The British Surface Treatment Suppliers Association was founded in 1970 to represent the surface treatment supply industry in the United Kingdom. Its members are engaged in the manufacture and sale of process chemicals, plant and equipment, and ancillary products for the surface treatment of metals and other materials. The surface treatment sectors include electroplating, aluminium treatments, phosphating, autocatalytic plating, lacquers, and polishing. The associated key manufacturing sectors are automotive, consumer goods, electrical and electronics, aerospace and defence.

Members are elected by the Association so as to ensure the broadest and most balanced representation of the surface engineering industry. At the present time, members overall sales represent some 80% of the UK market for products in the sector covered by the membership.

In 2006, BSTSA members had a turnover of over £110M. The principle objective of the association is to safeguard the future of the industry. A significant contribution is made to UK manufacturing through the global expertise BSTSA members. Active collaboration with similar bodies in other major industrial countries is an important element of promotional activities.

Benefits of Membership

SEA Membership
The BSTSA is a member of the Surface Engineering Association. This provides additional benefits to its members. The SEA has many common services for its member trade associations such as environmental activities and connections with Europe through the membership of CETS. CETS deals with problems arising from EC regulations and formulates responses to EC directives. These services are included in the BSTSA subscription. All members receive copies of the SEA newsletter and the SEA Watchword, which provides information on Health Safety, and the Environment.

Industry Promotion
Increasing demand of member’s products and services is a priority activity of our marketing committee. All BSTSA members’ activities are listed in the SEA Buyers Guide and promoted on the BSTSA and SEA web sites.

Networking
Regular meetings provide opportunities for members to meet their competitors and others involved in the industry informally in addition to the association’s business. In particular the chemical and process plant suppliers are able to meet. New capital projects often require collaboration between several suppliers who are able maintain contact through the association.

Market Information and Surveys
With increasing globalisation producing rapid change in business conditions members are able to monitor movements in the market place through regular surveys of sales and conditions of employment.

Aims & Objectives

points.gif (1152 bytes) To expand the market for surface treatment products.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To promote the benefits of surface treatment products and processes to manufacturing industry.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To promote the development and use of innovative surface treatment technology.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To encourage higher standards of quality in the surface treatment industry.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To encourage members to give their customers reason only for justified praise, never justified complaint.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To make environmental considerations, health and safety of our employees and the public a priority in all our products and processes.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To encourage members to provide training for their employees, thereby improving the image of the surface treatment industry.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To provide guidance to help members produce and adhere to sound environmental policies.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To provide guidance to members on the impact of new and existing legislation.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To represent members interests and the interests of the surface treatment industry with the Government or other authorities.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To promote high standards of ethical conducts amongst members.
points.gif (1152 bytes) To provide a forum for members to discuss the development of the surface treatment industry.
  

         

    Activities

National Committee
The Committee is elected by members and meets to determine policy. All members are invited to attend an Annual General Meeting and a General Meeting with the National Committee.

Statistics
The collection of statistics is important. The Association conducts the following surveys on behalf of its members:

Sales turnover and number of employees are measured annually to monitor the total size of UK business and export.

Sales Statistics are surveyed annually using confidential detailed questionnaires that enable members to estimate their product group market share in relation to the total return.

Marketing

BSTSA marketing activities target manufacturers and specifiers and the Association is represented on larger bodies through its membership of the SEA. One of the main objectives is to introduce improvements in technology to specifiers and to promote overall advancements in the quality of surface coating application. Technical data is published in both printed and electronic form. A Web Site is maintained to promote the benefits of member’s products and services.

The national committee also deals with public relations issues and co-operates with exhibition organisers to promote the industry.

Chemical, Plant and Equipment Group Meetings

Members who supply process consumable materials meet regularly to discuss their sector. The agenda for these meetings specifically address the issues facing chemical suppliers such as health, safety and the environment, packaging, promotion of new technology, etc.

Meetings are well supported by manufacturers of process plant and ancillary equipment. There is a Gold Seal Approval Scheme which approves members who conform to a Code of Practice. The Group also works on the implementation of technical regulations, which affect the industry.

Credit Control Service and Meetings

These are being evaluated to conform to current legal and statutary regulations.

Influence

In addition to its direct activities the Association wields influence in a number of indirect ways. Not least of these is through a Code of Conduct for employees of member companies, engendering respect for the reputation and integrity of fellow members. Many members serve in other associations and committees, or have close colleagues who do so. Thus the views of the surface treatment supply industry are voiced on a wide variety of commercial, technical and environmental matters. The BSTSA has links with similar bodies overseas and Members take every opportunity when travelling abroad to develop these contacts. If you are interested in joining BSTSA please telephone for details on:

0121 237 1123