Following the resounding success of last year’s event which has gone from strength since its launch, the Chemical Business Association (CBA) will again be a leading headline partner at this year’s CHEMUK Expo. During the 2025 event, the Association will host an interactive Feature Zone, while the team will also be taking part in keynote presentations and panel discussions.
Representing and supporting the industry
One of the UK’s leading trade associations, the CBA has been representing the chemical supply chain, lobbying and advocating at the highest levels on behalf of members for over 100 years. In the UK, this currently includes leading the discussion on UK REACH and as a member of the Critical Imports Council, while overseas, it continues to contribute to events hosted by the International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), INTERPOL, and the G7.
The CBA also supports members and the wider chemical supply chain through various activities and training. It has launched a series of initiatives including:
Generation STEAM, which looks to highlight the inclusivity and diversity of the chemical supply chain by showcasing the vast range of different roles available within the sector. STEAM is much more than incorporating an ‘A’ for Arts into STEM, it emphasises the industry’s need for ambitious and creative problem-solvers. STEAM moves past the thinking that learning areas are separate, widening the net to ensure a bigger talent pool is captured and that there is a sustainable workforce for the future.
People & Skills Hub (P&SH) is a central resource dedicated to driving career long workforce development through attracting, retaining and developing the best talent. It allows individuals and companies to collaborate and network, acknowledging the value of a diverse workforce in innovating the chemical supply chain. P&SH offers access to global supply chain expertise and involves the participation of stakeholders through the CBA’s extensive network of partners, including the UK government, education providers and businesses.
Future Council provides a welcoming space for young industry professionals to share skills and experiences and broaden their understanding of the wider supply chain beyond their current roles. The group also performs outreach with educational institutions at all levels, to promote the chemical supply chain and the positive impact it has on future of the chemical industry.
5050Vision highlights the value of workers over 50 to the chemical supply chain, promoting an age-inclusive workplace that proudly showcases the benefits of retaining and actively engaging with experienced professionals who can offer a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and institutional insight, whilst driving innovation, enhancing safety protocols and mentoring the next generation of talent. At the same time, it seeks to attract those that may be returning to work after a career break or indeed looking for a career switch.
Keynote presentations at CHEMUK
Senior CBA staff will make two keynote presentations on Stage 1 at this year’s CHEMUK event.
CEO, Tim Doggett will deliver a talk entitled ‘The UK Chemical Supply Chain in a Rapidly Shifting World: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Journey Ahead.’ on 21st May at 11.00 am.
In addition, at 11.00 am on the 22nd May, Chief Operating Officer, Alastair Sanderson, will present a talk ‘Nobody Will Win By Playing Alone.’, exploring how sustainability goes beyond climate change.
Both presentations will discuss important national and international issues including how partnerships and collaboration are critical for success and why extended value chain players must work together to address the existential challenges facing the chemical supply chain, the wider UK chemical industry and society as whole.
Panel discussions at CHEMUK
Also on Stage 1, the CBA will take a leading role in three panel discussions during the event. At 10.15 pm on 21st May, Heather Carroll, the Association’s People & Skills Lead, will host the discussion ‘Building a Stronger, Smarter Chemical Supply Chain Workforce: Attracting Talent & Training for the Future.’ This will explore why the supply chain must maintain a strong workforce; how skills and people underpin everything; and why the industry must focus on transitional skills rather than green skills.
On the same day, 21st May, at 2.00 pm, Elaine McGavin, the CBA’s Regulatory Lead, will chair the UK REACH panel discussion. An ongoing topic that affects a considerable number of chemical supply chain businesses across the UK, it is expected to be extremely well attended.
Finally, on 22nd May at 11.40 am, the CBA’s CEO, Tim Doggett, will host the panel discussion ‘The Future of the Global Chemical Supply Chain: Trends, Challenges, and what part will the UK play?’
CBA Feature Zone
With feedback from CHEMUK 2024 showing that visitors enjoyed the respite provided by the CBA Feature Zone, the Association is looking forward to hosting the Zone once again.
The area will have a range of interactive features, including the return of the popular Road Haulage Association (RHA) driving simulator, as well as sustainability checkers also ‘higher and lower’ games, with prizes including tickets to the CBA’s world renowned Annual Lunch ‘Floggers,’ which has taken place since 1980 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The CBA’s ‘Hubs’ will also be represented by staff and partners, including its Logistics Hub, P&SH and Sustainability Hub. Visitors to the Feature Zone will be able to get insights on these topics from a number of experts from across the chemical supply chain.
The CBA’s P&SH will be providing vital information to delegates on how to recruit and retain talent in the chemical supply chain, showcasing various approaches to upskilling, career changes, age-neutral hiring practices and building multi-disciplinary teams.
Ian Stone, CEO and programme director of CHEMUK, commented on the CBA’s involvement: “CBA’s energy, commitment and spirit of true ‘partnership’ in working with CHEMUK annually cannot be overstated and we are always delighted to work so closely with the CBA team.”
The CBA is proud to be a headline partner of CHEMUK again in 2025 and is looking forward to seeing delegates, particularly at its presentations, panel discussions and the Feature Zone.
For more information about the CBA team visit Stand E154 at the exhibition.
