An Interview with Ben Williams: A Sense of Responsibility

The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has announced the appointment of Ben Williams as its 71st President. Picking up the reins from outgoing IQ President Viv Russell, Mr Williams, who has served as Chairman for the past two years, takes on the presidency with a progressive agenda aimed at enhancing the value of IQ membership services, delivering positive sustainable environmental change, and raising the Institute’s profile and influence, both in the UK and internationally.

Being at the helm of EPC-UK – one of the leading drilling and blasting service providers in the quarrying industry – is by all means no easy feat. With the challenges and ensuing changes facing the sector, it can be a daunting task, but it is one that Ben Williams is clearly relishing and has stepped up to. 

Last month Mr Williams, EPC-UK’s managing director, proudly reached a career milestone when he was elected as IQ President at the Institute’s AGM. A well-known advocate of health and safety excellence in the mineral extractives sector, Ben Williams is more than a familiar face and is a name known to most people in the industry. 

During his tenure, Mr Williams will celebrate 30 years of industry service and Institute membership. He embodies the essence of IQ, showcasing a strong passion for the industry and empowering people through great leadership, evident through his extensive volunteer work across numerous sector committees and IQ branches. 

Having served as a Trustee on the board since 2011, Mr Williams has seen the Institute make exceptional progress – increasing its membership, driving innovation and operational best practice, and cementing its status as the global leader in standards/professionalism for the mineral extraction profession. 

On the shoulders of giants ‘The IQ board is a focused and resilient group of highly respected and seasoned industry leaders who work tirelessly to achieve the long-term goals of the Institute,’ said Mr Williams. ‘Since joining the Board of Trustees, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a number of dynamic, enthusiastic, and highly driven individuals who have helped IQ evolve and develop successfully over the years to meet the challenges it faces today. 

‘I have always taken a proactive role in our industry so needless to say, I’m incredibly excited by the opportunity the presidency presents and to help steer the Institute toward a very bright future. I would like to express my gratitude to outgoing IQ President Viv Russell, who passes over a membership organisation in great shape for the future.

Viv has been an outstanding President and will be a hard act to follow. My aim is to deliver on his vision and those of my predecessors in terms of the key IQ projects that are now up and running. ‘A special mention also goes to past President Anthony Morgan, who was not only a driving force in shaping the Institute into what it has become today, but he was a great mentor and father figure to me earlier in my career. 

‘He was often the first person I would look to for advice and he played a huge influence in my career advancement. Without Anthony, I would not be sitting on the IQ board today and having the honour and privilege to serve as IQ President and represent our industry at the highest level.’

Community focus

One of Mr Williams’ key focuses will be promoting the important role the IQ’s branch community network has in connecting people working in the mineral extractives and quarrying industry. The Institute has come a long way over the last 107 years from its humble beginnings and first meeting of the Association of Quarry Managers in Caernarfon in 1917, to now being a leading international membership organisation, representing the interests and professional development of all people working in the wider construction and mineral extractives sector. 

At the heart of the IQ is its vibrant regional branch community network, which organizes an exciting programme of events throughout the year to bring members together at local level and help them grow their professional networks. 

‘Regional IQ branches are an important supportive source for our members and as the organisation representing professional development in our industry, we need to remain connected to our membership and our comprehensive UK network of 13 regional branches do just that,’ commented Mr Williams. 

‘Having worked in the industry for 30 years and having been an IQ member for almost all that time, I know first-hand how much the Institute has delivered for its members. 

From hosting technical branch evenings and CPD sessions to attending health and safety presentations and social events, including annual dinner dances, the opportunities to learn and network with others have helped me develop into the person and professional I am today.

‘IQ’s dedicated branches have continued to serve as the foundation of the Institute’s activities and the regional branch network is a significant benefit to members, bringing people together from across the industry to share knowledge, network, and socialise. We should all be proud of what we have in IQ – the 
ability for industry professionals to engage with each other and share their knowledge and experiences is fundamental.’

As well as the ongoing programme of technical evenings, health and safety CPD days, webinars, and community networking, support is also available from the IQ 
Benevolent Fund (IQBF). Established in 1925, over the years it has helped many members – past and present – and their families facing financial uncertainties because of long-term illness, disability, or death. ‘It’s great to see our members accessing the learning materials and the latest industry best practice, education and training opportunities we are offering, to help ensure that they are equipping themselves as best as they can and go on to achieve their career goals,’ said 
Mr Williams.

