A unique industry, with unique companies and unique news
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Elements Winter 2012
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Protecting your Assets...
Let G4S Safety and Security Officers secure your site At G4S we aim to offer a bespoke safety and security solution to each individual customer and will tailor the service to be both cost and delivery effective. On the majority of high risk profile sites where G4S provides security services within the pharmaceutical, petrochemical and chemical sectors; our role extends far beyond simply providing access control and egress. We are integral to the safety of all staff, contractors and visitors and our presence and duties are critical to the smooth running of end user operation, zero harm hours and ultimately, profit protection. With COMAH regulations and associated responsibilities for sites, G4S provides a tailor-made provision, unique to your requirement.The SASO role encompasses personnel who are equipped, trained and skilled to provide complete solution delivery to your site’s bespoke needs. All SASO personnel: l
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Are aware of your site(s) dynamics (whether manufacturing or holding chemicals and other high risk materials) Ensure that first contact with all employees, visitors and contractors raises the safety awareness to the required levels: Safety Starts At First Contact Provide a number of site and sector specific specialised duties including tactical first aid response allowing to fully compliment site dynamics and your own first aid provision Advise you of sector specific procedures associated with external monitoring and site(s) security Have bespoke training that ensures they are fully tasked in respect of all site risks and have the appropriate knowledge and resources to enable a response to accidents and emergencies (including access to professional NEBOSH qualifications and comprehensive on-line training support packages)
To find out how G4S can offer a security solution to suit your needs, please get in touch. 0800 085 9899 l sales@uk.g4s.com l www.g4s.com/uk
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MEMBERSHIP
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Contents
Elements of winter
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CNW News and Members Spotlight
Welcome to the winter edition of Elements, the Chemicals Northwest quarterly magazine.
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Members Spotlight
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Sustainable Development
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skills and sustainable development
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Image
18-19
Events
Over the last quarter, we have been busy running our September breakfast event and an event on Environment, Health and Safety, which had over 40 people in attendance. Alex Heys from Chemicals Northwest also attended the ESIG presentation ceremony at Multisol in Irlam on 13th September. In October, in conjunction with Cogent and NSAPI we ran an event on” Competence – a long term commitment not a quick fix”, nearly 70 people attended this event. November saw us host an Innovation Masterclass in conjunction with Pera consulting on how to unlock new market opportunities, grow sales and improve bottom line performance. We also held our November breakfast event and at the time of going to print were due to hold our members only REACH user group meeting and a planned event, jointly with UKTI: “Improve your Exporting Expertise event on Central & Eastern Europe”. Further details of these events can be found on the pages 18-19 of this newsletter. We are also launching an opportunity to sponsor our breakfast events and Chemical Elements events. If you would like some promotion for your organistion and would like the opportunity to sponsor an event please contact alex.heys@chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk for prices, further details of this offering can also be found on page 4. If you are not members of Chemicals Northwest and would like to speak at one of our events please contact us for further details. Please keep an eye on our events page to see what events are coming up for the rest of 2012–13 http://www.chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk/events/. As we proceed through this important year as a new business centre within CIA, the network has successfully consolidated its position. A robust re-definition of our core strengths has helped Chemicals Northwest become a popular chemicals-related business group, maintaining its strong regional identity. More people are coming along to our breakfast and Elements events and more are reporting relevant topics and useful networking. Furthermore a fresh look at the offerings that we give to members and the way in which we deliver value, is already underway and we aim to bring you up to date with developments through future communications. Your continued support is very much appreciated.
Membership of Chemicals Northwest – pro rata rates now available Chemicals Northwest is the industry-led, chemical cluster support organisation for the £10 billion North West chemical sector, the largest in the UK. We are funded by our members, and owned and supported by the Chemical Industries Association. Would your company benefit from joining an organisation that supports and promotes the chemistry-using sector in the Northwest? Do you want to understand more, and contribute to, the industry issues within the region? If you are a manufacturer, chemical user or offer a service to the sector, why not join us today? Benefits... n Free/reduced entry to Chemical Elements and Breakfast Networking events plus the opportunity to present n Discounted entry to co-hosted and other events n Free website profile to promote your business n Feature opportunities in the quarterly Chemical Northwest newsletter
Contact details
n Free entry into the annual Chemicals Northwest Sector Directory n Discounted advertising rates for Chemicals Northwest Sector Directory and Website n Support and assistance with regulation and other legislative issues
John Roche Operations Manager Email: RocheJ@CIA.org.uk
n Access to additional member benefits including:
Alex Heys Member Services & Events Manager Tel: 01928 515678 Email: alex.heys@ chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk
n Discounted Insurance Rates
n 25% discount off the REACHReady Gold Subscription n Chemicals Northwest Buyers’ Club on a no savings, no fee basis n Free and Discounted Recruitment Services For further details contact Alex Heys – Member Services and Events Manager, alex.heys@chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk or phone 01928 515678
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CNW NEWS
Do you want your company name to be promoted to over 3000 contacts?
Would you like to sponsor a Chemicals Northwest event? We have recently launched the opportunity for companies within our membership and the wider network, to promote their brand name by sponsoring either a Chemical Elements event or a Breakfast Networking event. As part of the sponsorship package you will be featured as the main sponsor for the event with your company logo on all promotional material – flyers, website, e-bulletin and LinkedIn. You will also have the option of speaking at the event and having exhibition space if you require. Please contact Alex Heys alex.heys@chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk for further details.
Simonswood Automation Ltd Simonswood Automation Ltd is a process control system integrator company, originally formed in 1969, the company was taken over by the present Managing Director Andy Tate in 1999, Simonswood has deservedly gained an outstanding reputation for performance and delivery of automated solutions within the manufacturing industry.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLC Control Systems SCADA & Historian Systems
Our product is our engineering capabilities, and to that end Andy has selected a team which offers a depth of knowledge and expertise which has developed from the earliest deployment of PLCs. Our approach is somewhat different to the norm, in that we work with full transparency and ensure that all our projects meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.
