New name reflects BEMA's ambitions

A BEMA product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 10, 2003

BEMA, the South West's largest engineering trade association has changed its name.

BEMA, the South West's largest engineering trade association has changed its name.

The organisation formerly known as the Bristol and Western Engineering Manufacturers' Association becomes the British Engineering Manufacturers' Association.

The change of name signals BEMA's intention to expand its membership nationally.

BEMA's director, John Whitlow, stated: "BEMA's core membership comprises small- and medium sized manufacturing businesses in the South West.

Working closely with our members, we offer support services and assistance that have proved invaluable - especially during the recent downturn.

By expanding nationally, many more businesses will benefit from our hands-on approach, and at the same time, a bigger BEMA will have a more powerful voice in manufacturing matters".

The association prides itself on regular and close contact with its members, hence initial expansion will target companies along the M4 corridor and along the M5 so that face-to-face dialogue with members is easily accommodated.

As membership expands the organisation will set up regional offices.

Digby Jones, Director-General of the CBI, unveiled BEMA's new name at a ceremony at Engineers House in Bristol.

He commented: "With smaller engineering and manufacturing companies suffering from the economic downturn, and the region's dependence on the aerospace industry which was devastated by the drop in orders since 11th September 2001, BEMA has had the unenviable task of working in one of the hardest hit sectors.

The organisation, however, continues to look to the future with its national expansion delivering a strong and positive message".

Whitlow continued: "As competition becomes more fierce with overseas countries we will be doing our utmost to lobby for changes in Government policy to give British manufacturers a level playing field.

Up-schilling the labour force is essential for the long-term survival of the sector, but we're also pushing for initiatives to encourage investment in modern plant and equipment in order to empower businesses to improve productivity more immediately".

In recent years BEMA has raised its profile to influence government policy and played an important part in many initiatives with fellow organisations such as the EEF, EIA, EMTA, and the CBI, and regional bodies such as SWRDA (South West Regional Development Agency) and the LSC (Learning Skills Council) to help companies with training, subsidies, business development, employment guidance, health and safety legislation and overseas trade missions.

Whitlow concluded: "Whilst the name is changing the identity of the association, BEMA, will remain unchanged, and neither will our hands-on approach in helping our members, and manufacturing as a whole, make the most of what British engineering and manufacturing has to offer".

BEMA was established in 1936 as the Bristol Engineering Manufacturers Association, founded on principles of mutual aid and assistance between its members.

Since then it has broadened its role to help push its members interests nationally and overseas.

In April 1989 BEMA expanded its reach into South Wales and the South West generally, and became the Bristol and Western Engineering Manufacturers Association.

In 2003, BEMA, under its new name, the British Engineering Manufacturers' Association, will continue to push the interests of British manufacturing overseas, starting with a programme of trade missions that will now be open to a national catchment.