‘The IQ, however, isn’t just about promoting professional excellence in the minerals extraction sector. I would like to remind IQ members that the Benevolent Fund is here to help them and their families in times of difficulty and hardship. 

‘Our long-standing, pivotal position in the industry makes us accountable at all levels – from raising professional standards in health and safety, to promoting sustainable practices and improving peoples’ livelihoods. It’s our moral imperative to ensure we do the right thing and anyone contacting IQBF can be 
assured that their situation will be treated with discretion and care.’

Learning every day 

Mr Williams is a passionate advocate for training, education, and continuous professional development (CPD), believing that 
people are the cornerstone of the industry.

As the professional membership body for people working in the mineral products and extractives sector, the Institute plays a major role in raising the industry’s profile and ensuring that the career pathways available are supported with respected and relevant qualifications. Futureproofing the sector’s ageing workforce and increasing educational pathways continues to be high on the IQ’s agenda, as Mr Williams explained: ‘The IQ takes great pride in attracting and developing the next generation of leaders and talented professionals who will drive forward our industry. We have always put education at the top of our agenda and a major focus of mine over the next two years will be helping to create and deliver new qualifications covering the whole spectrum of the wider quarrying and extractives sector and support the industry’s progress. 

‘A great example of this is our new Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering, with the first cohort starting last month. The need to provide operational management qualifications has never been greater especially where safety, health and environmental factors, best practice, efficiencies, and continued improved professionalism are key industry drivers.

‘The IQ Blasting Diploma – developed in collaboration with EPC Groupe and the University of Derby – is a progressive, industry-led qualification that’s been expertly produced to help upskill our industry and set an international standard for professionalism, safety and competence in the explosives sector.’

Important work has also been continuing to develop the National Stone Centre (NSC) project. With planning permission already agreed for the redevelopment of the site and offices – where both IQ and MPQC teams will be co-located – Mr Williams said positive steps have recently been taken for the exciting, new state-of-the-art building in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, to take shape. 

‘One of my immediate priorities as IQ President is to get the landmark National Stone Centre construction project off the ground,’ he enthused. ‘And I am delighted to say following recent funding approval, we are finalising detailed design and costing, with the building’s two-year construction phase set to 
begin in 2025. 

‘Our goal is to establish the centre as a focal point for industry standards, professionalism, and competencies, whilst creating a publicfacing experience that helps promote the positive impact of the aggregates sector and encourage more people into the profession through greater diversity and inclusion.’ 

Working together

Looking ahead, Mr Williams is clearly excited about the new challenges and growth opportunities that lie ahead for the IQ. Building on the work of his predecessors, he looks forward to meeting as many members, colleagues, industry peers, and other stakeholders as possible during his presidency, supporting chairs and key sector bodies, and elevating the industry’s collective efforts.

The health, safety, and well-being agenda has been, and continues to be, a core area of activity for IQ and the official launch of the Strategic Safety Forum (SSF) at Hillhead 2024 recognizes and demonstrates the critical importance of sharing information and collaboration.

‘With a strong background in commercial explosives and blasting, I have always been passionate about driving the health and safety agenda across the mineral extractives and quarrying sector,’ said Mr Williams. 

‘Throughout my career, I’ve learned that effective outcomes are best achieved through collaboration.

The Strategic Safety Forum unites five key member bodies [IQ, MPQC, MPA, BAA, and QNJAC] across the mineral products sector to achieve the highest possible standards of performance in health and safety, and to deliver a sustainable safer and more competent working environment for all.’

With a strong focus on health and safety and CPD firmly rooted in Mr Williams’ robust IQ agenda, he will also continue to support the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC) in developing important guidance and learning support materials in the drive to improving health, safety, and well-being for the industry. 

‘I recently discovered that QNJAC was created back in 1993 by key industry stakeholders to resolve the safety issues of the day, so it is considered as our sector’s original safety forum. As former chairman of QNJAC, it is very gratifying to see it develop and progress into a forward-thinking and collaborative organization reaching out to as many people as possible in our journey towards meeting Target Zero,’ emphasized Mr Williams. 