Control Panel Assembly Hazardous Area Panels
Being fully conversant with present industrial requirements, modern technology, and operating with lower overhead costs than many of our competitors, we believe we can offer a highly competitive service. We provide a range of engineering services for process control and safety, working closely with both large and small manufactures to provide end users with unique solutions that meet their exact specifications and requirements. Simonswood Automation are experts in the design and building of Automated Control Systems, MCCs, Pneumatic and Instrumentation Control Panels, together with the in-house expertise of PLC, HMI, SCADA, S88 Batching, Historian and SAP/ MRP Integration software, we also provide electrical installation works in both Controlled Environments and Hazardous Areas.
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S88 Batch Control OEE Monitoring Solutions Bespoke Software Engineering Services Design & Drafting Services
Motor Control Centres Pneumatic Control Systems Conveyor Control Systems HVAC Control Systems
PLC/HMI/SCADA/S88 Rockwell Automation
Siemens
Wonderware
Mitsubishi
Citect
GE Intelligent Platforms
Beckhoff For further details please go to http://www.simonswood.co.uk/
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MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT
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Lucite International - Darwen, New Research and Development Facility Lucite International plans (subject to planning approval) to build a new Research and Development centre at its Orchard Mill site in Darwen. The centre will support the Perspex速 and Lucite速 acrylic sheet, and Lucite速 acrylic composites businesses based in Darwen. Through sale of a portion of the site the company will fund this and support other projects currently being undertaken. The centre will house Research and Development and Technical Service
facilities for both the sheet and composites products. These include new product developments where the intention is to continue to launch new and innovative products following up, for example, the recent launch of the Perspex速 Spectrum range of products. Customer support will be enhanced by the inclusion of latest sheet fabrication equipment to help mirror processes used by customers. Darwen today represents the largest Cell Cast Acrylic sheet operation in the world. The operation has 3 Cell Cast Acrylic sheet production lines, an Acrylic composites dispersion production plant and a Sheet cutting and Distribution Centre. The site is on 3 locations. The largest entity is Orchard Mill, containing 2 Cast production lines and the Acrylic Composites plant. Chapels Park with one Cast sheet production line and Walker Park, the storage cutting and distribution centre.
A new steam raising facility has recently been commissioned at Chapels Park which will improve the energy efficiency of the site. An expansion of sheet production facilities is also currently under construction at Orchard Mill, and was the subject of a recent RGF grant award. Lucite International is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Rayon Corporation of Japan. The company is totally committed to the continued development of the Darwen site businesses as demonstrated by the sanction of a number of significant projects in the past 12 months.
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MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT
Pentagon Chemicals secures RGF funding Pentagon Chemicals has secured an allocation of £1M of RGF funding (subject to due diligence) to support its investment in its north west manufacturing plants. The expansion of Pentagon’s production facilities at Halebank, Widnes, will help to underpin the company’s growth strategy by creating additional capacity to meet growing customer demand from existing products as well as its new product pipeline. This investment will allow Pentagon to maintain its high standards of customer focused, flexible manufacturing capability in order to support its clients’ sales into Global markets. The RGF support for Fine Chemicals will also assist the Pentagon Group to achieve planned growth in the Workington-based Chemical Specialties business which will deliver its own selffunded capital investment programme. This integrated plan will raise Pentagon Group annual sales beyond £50M during the next three years through organic growth of known products. About Pentagon Pentagon is a leading UK-based chemical manufacturer of organic
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intermediates for use in the life science, petrochemical, and speciality chemicals markets. Offering exclusive synthesis and a wide range of own products the privately owned company has sales of over GBP 40M per annum and employs around 170 people at our ISO 9001 and 14001 accredited sites in Halebank and Workington. Approximately 75% of sales are to export markets. Working in close collaboration with our customers we offer bespoke development and manufacturing services as well as an extensive range of high quality multi-application products centred on combining a commitment to operational excellence with strengths in core technologies of: benzylation, bromination, chlorination, Grignard reagents, maleinisation, phosgenation, sodium dispersion and Vilsmeier-Hack chemistry.
be found in many of today’s cutting edge applications including: agents for paper sizing, corrosion inhibitors for oil exploration, detergents & lubricants for improved engine efficiency, as well as catalysts for petrochemical refining, advanced intermediates for world leading cardiovascular and HIV drugs, herbicides, and finally active insecticides and rodenticides.
Wherever possible we seek to build secure, long term partnerships enabling the identification, development and production of new molecules to be backed with a guarantee of the highest levels of service, reliability and trust. From single stage reactions to innovative multi-stage synthesis our products can
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MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT
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Using female skill-talent – Women at the Top the gender gap was found to be so wide that it recommended the number of women on FTSE100 boards needed to double from 12% to 25% by 2015. One year on, the percentage has increased to 15%, but there’s still some way to go. Like many women, I agree the idea of using artificial quotas does not seem the ideal solution for the UK. As headhunters always looking for the best talent for the job, I realise we have a role to play in casting the net widely in the search for talented women. However, this imbalance cannot be instantly ‘magically’ remedied and a lot more could be done to ensure a ‘pipeline’ of talented female talent below board level for the future. In a climate of specific skill shortages, it would seem one obvious way to increase our UK pool of skilled management talent for the future and expand our businesses. So why does this inequality exist? Has it simply been the status quo for so long? Some people don’t even realise there is an issue, if the subject has never affected them. But perhaps herein lays the problem, our perspectives need to change from grass-roots level? Following the Lord Davies’ report in 2011, this subject is now receiving widespread attention and it was good to see this on-going debate being highlighted again in the recent BBC programme ‘Women at the Top’. The programme looked at why there is a lack of women in senior management and in UK boardrooms, but also refreshingly at the important benefits of balancing gender to create successful businesses and competitive, commercial teams.
