Tom Harvey, Organisation Development Manager at Silverlake Automotive Recycling [Silverlake] has joined the VRA Management Committee.  The VRA is the leading trade body for UK vehicle recycling professionals.  Management Committee members have responsibility for directing the activity of the organisation, ensuring it is well run and delivering the outcomes for which it has been set up. 

The VRA provides a central source of advice and guidance to members, promoting their businesses and representing their interests to members of Government, regulators and other industry sectors.  The trade body encourages professionalism in order to give consumers confidence in the products and services offered by its members and to protect the environment.  Silverlake is one of the longest standing members of the VRA and professional standards sit at the heart of the business. 

Commenting on his appointment to the Management Committee Tom Harvey said: “I’m honoured to join the VRA Management Committee and look forward to working with the other Committee members to support this invaluable industry body.  Our industry is going through significant change with the electrification of cars and the focus on carbon reduction and zero waste to landfill.  The VRA has a vital role to play in supporting and advising members and has terrific influence because it represents so many automotive recyclers and can provide a centralised, unified voice on their behalf.  At Silverlake we believe cross industry and cross border collaboration is the best way to share knowledge and continually improve and we are passionate about raising the professional bar further, so we enjoy a natural fit with the VRA.”    

Chas Ambrose, Secretary at the VRA said: “To be both effective & representative of its sector, a trade association needs input from a wide variety of members, large and small.  Silverlake has been a VRA member for as long as I can remember & certainly for many decades.  It seems to me that even after all this time, Silverlake remains at the very forefront of our industry – constantly setting the standards, in so many ways, for other to follow.  As such, I’m really pleased that Tom, someone so senior, at Silverlake & with so much practical experience to share, has now joined the VRA Management Committee. We look forward to working with him.”

The VRA Management Committee meets twice yearly in person, supplemented by virtual meetings as required.  Management Committee members hold their position for two years. 

The BVSF AGM 2024, was held at The Woodland Grange Hotel in Leamington Spa on April 25th. The event had a fantastic turn out with to the day, some of whom stayed on for the evening as well. 

The seminar speakers provided valuable information to the membership and partners alike. They included:-

Ernst & Young

QSP Training

ONIS Consulting

Business Doctors

The Environment Agency........

All of whom gave stellar presentations within their field and gave those present a great deal of information to take away. 

There were a fantastic number of displayers, with stands inside to allow networking as well as vehicles parked outside for people to view. All followed by an incredible evening meal, with entertainment and a raffle. (proceeds of which will be donated to charity)

I would like to thank each and every one of the attendees, speakers, and the Hotel for making the day a success.  

GW

This years’ event will be on Tuesday 24th September 2024 again at the Woodland Grange Hotel and Conference Centre, Leamington Spa.

Focussing on the next big challenge facing the UK tyre industry, Mandatory Waste Tracking, the conference programme to be announced shortly will seek to inform and prepare for what is just around the corner.

Waste Tracking will impact right across our sector but no more so than on all those who handle, collect, re-tread and process the nation’s 600 plus Kt of annual arisings.

Reservations for this year’s event are already open but limited, so reserve your place now.

To register, contact the TRA Office:

Tyre Recovery Association (TRA)

PO Box 13379

Billericay

Essex

CM12 2GY

T: +44 (0)7932 702173

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

W: https://tyrerecovery.org.uk

Participation is free for TRA members, media representatives and our industry regulators. A charge of £60.00 plus VAT per person will apply to all other participants. A buffet lunch and refreshments are included.

Assington Autos, one of the biggest ‘End of Life’ vehicle recycling centres in East Anglia, established in 2017 by Frederick Cook, become the 500th company to be presented with The Carbon Charter Award, from Suffolk County Council. 

The Carbon Charter was set up in 2010 by Suffolk County Council and the Environment Agency. Since then, it has given 738 Carbon Charter awards to 500 companies.

It is an accreditation for businesses who are committed to reducing their impact on the environment, by cutting their carbon emissions, supporting their local community and developing green spaces.

The panel from the Carbon Charter was particularly impressed that despite significant growth in the business, Assington Autos fuel usage has remained the same and has achieved an emissions reduction of 37% in the last two years.

Assington Autos were also praised for their biodiversity efforts on site and in the wider community, as well as activity in the local community, supporting NHS workers, the local fire service, food banks and other local community groups. Ultimately, Assington were awarded the Gold Level of the award, highlighting the commitment of the company to Net Zero by 2040.

To read the full article, and learn more about Assigton Autos, click here.