Surfachem supports the introduction of Chemicals Cluster UK

The University of Huddersfield, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, home of Surfachem’s Innovation Laboratory, is hosting the inaugural meeting for a brand new Cluster for the UK’s chemical and chemical using Industry.

Formed by YCF Limited, the acclaimed non-profit membership organisation for the process industries, this cluster will serve the people, communities, university academics and business development leaders in the industry, Dr Richard Smith, Managing Director of Surfachem Group & Chair of CCUK, said, “This new cluster will build upon and benefit from the expertise within the chemical manufacturing companies, their supply chain partners and customers within the region as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of Brexit, Industry 4.0, Globalisation and Individualism to name a few. You have an opportunity to shape how you want to see our industry develop further its contribution to the future prosperity of the region and UK plc”

The vision is that the Chemical Cluster UK will reach out to the increasing number of organisations in the Yorkshire and Humber region and nationally, whose interests lie in the various aspects of chemistry. The Cluster concept will also facilitate networking into other organisations such as trade bodies, societies and University specialist centres to evolve a ‘network of networks’ as well as working directly with companies and their people.

The launch meeting will take place on the 12th December at the University of Huddersfield. Professor Liz Towns Andrews, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Huddersfield, and CEO of the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre said “We are delighted and honoured to be sponsoring the launch of the Chemical Cluster UK here in the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. The chemical industries are hugely important to the UK and regional economy and the University has a very strong history of close collaboration with companies in the sector. We are keen to listen and understand more about the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector and excited by the prospect of making new connections and forging new partnerships with participating businesses in the cluster”.

Sean McDonagh, Business Manage Chemical at Siemens UK, who is sponsoring the YCF sector-specific networks, said “Siemens has been a long-term supporter of YCF & its sector cluster concept. The networking and information shared between members are a real tangible benefit to the membership, and the new Chemical Cluster is an exciting development. Siemens is at the forefront of digitisation in manufacturing, offering technologies and services to help chemical and chemistry using sectors sustain and grow their own market share. We look forward to engaging with this new cluster and opening a dialogue with new members”.

At the event delegates will be able to help form and shape the Chemical Clusters strategic priorities and inform the group of their needs, wants and challenges to enable the cluster to provide tangible benefits and growth opportunities companies in the UK. Lisa Buck, Operations Manager said “It really is an exciting time to be a part of such a group, YCF has vast experience in organising sector-specific groups, come along and see for yourself what a difference such a group can make, to not only the industry we work in but to individual companies too. We have several industry experts for you to talk to and we are ready to hear your thoughts on what you would like the group to do, for you”.

To register and for further information, visit Chemicals Cluster UK

About YCF

YCF formed over 12 years ago, specifically to support the chemical industry. Originally funded by the regional development agency as Yorkshire Chemical Focus. The membership organisation is now solely supported by membership fees and projects. Many surveys have recently been conducted to highlight the important role industry clusters and industry support organisations play in assisting business with their growth journeys.

About Surfachem Group Ltd

Surfachem Group, a 2M Holdings Ltd company, is an international speciality chemical distributor. Working in partnership with industry leading manufacturers, Surfachem delivers sustainable solutions to customers in over 65 countries by offering exceptional technical and logistical expertise.

Headquartered in the UK with subsidiaries in Brazil, Poland, Nordics and Benelux, Surfachem provide industry-leading knowledge and capabilities into the Personal Care, Detergents, Pharmaceuticals and Agrochemicals markets.

Surfachem’s goal is to work in synergy with its principals and customers to Deliver Chemistry for a Better Life.