BCSA makes new appointments at AGM

At its recently held AGM, the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) elected Chris Durand, Severfield Design Director (pictured) as its new President and Steven Hendry, Cairnhill Structures’ Group Managing Director as Deputy President.

Dr Durand said it was an honour to take on his new role and the steel construction sector was looking ahead with confidence.

“The latest round of regional meetings indicated there is increasing optimism among our members, with a belief that the market is starting to improve. Some key projects are beginning to emerge from the logjam and the return of sunny weather improves the mood,” he said.

Speaking at the 46th National Dinner, which was held a couple of days later at Chester Racecourse, out-going BCSA President Gary Simmons said: “I’d like to wish Chris a successful Presidency and welcome Steven as the BCSA’s new Deputy President.”

Mr Simmons added: “Many of the challenges that our sector has endured over the past two years aren’t new, they have been around for decades. It’s a tough business, but fortunately it is presided over by tough individuals who have ensured that year-on-year, steel maintains its dominant market share of the non-residential construction market.

“We have consistently proven that any shortage of UK sourced material does not affect our capacity and capability to meet the nations construction demand.”

Summing up, BCSA CEO, Jonathan Clemens, said: “This year will see the commencement of the BCSA developed design guides and national annexes for the 2nd generation of the new Eurocodes begin to be published. This work has been a key focus for many years and will aid engineers and designers in their work on constructional steel designs.

“Making the most of Government pledges and actions to support UK manufacturing we have recently increased activity promoting the need to invest in our own manufacturing to deliver national infrastructure, buildings and civil engineering projects.”