It is expected that the appointment will add new strength to the work of the BMRA
in lobbying government over the role of metal recyclers in handling end-of-life vehicles.
Mr Marshall (left) joins after six years representing manufacturers as Director General of the Confederation of British Metalforming where he merged trade associations covering the forging and fastener sectors to form the Confederation of British Forgers. Importantly, he also has experience in the motor industry having previously been policy director at the Retail Motor Industry Federation. The involvement of metals recyclers in helping the UK meet the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive is a critical issue for the BMRA. Several of its members are large shredder operators and are keen to ensure they have a leading role under the legislation.
BMRA President George Bond said: “Neil Marshall comes to the BMRA with a relevant background and excellent credentials. He is a regular media commentator on economic issues and maintains long-standing political and academic links. I am confident that he will provide a strong lead for BMRA members, and create a favourable climate for us to develop our businesses.”
Common purpose
Mr Marshall said that he saw the work of the BMRA as very important especially in working with other trade associations in the sector. “I hope the organisation will reach out in alliances and seeking understanding to get some common purpose. Nowadays individual organisations are too small to do everything that has to be done on their own.”
Looking ahead, he said the industry faced many challenges. “Recycling is going to be very important. It is at the heart of our manufacturing economy and marketplace. We have to meet that need but remember that margins are so slim and under pressure that we have to have a good strategy.”
Mr Marshall succeeds David Hulse who has recently left the BMRA. Until March former director general Rick Wilcox is running the association.
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