Read more about this here www.rmg-uk.com/using-femaleskill-talent Anita Caldwell is a Senior Search Consultant, at RMG Specialises in the Chemical industry and finds management and executive skill-talent for clients across the UK.
Research suggests a significant link between boardroom diversity and improved company performance. So surely increasing the presence of women in boardrooms is incentive enough to grow UK businesses? In Lord Davies’ report in 2011,
About Chilworth Technology Since 1986 Chilworth Technology has grown strongly to become the recognised global leader in process safety consultancy and testing, with bases throughout Europe and India and GLP accredited testing laboratories in the UK and USA. Since 2011, we have also been part of DEKRA, Europe’s leader in inspection and certification in the fields of construction, industry, the environment and transport. Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany and now with 141 subsidiaries, DEKRA works as one, providing a seamless international network supporting the expansion of its customers worldwide. Chilworth’s unrivalled experience in analysis, testing, consultancy, design, training and expert witness services means, whatever their size or scope, you have a knowledgeable partner for your process safety with us. Our consulting engineers work across a vast array of process industries from chemicals, pharma, food & drink, petrochem, biomass, waste and many others. We have extensive knowledge of past incidents, their legislation and remediation, so we can investigate authoritatively and impartially represent the facts to an Expert Witness standard while, most importantly, providing enduring solutions for the future.
staff training requirements necessary. With a comprehensive knowledge of the latest regulations, our skilled and dedicated engineers will report objectively and confidentially, working alongside you to implement any changes in a constructive and manageable way. Sharing knowledge is what we do, whether it’s confirming and enhancing your process safety, leading local or onsite training courses for key staff or providing materials testing to GLP standard, a free consultation visit is a valuable first step to improving safety and reducing costs. 2012 has already seen a number of large and costly incidents arise, proving the truism that ‘an accident is much more damaging after the event than before it’ You can fully rely on our expertise as ‘The Experts in Explosion and Process Safety,’ recruit Chilworth as part of your process safety team today. For further details please go to http://www.chilworth.co.uk/
No two sites or projects are exactly the same, so our team of skilled and knowledgeable experts will take the time required to fully understand your site, its operational needs and any
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MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT
Credit Insurance Direct – Instant Quotes Online The news from the London Olympics and Paralympics has been incredibly positive. On the other hand, the news from the economy remains bleak. Double dip recession and poor growth prospects dominate the headlines as do a number of high profile business failures. Names such as Peacocks, Clinton Cards, Petroplus and Samuel Cooke might grab the headlines but there are many other smaller businesses that are also collapsing, leaving their creditors with unpaid debts. There are many signs of distress in the business world and the indicators are of particular concern to businesses in travel and tourism, construction, automotive, general retailing and professional services. As if the news is not bad enough already many insolvency specialists believe that we will see a spate of business failures once we start to pull out of recession. What this means for any business selling goods or services on credit is the increased risk of non-payment by a business customer through insolvency or default. That is why OAMPS has developed a new online product that provides instant quotes to obtain the invaluable protection that credit insurance can provide. The product is called Credit Insurance Direct and has been developed specifically for businesses with an annual turnover up to £10m The cover is available to any business selling to other businesses on credit terms in any trade sector. A major benefit of buying a Credit Insurance Direct policy is that the premium quoted includes up to 50 credit limits together with both pre-legal and legal collection costs. Credit Insurance Direct has been developed by OAMPS UK Group in conjunction with Coface, one of the world’s leading credit insurers that underwrites €370 billion of trade receivables. In addition to the online website businesses applying for cover receive full advice and support via a UK-based telephone help desk. For more information contact David Druce on 0207 256 3616 or visit www.creditinsurancedirect.co.uk.
Elaflex Ltd Elaflex Ltd are pleased to become members of Chemicals Northwest and look forward to meeting other members at future events. We welcome the opportunity of contributing to technical groups as well as sharing our own expertise. Elaflex are based in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire with strong local representation in the North, out of Manchester. We strive for excellence in everything we do. The equipment we produce gives superior performance in all aspects with long service life. You may know us for our ZVA fuel dispensing nozzle when you fill up your car. Do you know we also make speciality nozzles for the chemical industry as well as hoses, end fittings,
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safety break couplings and expansion joints? Our equipment is widely used throughout industry globally. Our speciality hoses meet all relevant standards including FDA “a or b”,
- Dry break couplings, safety break away couplings, in various materials and seals in, in conjunction with our manufacturing partner Mann Tek. Our couplings are also interchangeable with other brands.
Our rubber hoses are of an extruded construction. Smooth “true bore” with high flow rates and light weight. They are technically advanced with anti static properties meeting the latest standard EN 12115 electrostatic control requirements (T) exceeding the requirements of the standards.
We also offer an on-site hose inspection service.
We also produce
Some of our products meet ATEX and PED requirements
- Rubber bellows with suitable linings and fire proof jackets etc for all industries, Lloyds and DNV certificated.
Our interactive web site enables you to create your own hose assembly, nozzle. The bellows configerator is under construction but something to look forward to!!!
Contact us on 01992 452950 or through sales@elaflex.co.uk
- Our TW quarter turn quick release connect / disconnect couplings are a favourite with most continental tanker manufacturers and users.
