We still have a voice in Europe despite Brexit
In the wake of Brexit, Wayne Rose, the CEO of the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA), offers his insights on the evolving regulatory environment affecting the pump industry. He outlines the proactive measures taken by the BPMA and its partners to ensure that all policies implemented are balanced and just for every stakeholder involved.
For decades the UK and its manufacturing industry aligned the majority of its product safety and certification protocols with that of Europe, ensuring that both elevated levels of compliance and fair competition were maintained across this vast trading block. In fact, drawing on the vast experience and technical expertise available through our extensive complement of trade bodies, institutions and world-renowned academia, the UK has been instrumental in devising much of the regulatory framework that exists today. Its influence has been profound and far-reaching, and contrary to some views, despite the complications brought about by Brexit, many of the UK’s trade bodies, including the BPMA, still maintain a considerable voice on the international stage.
In the case of my own organisation, which represents the commercial interests of UK and Irish manufacturers and suppliers of liquid pumps and other pump-related equipment, it is itself a member of Europump, the European Pump Association, which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe. Furthermore, as a founding member, the BPMA has representation on the main Europump Council, holds the secretariat of the Europump Marketing Commission, and enjoys strong representation on both the Standards and Technical Commissions.
We are actively engaged in providing insights to policymakers, both at home in the UK and within the EU.
Wayne Rose, BPMA CEO
As such, and directly through this engagement, the BPMA is not only able to keep abreast of all applicable directives, standards and compliance matters relating to the manufacture and supply of pumps throughout Europe and the rest of the World, but it is also able to help steer, guide and question these important legislative activities.
Navigating uncertainty:Going forward, the BPMA will continue to maintain ongoing discussions regarding the potential divergence of the UK from existing European standards and directives related to product certification. Insights will be provided on how the pump sector can effectively steer its way through the uncertainty brought about by these potential changes.
The critical role of certification: Emphasising the significance of product certification, the BPMA will continue to highlight the potential implications for manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users. Key to this is advocating high-quality standards to ensure the continued reliability and safety of all pump products and their related systems.
Industry advocacy and collaboration: The BPMA is committed to maintaining a proactive role, along with other partner trade organisations, in providing the UK Government with substantial background information and market feedback to help ensure the long-awaited updates fully align with industry needs.
As we navigate the evolving landscape post-Brexit, it is crucial for the pump industry to adapt to changing standards. At BPMA, we are actively engaged in providing insights to policymakers, both at home in the UK and within the EU, advocating for updates that will benefit the entire sector. Our collaborative efforts with fellow trade organisations underscore our commitment to ensuring a robust and progressive regulatory framework. For the benefit of our pump manufacturing members, we will continue to lobby all applicable persons and entities to ensure essential safety compliance, improved energy efficiencies, and fair and equitable trading opportunities.
