This month, we eagerly anticipate the return of the Hillhead tradeshow exhibition at Buxton, a highlight of the year for many of us. With over 20,000 attendees over three days, it’s a pivotal event in our sector, attracting global visitors to explore the latest advancements in equipment and technology.
Hillhead is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase our industry. Reflecting on my first visit to the third show in 1985 as a young Assistant Quarry Manager, I still feel the same excitement and eagerness to learn. It's a chance to pause, reflect, and take pride in our sector.
During the show we will launch the Strategic Safety Forum (SSF) for Health and Safety in the Mineral Products Sector. The SSF highlights the industry's collaborative spirit in tackling health and safety issues. The Mineral Products Association (MPA), British Aggregates Association (BAA), the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC), and the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) are committed to fostering consensus and cooperation to improve outcomes across the sector.
IQ will be present as always, engaging with both current and prospective members, and showcasing our recent efforts to enhance professional development support. This year, we are especially excited to share a stand with the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) and feature industry bodies such as QNJAC, the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products, the Institute for Asphalt Technology (IAT), the Institute of Explosives Engineering (IexpE), the Heavy Clay Technology Association (HCTa) and Minerals Matter. This collaboration underscores the importance of working together across the industry.
Our joint efforts focus on building competence, skills, and capability in both core areas and emerging fields like sustainability and technology. Collaborative approaches are essential to addressing the challenges we face.
Additionally, the Minerals Matter initiative will be present, promoting careers in our industry to the next generation. They will tour a group of secondary school students around the show on Thursday to explore career opportunities with leading companies.
Demonstrating competence is both a regulatory and moral responsibility for our profession. As detailed in last month’s QMJ release, our stand will offer insights into how we support competence and skills development for our members and the sector.
We look forward to welcoming our members and industry professionals, to catch up with our team, and seek guidance on managing CPD and its documentation.