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MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT
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Symmetry Law Areas of Expertise Environmental & Regulatory, Industrial Site Closure and Divestiture, Tax (corporate, real estate and green incentives), Commercial Agreements, Commodities & Dry Shipping, Employment. Clients Our clients are mainly UK and international blue chip companies many of whom are in the “high consequence” band of the chemicals, heavy industrial, waste and energy sectors. We have advised clients in the chemicals sector for 20 years. Who we are Symmetry Law is a law firm staffed by market leading experts. We deliver the quality and service typical of large law firms, but without the commensurate charging structures which in our view can sometimes dilute end value to the client. Our people are leaders in their field, with 10 – 20 years specialist experience and strong pedigrees from a range of international law firms and businesses. Subject to client needs we may deploy a team comprising experts from complementary fields including a former senior regulator and expert technical consultants - in addition to our own expert lawyers – to provide an unrivalled spectrum of experience to the client. Values Our collective experiences in large law firms convinced us that by trading using a differently configured business model we can provide expert legal services and deliver the levels of client satisfaction one would expect from a large law firm, but without some of the constraints on service that come with a large organisation.
fee rates can deliver very significant savings to clients when compared to those of our competitors, without compromising service levels. We work closely with clients, often as an extension of an inhouse team. We look forward to having the opportunity to work with you. Contact www.symmetry-law.co.uk paul.bratt@ symmetry-law.co.uk
By configuring Symmetry Law differently we are able to offer preferential fee rates to our clients. Feedback suggests that our
Stopford Projects Ltd Stopford Projects Ltd, a unique consultancy that combines multi-disciplinary engineering design with cutting edge applied research. Stopford Project Ltd is a world class engineering consultancy, offering multi-disciplinary engineering design, project management and environmental services. We offer comprehensive services to a variety of industrial sectors, including the fine chemical and pharmaceutical sector, petrochemical and bulk chemical, biotechnology, fuel storage and distribution and environmental sector. As a broad based professional company, we are able to offer the full range of services necessary to handle all aspects of project engineering from feasibility studies to detailed engineering design through to turnkey multi-discipline projects. We tailor our methods and delivery teams to suit our clients business and project goals. Our core team of high quality consultants and engineers have the skills, knowledge and drive to ensure that we provide the level of expertise and commitment necessary to meet the client’s requirements.
in relation to engineering consultancy include operational efficiency, site identification & assessment, site planning, environmental consultancy, civil & structural, control & electrical, health & safety and validation. Stopford is engaged in a broad range of environmental projects ranging from fundamental research and development to detailed consultancy. As well as developing novel environmental technologies in-house, the Stopford R&D team is also working closely with clients to assist them in the development and validation of new technologies in the areas of energy, waste treatment and commodity recovery. The R&D team, based at Lancaster, work closely with our clients to ensure the effective development and commercialisation of novel environmental technologies. For further details go to http://www.stopford.co.uk/
Stopford’s consultancy services focus on the following areas of expertise; engineering consultancy, process safety, training, environmental consultancy and the development and delivery of research and development projects. The services offered
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European Road Freight Transport Specialists Since our foundation in August 2000, we have become recognised as a leading logistics provider of International road freight services to and from Italy and Western Europe.
O Hazardous goods capabilities on most departures, in
Our success can only be attributed to our guiding philosophy of providing a quality of service above and beyond industry expectations.
O Freight forwarding services between Western, Central
compliance with ADR and IMDG rules. Documentation checking service and advice from our on-site DGSAs. O Trailer groupage services to and from Italy, Spain,
Portugal and Greece. and Eastern Europe. O Twice winners of the BIFA European Services Award.
FOR RATES & BOOKING CALL 0845 676 8485 Leestone Road, Sharston Industrial Estate, Manchester M22 4RB Email: email@ital-logistics.com
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Don’t Guess Seek Advice Dangerous Goods are, after all – Dangerous Hardly a day goes by without being asked rudimentary questions about the Carriage of Dangerous Goods, and of great concern, a surprisingly high proportion of these questions come from ‘those who should know better’. In this day and age of technology there really aren’t any excuses. Simply type into Google the phrase “Dangerous Goods Transport” and the first result listed is for the Department for Transport which, before drilling the link, states that ‘…there are regulations specific to transporting dangerous goods…’So as they say, ignorance simply isn’t bliss anymore. ADR Chapter 1.8.3.1 states - “Each undertaking, the activities of which include the carriage, or the related packing, loading, filling or unloading, of dangerous goods by road are required by law to appoint one or more safety advisors for the carriage of dangerous goods, responsible for helping to prevent the risks inherent in such activities with regard to persons, property and the environment.” I decided that as Managing Director of Ital Logistics it was my duty to take on the role of Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) in April 2004. Since then I have renewed my qualification, and have been joined by Derek Heap as secondary DGSA to the Company. Apart from complying with regulatory procedures, we also have a moral duty to ensure that these regulations are followed – after all, dangerous goods are what they say they are – dangerous. So, having got that out of my system, and concluded my sermon, what can we do for you? The adjacent advert will tell you that we provide Roadfreight Groupage services to and from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. It also advises that in addition to these core services, we can provide forwarding services throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe. And yet, we are an SME with a head count of just seventeen. And as you will have read in my preceding spiel, amongst these seventeen we have two DGSAs, which reinforces our ‘do it right’ philosophy.
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If you, the reader, represent a large company, why would you choose a small company to service your transport needs? As an SME, we are reactive to clients’ requirements. Somewhat of a swathing generalisation I agree, but large companies can be slower to respond than SMEs, the latter being nimble, and whose decision making processes can usually be immediate rather than the often arduous processes incumbent to the larger company. We add value too. We do not simply process jobs in ‘conveyor belt’ manner, waiting for the pub to open at home time, but really do care about what we do, and how we go about it. I have a dislike for many, often overused, analogies (and many acronyms for that matter of fact – different story), but we really do think ‘outside the box’ when it comes to finding different, often unusual, solutions to clients’ problems. It’s inside us. It’s our business ethic. We strive to please. After all, financially, we often cannot compete, which is why our service levels have to be at the highest level possible. I won’t say that we don’t make mistakes. We do. But we do our damnedest to learn by them. We have built our reputation as being reliable, honest, and knowledgeable in all that we do. But we don’t know everything. We keep on learning, and adapting, to new strategies and technologies relating to our business. And every ounce of new knowledge benefits our clients. We welcome new opportunities, which is why we would like to hear from you. There is nothing to lose, but maybe something to gain.
