The 15th Composites UK AGM and Annual Conference will take place on 13 May at the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s (WMG) International Digital Laboratory and will give an update of the opportunities and challenges facing the UK composites industry in 2015 and beyond.

Nigel O’Dea of Lucintel returns to the event, looking at how the UK can compete in the global market place, with Alison Star, of the National Composites Centre, presenting an update of the UK Composites Strategy launched later this year.

“One of our fundamental objectives is to facilitate the growth of the UK composites industry. We have invited Nigel and Alison back for a second year as both have key positions enabling them to have a fantastic outlook on the latest trends and upcoming initiatives,” commented Dr Sue Halliwell, Operations Manager for Composites UK.

Supporting UK supply chain

Member companies Forward Composites and SHD Composites will be present to provide case studies showing how they have achieved business growth in the past year, supported by a presentation from Philip Bruce of Scott Bader identifying the strengths, gaps and opportunities in the UK supply chain.

Composites UK’s own Supply Chain Officer, Stella Job, will inform delegates of the new UK capabilities database and the impact this will have on industry statistics.

Composites manufacturing

Three of the partners from the Composites Innovation Cluster (CiC), which is funded by the UK Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI), will demonstrate the latest innovations from their individual projects.

The CiC encompasses 15 projects in total, all focusing on development of materials, knowledge, automation and processes to support growth of the UK supply chain to enable UK OEMs to onshore their requirements.

The Conference will also deal with the industry challenges and address questions about maintaining the UK’s competitive edge. “It is just as important to understand the challenges businesses in the composites industry face as well as the opportunities, with this session looking at health and safety issues, competency assurance and funding/tax relief,” said Dr Halliwell.

Target audience

“This event is well suited to those in Senior Management, Business Development, Technical/Research Management and Communications Managers as it highlights where the UK industry is going, how businesses can get involved and support its growth,” said Claire Whysall, Composites UK’s Communications Manager.

“In addition to the presentations there will be plenty of opportunity to network including a drinks reception at the close of the day.”

www.compositesuk.co.uk