BMRA appoints new president

I want to work hard to ensure that the industry receives the support and recognition it deserves 

 
Michael Wright

Michael Wright, the chief operating officer of ELG Haniel, takes over the position at the helm of the Association from Peter Brookes, of Metal & Waste Recycling, who was president for the past three years.

Mr Wright outlined his plan to focus on regulation and public image at the BMRA's annual general meeting, and he has since indicated that promoting the industry's profile among in political and regulatory circles was also a key consideration.

“Metal recycling in the UK is a business worth £5 billion that contributes a significant amount to the UK economy and plays a critical role in the country's ability to hit its EU recycling targets,' he explained.

“As president of the BMRA I want to work hard to ensure that the industry receives the support and recognition it deserves for this work.

“My colleagues and I will continue the work that the BMRA has been engaged in in recent years to improve links with politicians and agencies influencing the development of the metal recycling industry,” he added.

Success 

The BMRA has experienced some success in building links with high level politicians in recent months, including securing a Private Members Debate with waste and recycling minister Joan Ruddock in April 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story).

And, in a bid to push for changes in regulation and government policy, the Association launched its 'Agenda for Change' in May 2008, which added increased Energy-from-Waste capacity for industrial waste to its list of priorities (see letsrecycle.com story).

Now, Mr Wright, who has worked in metal recycling for 42 years, and is responsible for all EKG Haniel's UK operations, is charged with advancing the industry's interests further, and the BMRA director-general Lindsay Millington expressed her full confidence in his appointment.

“The new president brings a wealth of skills and experience to this key role. I'm confident he will be a great ambassador for metal recyclers over the coming years,” she said.

“I look forward to working with Michael as we pursue the issues described in the BMRA's 'Agenda for Change' and lobby to secure the position and respect that the legitimate metal recycling industry represented by BMRA deserves, as leading players in a highly competitive global market,” she added.