Phil Denton Managing Director Ital Logistics Limited Tel: 0845 676 8485 Email: phil.denton@ital-logistics.com Web: www.ital-logistics
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Distribution on your doorstep - with the Uk’s No1 Freight to Italy experts Founded to apply common sense solutions to manufacturers, distributors across a range of industrial and commercial sectors Groupage express is committed to creating added value to its customers through tailor made supply chain services, distribution, warehousing, packing and loading enabling customers to drive costs out of there supply chain and converting fixed costs in to variable costs. The reason we can do this is that we are 100% In house, we don’t rely on sub-contractors or partners like 99% of other freight forwarders and the next paragraph will explain why trade compliance and export controls are a must. Ignorance is no excuse in law, this certainly applies when dealing in the Chemical and pharmaceutical sector and Groupage express has established itself amongst the leading manufacturer’s in the above markets with Daily departures to and from Italy we meet customer demand with on time delivery guaranteed, 24/7 vehicle tracking to ensure real time answer’s and information.
“A customer can call or mail and within 60 seconds can have an accurate position of their shipment”
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Hazardous transport to Europe Warehousing and distribution (short term, long term options) including Hazardous goods. Container De-vanning, pick and pack
This is what BIFA distributed as part of their sales material, and the answer is a BIFA registered member. Also being a committee member of the International Road haulage
association and on the North west regional council Groupage express is proactively involved with this region and was the main reason for joining Chemicals northwest to get the benefits and our ideals to manufacturers in the area fulfilling our promise of 100% satisfaction guarantee or your freight will be shipped for FREE, something else that no one dares offer and a prime example of this was when John Hogg technical solutions who won this year’s International trade award called us after receiving poor service with two previous large freight forwarders with there exports to Italy.
For all your freight options and warehousing needs call: 0161 945 2867 or email us at adrian@akeeling.com | www.Groupage-express.co.uk
Be ecoSMARTER and save £££s on your energy bills Get a green makeover from environmental experts through the ecoSMARTER programme and save £££s on your energy bills. Worth over £1000, it’s free for small businesses across the North West and includes: l l l
An energy monitor and online tracker installed on your site A bespoke environmental policy, training and action plan for you and your staff Nationally recognised Carbon Smart Blue certification to demonstrate your green credentials
Over 100 North West businesses are already ecoSMARTER and are enjoying the benefits – Car Care Express in Salford is now saving £3000 per year from greener ways of working! Simon from the team will be at the Chemicals Northwest breakfast on the 16th January to tell you more and answer any questions. Hurry, places are going fast!
If you can’t wait call Jen on 0161 237 4630 or email ecosmarter@carbonsmart.co.uk
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Chemical Engineering for Scientists 18–22 March 2013, Shipley, West Yorkshire, UK Improve your understanding of chemical engineering This popular course introduces chemists and other scientists working in the process industries to the basic concepts of chemical engineering. It provides an essential overview of the chemical engineering practice needed to solve the design, safety and operational needs of modern industrial chemical plant and ancillaries. Topics covered include material and energy balances, fluid flow, process heat transfer, reactor design, basic mass transfer and mass transfer operations, electrostatic ignition hazards in chemical operations, biochemical engineering, and solids processing. The course aims to foster improved understanding, technical collaboration and effective communication between the scientific and chemical engineering disciplines.
Visit www.icheme.org/chemsci for full details and to register. Visit www.icheme.org/courses for the full IChemE courses programme.
Email: courses@icheme.org Tel: +44 (0)1788 534431 ADVANCING CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WORLDWIDE
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Process Safety Awareness Training The Process Safety Management Board are pleased to announce the 2013 open course dates for both Process Safety Leadership for Senior Executives and Process Safety Management Foundations.
Open Course Dates 2013 Process Safety Leadership for Senior Executives
Process Safety Management Foundations
9th January
Cheshire
22nd – 23rd January
Leeds
12th February
Leeds
27th – 28th February
Grangemouth
12th March
London
19th – 20th March
Teesside
24th April
Teesside
24th – 25th April
Leeds
16th May
Aberdeen
21st – 22nd May
London
12th June
Cardiff
19th – 20th June
Cheshire
16th July
Cambridge
16th – 17th July
Teesside
14th August
Cumbria
20th – 21st August
Aberdeen
19th September
Leeds
25th – 26th September
Cardiff
9th October
Grangemouth
22nd – 23rd October
Cambridge
12th November
Cheshire
20th – 21st November
Cumbria
11th December
London
17th – 18th December
Leeds
Supporting the development and implementation of the national training standards for Process Safety Management
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To register for an Open Course or for further information on booking an In-House course call 0845 607 0140 or email industry@process.nsacademy.co.uk
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Controlling Controllingoverhead overheadexpenditure expenditure isisimportant importantto toevery everybusiness. business. Have Haveyou youchecked checkedyours yoursrecently? recently?
WE’RE WE’RESTRONGER STRONGERTOGETHER TOGETHER AsAsa amember memberyou youcan cancompare compareyour youroverhead overheadprices pricesagainst against100’s 100’spre-negotiated pre-negotiateddeals. deals. For For Example. Example. • •Average Average 25% 25% savings savings forfor Stationery Stationery • •Photocopier Photocopier servicing servicing mono mono 0.45p/copy 0.45p/copy (inc. (inc. free free toner toner replacements) replacements) • •Calls Calls (local (local && national) national) 0.67p/min 0.67p/min fixed fixed lines lines • •Landline Landline calls calls toto mobile mobile 4.95p/min 4.95p/min • •Release Release ofof mobiles mobiles handset handset fund fund (30-40% (30-40% ofof total total contract contract value) value)
• •15% 15% offoff Engineering Engineering Consumables Consumables • •20% 20% offoff your your Alarm Alarm servicing servicing • •Electricity Electricity && Gas Gas - sophisticated - sophisticated online online trading; trading; the the Group Group has has access access toto the the one one ofof the the largest largest Energy Energy Buying Buying Pools Pools inin the the country country Plus Plus many many other other common common overhead overhead categories categories allall using using top top quality quality nationally nationally recognised recognised suppliers suppliers asas service service is is asas important important asas price. price.
