14/05/2021

TRADE ASSOCIATION PR

The value and significance of the nation’s compressed gases sector were reinforced in the British Compressed Gases Association’s (BCGA) digital conference and inaugural awards ceremony event.

Over two days, delegates were kept up to speed with the latest industry developments, concluding with the BCGA Industry Recognition Awards, which celebrated members’ contributions to their industry and communities.

Judged by an independent panel of experts, the winners were;

Outstanding Team of the Year Award (Large Company) – Air Products Procurement & Facilities Management Team

Outstanding Team of the Year (Small Company) – Speciality Oxygen Service

Consultant of the Year – Simon Fisher, Gas Con

Rising Star of the Year, (joint winners) – Connor Lakey, BOC and Kelly Vasir, Cavagna Group UK

During the conference, keynote speaker Lord Callanan, a Government Minister from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, personally thanked the industry for its work in the Covid-19 pandemic in providing medical gases.

He also set-out the importance of the sector as the UK looks for innovative solutions on the road to net zero.

Lord Callanan was one of 11 speakers covering a broad and engaging range of topics aimed at the sector, each offering a different perspective on the latest developments in the industry from around the world, current issues and shared association news.

Other subjects discussed included Brexit, hydrogen transport and the helium marketplace, as well as diversity, inclusion and mental health.

The American Compressed Gases Association also talked about its work in areas including the pandemic response.

Ellen Daniels, CEO of the BCGA, said: “We were delighted with the response and feedback for the conference, which attracted 178 unique visitors, the most ever for a BCGA conference.

“Although we had to move to a digital format, we were able to come together, look at the last 12 months as an industry, and build a picture of the opportunities and challenges we face in the months and years ahead.

“It was particularly rewarding to see the first ever BCGA Awards. The quality of the entries was exceptional and we are confident the event will evolve when we hopefully meet face to face for our next conference in Manchester in April 2022.

“We are grateful to the speakers, delegates and all the team who worked hard to deliver the event, as well as our event sponsor, gasworld.”