‘Working with influential industry partners, the Health and Safety Executive, trade associations/unions, professional bodies, and academic institutions, QNJAC epitomizes the collaborative spirit and expertise within our sector.

Whilst QNJAC has made a real difference to our industry, the next phase of the Target Zero initiative will raise the bar further in driving up standards and professionalism at all levels across the mineral extractives and quarrying sector. 

‘The priority for all of us is to ensure we work together effectively and utilize all the tools and resources available in making the workplace safer, raising standards, and developing a more engaged, fully trained, and competent workforce.’

Attracting new talent

It is no secret that quarrying – like many traditional manufacturing industries – is facing a skills gap crisis unlike anything that has ever been seen before. With the skills deficit continuing to grow, the IQ has gone to great lengths to tackle the recruitment challenges head-on, most distinctly presenting the sector as an attractive choice for today’s school, college, and university leavers.

‘The long-standing image of construction being male-centred and ‘dirty’ hasn’t helped at all,’ said Mr Williams, ‘but positive steps have been taken to promote the diverse range of careers the sector offers and send out a clear message to young people – and job seekers of all ages – that joining this industry can offer an exciting, practical, and well-paid career path for those willing to grasp the opportunity.’

However, there is still more work to do to change traditional perceptions and highlight the positive side of the ever-important construction products sector. With a skills shortage still being experienced, there is a real push to get more women into construction/quarrying 
professions, and Mr Williams believes that breaking down gender barriers is pivotal to safeguarding the future of the industry.

‘Clearly, the underrepresentation of women in construction is repressive, outdated, and unsustainable,’ he remarked. ‘Addressing the sector’s demographic fall, we must come together to change the way our industry is viewed by stamping out stigmas and eliminating this perceived ‘old boys’ club’ culture and traditional macho mindset once and for all.

‘For IQ, it is ultimately not just about attracting female talent but fostering a culture that welcomes people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and religions to create a truly diverse and inclusive workplace for all. ‘I hope to play my part in supporting the ‘Minerals Matter’ initiative to generate interest in construction and quarrying – working together with schools, colleges, world-class companies, SMEs, and other professional bodies – to not only connect people with great jobs, but also to alleviate the skills shortage in the sector which is essential if we are to reach our full potential.’ 

Reducing the environmental impact of mineral extraction activity is another key strategic objective for the Institute, and Mr Williams emphasized the importance of delivering an improving, sustainable, and greener construction industry that is not only fully fit for purpose but also for the future.

‘From increasing the usage of lowcarbon technologies, to the restoration of dormant sites into world-class habitats and accelerating the shift towards the circular economy, we know our industry is on track to meeting the climate challenge and there are many great examples of positive change to our practices and processes that have highlighted our commitment to the sustainability agenda,’ he commented. 

‘While significant progress has been made in all aspects of sustainability, there is still more to do, as we have a responsibility to showcase what a proactive, positive, and truly sustainable industry we represent.’

Mr Williams’ presidency comes at a crucial time when the mineral products sector is navigating significant changes driven by decarbonization, technology advancements, environmental sustainability, regulatory scrutiny, and health, safety and mental well being. 

He concluded: ‘Our industry and profession are changing and evolving – and our vision is to be at the forefront of raising professional performance standards, delivering high-value qualifications, and supporting ongoing professional development. We also have ambitions to bring together the global quarrying community to share common standards, practices and experiences, while enabling the wider international community of quarrying professionals to connect with each other.

‘On a personal level, I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to find myself assuming the role of IQ President at such a pivotal time for our industry. I never set out to have a career in aggregates and construction; it is only by chance that I began my career in quarrying. I have always said you don’t choose this industry it chooses you!

I believe we need to make it an industry of choice through the many initiatives we are leading and participating in. ‘I owe a great deal to the Institute for the 
professional development opportunities that it provided for me. Now, I’m playing my part in educating the wider world about the positive impact of the mineral extractives sector, the exciting wide-ranging career opportunities available, and championing the continuing professional development of 
industry professionals.

Interview reproduced with kind thanks to QMJ Group. Originally published in Quarry Management magazine, October 2024