• •Diesel Diesel 1p1p toto 2p2p per per litre litre below below weekly weekly UKUK average average pump pump price price The The impact impact ofof these these deals deals are are assessed assessed byby a detailed a detailed line-by-line line-by-line price price analysis analysis that that wewe carry carry out out forfor you. you. We We will will then then help help achieve achieve the the savings savings from from the the deals deals you you want want toto implement. implement.AsAs a Buying a Buying group group member member you you will will have have full full deals deals are are most most advantageous. advantageous. supplier supplier contact contact details details and and price price lists, lists, and and retain retain total total freedom freedom toto use use whichever whichever Suppliers Suppliers contract contract directly directly with with you you and and wewe take take nono commission commission oror kick-backs kick-backs from from them. them.The The cost cost ofof providing providing this this service service is is covered covered inin a simple a simple annual annual membership membership fee, fee, payable payable once once significant significant savings savings have have been been demonstrated. demonstrated.SoSo there there is is nono risk risk toto you! you!
For Fora aFREE FREESavings Savings Forecast Forecast contact contact0870 0870755 7552579 2579orore-mail e-mailmembership@independentbuyers.com membership@independentbuyers.com 14 ELEMENTS AUTUMN 2012 ELEMENTSCNW3.indd 14
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Chemical Industries Association Annual Dinner At the CIA Annual Dinner held on 15th November in London, Keith Wiggins told the thousand guests in attendance that the CIA’s work on the ground with its member companies and stakeholders largely happens in a quiet under-stated way, but is essential to allow companies to function and prosper. Beyond that, Keith also stressed the work CIA does outside membership; and spoke about how the CIA is working to secure a legal and policy framework that retains and attracts chemical and pharmaceutical business investment in the UK. This is alongside reinforcing the recruitment of talented, skilled and high potential people to the industry it aims to create a positive and dynamic positioning of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry as a safe, competitive and innovative sector that is essential to UK growth.
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Keith also highlighted that lobbying is also driven by a vision of the future. A vision of our industry being at the heart of environmental, social and economic progress. And for that to succeed we need to engage future generations. Keith praised the work of the Future Forum, as a key driving force to keep the momentum going by encouraging more and more people to continue to study sciences.
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In his speech Steve Elliott reiterated that Britain needs the Chemical Industry! He said we are delighted to have the recognition and support of government and politicians in striving to deliver a long term growth strategy for our industry. Steve confirmed that CIA member company industrialists are
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leading the charge to establish an industry-led vision for the future, underpinned by specific actions and commitments in the areas of energy and climate change; innovation; trade; access to finance and value chains. In part he said he was looking forward to working with all our partners to make this happen. Steve confirmed that it is the work we do with politicians that led to the Prime Minister saying in a recent letter to the CIA “This government recognises the chemicals sector as the foundation of the UK’s manufacturing industries”. Steve ended his speech by saying the CIA would deliver sustainable growth for our country, enabling our industry to improve and advance the quality of life for all of society, as well as securing our place as a truly valued industry for a resurgent UK economy. As David Willetts MP came to the stage, he followed suit from Steve, and re-confirmed that Britain really did need the Chemical Industry. In his speech he said government was committed to protecting the science budget which allows the growth of the industry through a highly skilled workforce. He continued to say that he commended the work that CIA did which he strongly believed was essential to the British economy. He ended by saying he was looking forward to working together on an industrial strategy - if the US has one, why can’t the UK!
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SKILLS
CEFIC General Assembly and New President This year the CEFIC General assembly took place at the Royal Garden Hotel in London. This was where the newly elected CEFIC president Dr Kurt Bock was announced. Richard Davies, Inspection Engineer at ESSAR Oil UK Ltd (Last Year’s CIA Young Ambassador) and Andrea Seedhouse, Unit Manager for SABIC attended the press release and also the debate which was hosted by Jo Confino, the Guardian’s Sustainability Editor. The debate was entitled ‘The Chemical Industry in Europe: Towards Sustainability?’ Richard and Andrea were able to contribute their views on the industry and what observations they have been able to conclude since recently starting their careers. Their points created a good discussion on how young people working in industry can affect its sustainability moving forward and also how the chemical sector has a lot more to offer than just good career prospects. The age profile of those working in the industry shows that there is a lot of knowledge to be passed on – something new starters crave. Richard and Andrea were also able to attend the concluding evening meal that was hosted by the CIA at the Banquet House. This also included a private tour of Westminster Abbey which was very well received.
Lord Sebastian Coe with Andrea Seedhouse and Richard Davies
Lord Sebastian Coe was the guest speaker at the dinner which also included speeches by Dr Kurt Bock and CIA Chief Executive Steve Elliot at the Banqueting House, London.
More and more employers are seeing the advantages of taking on Higher Apprentices Higher Apprenticeships have been designed, with employers, to give companies the opportunity to develop their skills base – whilst building the workforce of the future. The new Cogent Higher Apprenticeship (HA) for Life Sciences and Chemical Science Professionals is a first for the chemical industry. It is challenging the way that employers recruit their science professionals. The HA: n Offers a work-based alternative to
university
n Means learning can be customised to
business needs and contextualised
n Let’s employers tap into new pools of
talent – people with an active interest in gaining practical science skills
Funding The costs of Higher Apprenticeships vary depending on the level and the provision selected. Apprentices can now apply for a student loan to contribute to their tuition fees. Government grants may be available via a provider. Support for professional registration fees is available through Cogent’s Developing Science Professionals programme up to March 2013.
n Is a cost-effective way to upgrade
New £1000 grant for employers seeking to recruit a Higher Apprentice
The HA is open to anyone with the
The Cogent Technical Apprenticeship Service has successfully secured grant funding from the UK Commission for
skills of current employees and help them gain accreditation of their skills
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aptitude to achieve the qualifications (as long as they are over 16 and not in full-time education). So you may find someone keen to progress from a Laboratory Technician Advanced Apprenticeship (LATA), a BTEC or other relevant vocational qualification, or who may have recently completed A-Levels in science subjects.
