NEWS

SMDA Update
Following the announcement of the General Election, all Government departments entered a state of Purdah, during which they cannot progress work that needs attention of Ministers. However, BMRA has learnt that the Home Office had almost completed its Review of the Act and is seemingly intent on presenting its recommendations to Ministers before Parliament breaks for summer recess on 20 July.

Recognising that there would be limited time to influence the result of the Review, BMRA hosted a meeting with representatives from Energy Networks Association (ENA) and BT to discuss and agree a joint approach to ensuring pressure is maintained on the Home Office to conduct a rigorous review of the SMDA that takes into account, and act on, all stakeholder proposals. It was agreed that the many victims of metal theft would send a joint letter to all Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, alongside an open letter to the press. ENA, which provides the secretariat for the APPG on Combatting Metal Theft, also agreed to co-host a Parliamentary lunch with BMRA.

Campaign to tackle cash
BMRA is working closely with British Transport Police and other members of the NPCC Metal Theft Working group to develop an awareness campaign targeting suppliers who continue to demand and seek out cash-paying yards. Spearheaded by a poster, the campaign makes it clear that receiving cash for scrap metal is illegal and that not only will those caught receive a fine, they will also get a criminal record. It is hoped that the posters will be displayed in yards but, more importantly, also in builders and plumbers’ merchants, DIY outlets and other related vendors. The working group is also working to have the poster used as adverts in trade and engineering press.

A great afternoon of networking and charity fundraising was had at the BMRA Race Day held at Huntingdon Racecourse.

A day in the yard interviews
BMRA is launching a new series of special interviews with people working in the metal recycling business and out on the yard. Kicking off the series is James Nicholls of CF Booth and Hailey Mellor of Mellor Metals, the new co-chairs of the Young British Metal Recyclers forum. They tell readers what they do in any given day and what they need to do their job, as well as passing on any words of wisdom they have received in their careers to date. If you would like to be featured yourself or if you would like to nominate someone, please contact Antonia. Alternatively, you can read the full article here.

Metal Recycler General Operative Trailblazer Apprenticeship: update
The Metal Recycler General Operative (MRGO) Trailblazer Apprenticeship continues to be developed in close association with our relationship manager from the Institute for Apprenticeships. It is anticipated that the Standard Plan for the MRGO Apprenticeship will be submitted this month.

.Since 6 April 2017, employers who have an annual pay bill of more than £3 million must pay the monthly Apprenticeship Levy of 0.5% of that bill. The levy also applies to those who are connected to other companies or charities for Employment Allowance, which in total have an annual pay bill of more than £3 million

Smaller, non-levy paying employers can share the cost of training and assessing their apprentices with government, also known as ‘co-investment’. As of May 2017, they pay 10% towards to the cost of apprenticeship training and Government will pay the rest (90%), up to the funding band maximum.

Ransomware-led cyberattack
Following the international mass cyberattack using ransomeware, BMRA has received advice from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on how organisations can protect themselves for such attacks.

[Click for more]

Account win: ECY Haulmark wins Seaforde Metals account for OilQuick
BMRA member ECY Haulmark has won the account to install OilQuick automatic quick coupler systems on two of Seaforde Metals’ JCB forklifts trucks as well as its’ Liebherr 934 machine. Seaforde Metals chose the quick coupler systems to reduce the number of onsite vehicles operating around the yard while allowing for quick, efficient and safe changeovers. Director John Killen said: “The main advantage to installing OilQuick was the reduction in machines, now using one where previously two would have been needed. The increased safety aspect is really important and we no longer have to deal with the expense and inconvenience of repairing burst hydraulic hoses.”

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Environment roundtable discussion
Earlier this month, Sam joined environmental solicitors BP Collins' environment roundtable. This annual event was chaired by Matthew Farrow of the Environmental Industries Commission and included delegates from across the waste and recycling industry. Discussion covered several pertinent topics including Government strategy for waste and recycling, incentivising better recycling and identifying responsible parties to better ensure end-of-life products are recycled.

Reverse charge VAT meeting
Sam met key civil servants from the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to further discuss the possible implementation of reverse charge VAT in the scrap metal sector. Reverse charge VAT is a system prevalent in the major European economies as an anti-fraud measure but the UK lags behind as it currently does not have such a system in place. Sam was joined by Paul Reynolds, a tax expert from Haslers Accountants who advised on the practical implications for businesses in the sector. The possibility of industry wide due-diligence was also discussed as an interim measure to protect members under scrutiny from HMRC.

ASSOFERMET/EuRIC Event - Autumn 2017
EuRIC is currently investigating the possibility of holding a European event in Milan in the Autumn to provide an opportunity for members to get together primarily for networking. While planning is currently at the earliest stages, the format and scale of the event depending upon likely attendance from each Association.

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BMRA Golf Day & AGM: Book Today!
This year’s Golf Day will take place at Celtic Manor on 5 July. Following on from the Annual General Meeting, the golf event will comprise a shotgun start and be played on The Roman Road course. The day will end with a dinner in the evening, which will be another great chance for members to network.The cost for the whole day is £500 plus VAT per team of four, including dinner, and the cost to attend just the dinner is £50 plus VAT. 

If you have any questions, email Lyn Sheridan or call 01480 455249. [Click here for more information and booking forms.]

 

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Save the date!

This year's Annual Dinner will take place on 24 November in London. Don't miss out - put the date in your diary!