis, after 8 years in the role, will act as a consultant to support the transition when the current chairman Martin Warner, formerly of Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC retires on the 26th June 2024. Keith Barker, managing director for Wienerberger UK, will then take over the Chairmanship of the BDA.
There will be no change to the brands, ethos and work of both C-UK and the BDA; for all intents and purposes things will remain the same.
Warner said: “I am delighted that we have found a solution in such a timely and amicable manner. Both boards deserve a metaphoric ‘pat on the back’ for their hard work in delivering this. The merger will take some time, but it is anticipated that work will be completed before the end of the year.”
President of Ceramics UK, Hannah Ault DL said: “I am thrilled that we are able to bring together two trade organisations with the same ambitions and clear vision of raising the awareness of the UK Ceramics Industry and our members to key stakeholders on the importance of supporting an industry that underpins many others. We hope the merger will give greater opportunity to ensure that Government listens to our voice and understands the importance of our great Industry.”
The BDA is the national authority on clay bricks. Its membership accounts for almost 100% of the industry’s productivity in the UK, which deliver excellent quality through a reliable supply chain. As such, the BDA collates the latest and most authoritative statistical data on UK clay brick production, distribution and sustainability commitments. Ceramics UK (C-UK) is the trade association for the UK ceramic manufacturing industry, representing the common and collective interests of all sectors of the industry. Its 90+ member companies cover the full spectrum of ceramic products and comprise over 90% of the industry’s manufacturing capacity.