Employment and Skills through the third round of the Employer Investment Fund. It means that employers seeking to recruit a Higher Apprentice are now eligible for a £1000 no-fuss grant. Next steps… For a chat about the HA for Life Sciences and Chemical Science Professionals call the Cogent Technical Apprenticeship Service on 01925 515 217.
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Catalyst project wins National Acclaim! Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes and two special interest groups from the Royal Society of Chemistry are celebrating after winning a national competition.
The two special interest groups are planning to invest the £10k in Catalyst to continue to promote chemistry to an even wider audience in the future.
To mark the finale of the International Year of Chemistry in 2011 the Royal Society of Chemistry introduced the IYC Chemistry Challenge a competition designed to promote chemistry to a wide audience and leave a lasting legacy from the IYC. They offered each of their special interest groups £1000 to hold an event or design an activity that would promote chemistry to the widest possible audience, following a judging process the winners were to be announced at the RSC General Assembly in November 2012.
Explore your Universe : Atoms to Astrophysics!
The RSC Historical Group and the RSC Chemical Information and Computer Applications Group decided to pool their money (with the CICAG adding an additional £1000 from their own funds), so they approached Catalyst with a desire to produce a project that would enthuse and excite children, their parents, carers and school teachers about chemistry. With the funding, Catalyst developed an exciting project entitled “ORIGINS – The Birth of the Chemical Elements”, which incorporates a new schools workshop, two new handson workshops for families which are now being delivered at weekends and a stunning, permanent exhibition gallery housing six laptop interactive simulations. The project was launched on 29th September at an event attended by representatives from the two RSC special interest groups, trustees of Catalyst and families ranging in age from 2 to 70 where one guest likened Phill Day, Education Manager to the 'Brian Cox of Chemistry'. Over 55 projects from approximately 60 groups entered the competition and these entries were presented to RSC President Lesley Yellowlees who announced the results of the competition in her presidential address on Saturday 10th November at the RSC General Assembly. Due to the quality of the entries, three prizes of £10k each were awarded, the first two to UK based projects and the third to an international project. Catalyst is thrilled to say that the ORIGINS project was one of the two chosen, UK based projects along with a project from the speciality chemicals sector and the International project was awarded to the Beijing Local Section.
In the same week as the launch of the ORIGINS project Catalyst was selected to be part of an exciting project called Explore Your Universe run by the Association of Science Discovery Centres and the Science of Technology Facilities Council (STFC). All UK Science centres were invited to bid for one of ten places being awarded across the UK. Catalyst is the only Science Centre in the north of England to be awarded a place, the other successful centres comprised four in Scotland, one in Bristol, Oxford, London, East Sussex and Hampshire. The project aims to provide high-end equipment, national staff training academies, flexible workshop resources, scientist training, a grant of £5000 and other support to enable Catalyst to involve visitors in cutting-edge programmes around the physical sciences. The vision of the project is to inspire a new sense of excitement amongst young people by sharing the amazing stories and technologies of STFC. Catalyst Education Team, Phill Day and Stuart Gardiner attended the first Training Academy at the National Space Centre in Leicester in November. Phill said “What an inspiring couple of days we had with 10 science centres coming together at the National Space Centre. It’s exciting stuff watching alpha particles escaping Thorium rods in a cloud chamber, looking at the invisible with thermal imaging cameras and accelerating particles using a salad bowl. We simple cannot wait to get started!” In addition to the above exciting projects, Catalyst has secured comedian Robin Ince (of the BBC Radio 4 Show The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox) to present his "Importance of Being Interested" show to celebrate the start of National Science and Engineering week on 15th March. However, we cannot continue our excellent work without support and sponsorship from our industry partners. For more information on how you can help please contact Marketing Officer, Meryl Jameson by email to meryl@catalyst.org.uk or on 0151 420 1121.
launch day of ORIGINS
Allison Arrowsmith from INTECH demonstrating some of the equipment Catalyst will be given
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EVENTS REVIEW
Breakfast in Autumn and Winter Our Autumn Chemicals Northwest breakfast networking event sponsored by Avanti Environmental took place on 6th September and was attended by 60 people and featured four industry pitches. Noise levels were high at this event with lots of lively discussions taking place. Dave Hawthorn from The Chemicals Northwest Members’ Buying Group spoke about how the group has been operating for several years with many members having benefitted from the combined leverage of over £1.4bn. The discounted agreements in place cover all common overheads such as office
costs, and telecoms. They also delivered savings in more significant areas such as utilities, insurance and logistics. Dave gave a progress update showing examples of success. Sean Regan from TTE Training Limited discussed TTE’s engineering apprenticeship programme in electrical maintenance, mechanical maintenance or pipe fitting and how companies can get a trained apprentice for only £99 per week with day release. Sean also spoke about fully or part funded employed apprenticeships in Business Administration, Warehousing and Management for
existing employees that are under the age of 24, a great opportunity to upskill any workforce. Steven Rossington from the University of Salford spoke about “Chemistry at The University of Salford” and how the university is investigating new courses and analysing potential chemistry provision interaction in the 14-19 year old cohort. Paul Rendle-Barnes and Chris French from sponsor company Avanti Environmental spoke about how Avanti is one of the UK’s largest environmental management companies. Under the Total Environmental Management concept Avanti, work directly with their customers in order to examine and map all waste types in order to promote recycling, re-use and re-processing opportunities. They provide an innovative balance to the demands of sustainability coupled with cost effective environmental management solutions. The range of sustainable solutions they offer include; n Reprocessing, Recovery and Re-use n Packaging Recycling and Re-use n On-site Waste Treatment n Composting n Aerosol Reprocessing n Recycling
Winter breakfast Our November breakfast which was sponsored by Essar Oil (UK) Ltd featured four industry pitches in addition to the networking opportunities for companies. Tracy Hughes from Essar Oil (UK) Limited reflected on managing uncertainly over a prolonged period of ownership changes – how Stanlow
“Kept its Shape” from the initial press reports of a potential sale of Shell’s only UK refinery back in August 2009 until its sale to Essar Group in August 2011. Now, one Year on, Essar Stanlow is embracing a changing mindset and is on track to become a sustainable player in petrochemical manufacturing. Michael Hughes MD of Executive Alliance Training & Coaching highlighted the importance of core management skills at every level of management and spoke about how behavioural style can impact on management and team effectiveness. Claire Lilley from Peak Associates highlighted the company’s surface water charging investigations which are aimed at reducing the cost of water bills. Claire discussed how some water companies charge a fee based on the surface area of a site for disposal or treatment of surface water and, how many sites adjacent to rivers, streams or canals, discharge their surface water directly rather than using public sewers.
