At it’s recent Council meeting IMA’s Council welcomed Paul Simpson as its new President. Speaking to members Paul thanked Nigel Blacklock of Bauder for his time and dedication to the role over the previous two years. He said he was deeply honoured to accept the nomination as President of IMA and that the position presents a unique opportunity to drive forward our industry’s collective goals, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations set before us.
He said he is looking forward to continuing to push IMA’S purpose to create a positive and dynamic business environment for the PIR and PUR Insulation industry and outlined his vision and the key objectives that he hopes to achieve during his term of office.
Paul emphasised his commitment to promoting honesty, openness, reliability, and accountability through industry initiatives such as the code for construction product information (CCPI) throughout the insulation industry. He said that “driving initiatives such as the CCPI ensures clients, partners, and end-users know that our products can be trusted and that what we say about the performance of our materials is trustworthy, without exaggeration or misrepresentation. This commitment to excellence will not only bolster our industry’s reputation, but also build greater trust with those we serve.”
Furthermore, he stressed that it is crucial that we effectively communicate the implications of the Building Safety Act to all of our members. This landmark legislation has introduced significant changes aimed at enhancing building safety and it is our duty to ensure that these changes are clearly understood and adhered to across the industry. We will work tirelessly to relay key details and provide resources that will help our members navigate this new regulatory landscape.
In addition to these legislative priorities, he emphasised the importance of certification within our industry saying that “Certification is not just a badge of honour; it is a critical component of our industry’s integrity and reliability. It demonstrates that our products meet stringent standards and that they perform as expected in real-world applications.” He said he would advocate for rigorous certification processes and support initiatives that help our members achieve and maintain these essential standards.
Paul also addressed the issue of competence within our industry saying that “Competence is not just about having the necessary skills and knowledge; it is also about understanding the boundaries of what we can and cannot do in a compliant manner. It is imperative that all professionals within our industry are adequately trained and assessed to perform their roles effectively and safely. We must ensure that individuals are not only qualified but also fully aware of their responsibilities and limitations. By fostering a culture of competence, we can prevent errors, enhance safety, and uphold the highest standards of quality. Most importantly, we need to empower people to say “No” without fear and to highlight this as a learning opportunity and not a failing.”
Paul said he envisioned an insulation industry that is not only compliant with regulations but also at the forefront of innovation and sustainability with the opportunity to lead by example, developing cutting-edge solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
He urged members to “Let us embrace this challenge and work together to create a legacy of which we can all be proud. We should all be part of an industry that puts fabric first as a central pillar of construction principals in the UK and not allow it to be seen as an option that can be made up for with more and more PV and larger heat pumps if not followed.”
Concluding his address Paul said “I will be promoting honesty, openness, reliability, and accountability through industry initiatives such as the code for construction product information, ensuring effective communication of the Building Safety Act, reinforcing the importance of certification, and fostering a culture of competence. These initiatives are not just goals; they are fundamental pillars that will support the continued growth and success of our industry.”
July 2024
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