BCF Annual Handbook & Membership Directory BCF Annual Handbook 2018/2019 | Page 22

PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY

Supply chain lobbying

The BCF has been taking a leading role in various supply chain groups . As well as actively participating in membership of the Construction Products Association ( CPA ), EEF the manufacturers ’ organisation and the Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ), the BCF chairs various industry groups including : the Graphics and Print Media Alliance ( GPMA ), and the REACH Cross Sector Group .
The GPMA represents the interests of those involved in the printing supply chain , and has taken an active role in feeding into key government policies such as industrial strategy and late payments . The BCF ’ s Chief Executive Tom Bowtell chairs the group , which views Brexit as a core issue impacting its members .
The BCF ’ s Head of Public Affairs and Policy Ellen Daniels chairs the REACH Cross Sector Group , whose members include Jaguar Land Rover , Intel , Rolls Royce and trade associations such as EEF , Surface Engineering Association , the Aerospace , Defence , Security and Space Association to name but a few , with over 20 groups / sectors represented overall . It was originally formed to make REACH work better for UK industry . Since Brexit , government officials have regularly attended the meeting , and the group has an additional focus to ensure that industry will not face tariff and non-tariff barriers in the wake of Brexit .
The BCF is working closely with government and industry to provide as much information as possible on the impact of any negotiation outcome on the coatings sector . There is a lot of talk in the media about the possibility of a “ no deal ” scenario , but rest assured BCF will keep working on behalf of members to make sure the best possible outcome from the Brexit negotiations is delivered .
Some of these messages are articulated through the BCF ’ s membership of the Alliance of Chemical Associations – 11 associations representing the chemicals supply chain .
Benefits of supply chain partnerships to BCF members
• Become an Affiliate Member of EEF at no charge and receive a personalised login to the EEF website to access EEF information and resources
• Participate in EEF policy surveys including the Manufacturing Outlook Report , which looks at orders and outputs in manufacturing across the UK . Results of this survey form the basis of EEF policy positions to government
• Access webinars and podcasts that cover various topics , critical to UK manufacturing
• Access preferential deals through the EEF Advantages programme . Offerings include energy consultancy , recruitment services , pension support
• Access policy and business intelligence
• Access economic surveys and forecasts
• Direct input into policy recommendations
• Opportunity to meet with politicians and policymakers
• Email of updates by topic , sector and region
For more information on how to work more closely with these partners contact ellen . daniels @ bcf . co . uk
• Access CPA economic forecasts , industry surveys , market information , Weekly Notes newsletter and other reports
• Access members-only content on the CPA website , including committee papers , surveys , working documents and briefing materials
• Opportunity to input into UK and EU consultations and submissions
• Opportunity to join CPA committees and groups , to develop policy positions and promote industry viewpoints
• Access to exporting opportunities and meetings with the DIT , foreign governments and clients
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BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2018 / 19