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In such cases Peak Associates undertake detailed drainage investigations and challenge the water companies appealing against the charges and helping companies save thousands of pounds across the northwest, midlands and north east England. Claire also discussed the businesses focus on investigating and finding low cost effective solutions to contamination problems resulting from leaks, spills or processes that may result in the release of contaminants to the ground or water. Andrew Wilkins, Project Engineer at ABB Limited spoke about how ABB’s Operations Improvement Team have extensive experience of working within a wide variety of chemical and associated manufacturing facilities, including both upper tier and lower tier COMAH plants in the UK. The Operations Improvment team are a seasoned group of consultants who are ideally placed to help companies improve both processes and operational results.
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EVENTS REVIEW
Competence ‘a long term commitment not a quick fix’ Cogent, the National Skills Academy Process Industries and Chemicals Northwest co-hosted a seminar on Competence at the Heath Business Park, Runcorn on 5th October. The event was a great success with over 70 attendees from both large and small companies across the North of England. It was aimed at raising awareness of competence in the industry, and featured presentations from Linpac, the Health & Safety Executive, Cogent and the National Skills Academy Process Industries. There were also a series of breakout sessions that included a benchmarking exercise using the Academy’s Competence Assurance health check. This health check is a first line intervention in engaging a business on the topic of competence, allowing them to identify where they think their strengths and weaknesses lie. Other breakout sessions featured round table discussions on how to demonstrate on-going competence and the links between process safety and competence this generated lots of lively discussion and sharing of good practice. The theme of the day was underpinned by examples from industry of the benefits of working with the industry approved Gold Standard; in particular LINPAC’s presentation showed how the Gold Standard has provided them with the framework to continue to develop their business competence. For more information on forthcoming Cogent & National Skills Academy events please visit www.cogent-ssc.com or www.process.nsacademy.co.uk
An Update on Environment, Health and Safety Regulation Our Chemical Elements on 20th September provided updates on various Environment, Health and Safety Legislation (EHS), which is now an ongoing task for chemical companies within the region. The event had over 40 people in attendance. Chris Howick of Ineos Chlorvinyls and a member of Chemicals Northwest REACH user group presented on the imminent stages of registration and the forthcoming deadlines of the REACH Regulations. Chris also covered the managing of extended safety data sheets. Mike Weaver from Chilworth Global gave a presentation on the new Classification, Labelling & Packaging (CLP) regulations which are proving to be challenging to the operation of chemical businesses. David Turnbull from the Environment Agency presented the practical aspects of the revised water framework directive and what the changes mean to chemical sites in the North West, large and small.
Damien Williams from RAS Limited gave his presentation on the implementation of the Seveso III Directive in the UK as this is likely to impact many companies who need to be aware of how their COMAH arrangements may be affected. Gordon MacDonald from the Health and Safety Executive presented on the new “Fee for Intervention” rules which came into effect in October 2012 to raise awareness on the subject. Gordon emphasised the fact that HSE will charge for the time they spend enforcing material breaches of health and safety regulations on all non-COMAH sites.
Harnessing Innovation to Drive Business Growth GrowthAccelerator is a new, premium service that will help England’s brightest growing businesses achieve their ambitions with rapid, sustainable growth. It is a partnership between private enterprise and government, backed with over £200m of funding from the Department of Business Innovation & Skills (BIS). The service provides bespoke support to businesses with growth ambition; a range of coaching, masterclasses and funding for Leadership and Management training is available to Small & Medium Enterprises (SME’s) looking to grow their business by 20% or more per annum. On 6th November, GrowthAccelerator teamed up with Chemicals Northwest to run a half-day Innovation minimasterclass. The aim of the event was to introduce delegates to a range of innovation tools and techniques to help break patterns in the business, to find out what value customers are really buying
from you, how to generate, capture and validate new ideas and, of course, how to put these ideas in to practice. The event was well received and on hearing about how to access further support and funding to put their ideas into practice, a number of attendees have subsequently registered with the service, they are looking forward to working with the Growth Accelerator team in the coming months and developing effective growth plans for their businesses. To find out more about the service and particularly to understand how deploying a range of innovation tools and techniques can help you to grow your business, please contact your local Growth Manager, Nicky Lees at nicky.lees@growthaccelerator.com or call on 07920 563607
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United Phosphorus Ltd United Phosphorus are a leading producer of crop protection products, speciality chemicals and other industrial chemicals. With offices in 23 countries, we are one of the leading producers of post-patent products in the World.
The Centre, Birchwood Park,Warrington WA3 6YN Telephone +44 (0) 1925 819999
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