Young British Metals Recyclers for those under 35
When the BMRA undertook a membership survey a few years ago, it highlighted a concern by members about succession planning. Many yards are family owned and feedback indicated that some members of the family showed little interest in taking over a scrap metal business leaving no one to pass it on to. This could result in the sale or closure of yards.
Addressing this, the BMRA set up the Young British Metals Recyclers (YBMR) in 2017 to give those under 35 in member companies a helpful resource by providing learning and development, along with bespoke training that can enhance their own reputation within the company they work. It can also help them to develop their customer relationships and improve their career progression, particularly if they are new to the industry. It also provides a valuable opportunity to meet and speak with fellow YBMR members.
So far, the YBMR group has enjoyed a number of activities including: a visit to a service member, Liebherr, in Biggleswade; training provided by Croner for those that manage people and, tours of The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham and William Cook (casting products) in Sheffield. At William Cook, the UK's largest manufacturer of steel castings, the group were given a tour of the Sheffield facility where high-specification castings in specialist alloys for industries like energy, infrastructure and other high-tech engineering activities are made.
From design to manufacture, the tour took in all of the hands-on elements involved in the production of castings weighing just a few grammes to several tonnes. It was also interesting to understand the use of scrap within the casting process and how, despite competition from the east, William Cook was able to maintain its position as a leading UK casting company. Thank you to Trevor Stevenson and the team at William Cook for their hospitality.
YBMR, like the BMRA as a whole, is run by members for members and has three co-chairs who oversee the group and provides ideas and insight. The co-chairs are Hayley Mellor of Mellor Metals, James Young of Tandom Metallurgical and James Nicholls of CF Booth.
Hayley has been working full time in her family’s business for seven years. Before that she undertook various roles on a part-time basis since she was a teenager. Trained as a technically competent manager, her role involves managing the HR function and providing PA support to the MD. A founding member of YBMR, Hayley explains the benefits to her. “In a small family business, it is very easy to get wrapped up in a ‘bubble’ and not understand the supply chain around you. It is great to see what other metal recyclers and service members are doing. It helps you to understand the big picture.”
A new addition to the YBMR co-chairs was James Young of Tandom Metallurgical in 2019. A Trader/Director at the West Midlands-based metal recycler, James has been in the industry for 10 years. “YBMR is a great platform to meet fellow peers in the industry and to gain useful knowledge in processes, systems and technology that the sector uses,” said James Y. “It’s professional, yet informal approach, puts members at ease in what can be quite a daunting scenario, allowing us to gain confidence and build on relationships within the scrap metal industry.”
James Nicholls is Operations Director at CF Booth. He has been in the industry for 16 years having come from a building background, joining the business to help with concreting and building projects before moving into his current role. He is involved with most things that go on in the yard, including the purchasing of machinery and plant, as well as the running of the foundry and yard maintenance. He said: " It’s important to me that I form a close network and good working relationships within the industry. The BMRA is a great resource for the younger generation especially for keeping up to date with the changes in legislation.
"Groups like YBMR are the future metal recycling business leaders. Not only does it give us additional knowledge by introducing us to the whole supply chain, it gives those that are up and coming the opportunity to make their own contacts. This is really important as the industry evolves and businesses change."
YBMR is very much about building the careers of its members. Hayley said: “With the support of YBMR and the BMRA, I want to continue to build the Mellor Metals business and gain valuable experience and knowledge across the spectrum of the metal recycling industry.”
James Y added: “I hope to keep learning, meeting new people and working on how I can become a more rounded individual. I was lucky enough to fall into this industry and I really love it. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for my journey in scrap.” James N reiterated how being part of a group like YBMR has benefits that extends beyond the individual. "I want to continue to gain as much industry knowledge and contacts as I can while focusing on the business operating efficiently, getting the best out the team and the equipment within it. The focus is to grow and secure the company’s future for another 100 years."
Looking to the future, it would be amiss to not ask the co-chairs their thoughts for the years ahead in metal recycling.
Hayley said: “I would like to see the UK embrace a circular economy to ensure that as much metal as possible is both recycled and reused on UK projects. I’d also like to see a better approach to design for recycling. Like any other metal recycler, it's frustrating that not all material can be fully utilised and we are keen for the BMRA and EuRIC to work with the likes of CENELEC to see that this becomes the norm in the future.”
James Y thinks the scrap industry will continue to be dynamic. “No doubt the future holds great challenges and opportunities, but in the fast-moving world of recycling reforms and environmental changes, the first industry to fully embrace recycling and recycled material will be well placed to lead the way.” James Nicholls added: "I am a BMRA board member as well as a YBMR co-chair. I get to know about and be involved with many decisions that will affect the industry for decades to come. I would like to see the industry continue to make a valuable contribution to the circular economy. I'd like to reach agreements with our governing bodies that can continue to see as much recycled as possible, ensuring a future for the industry and all those who work in it."
YBMR is free and open to anyone under the age of 35 in a BMRA member company. To register your interest email [email protected]. The YBMR group is always looking for ideas for training sessions and visits to sites, be it a metal recycler or a service member. Please get in touch if you would like to show the group around your facility or offer a training session. The BMRA boardroom is available free of charge to members.
