TIF Delegation Meets With MP

A delegation from the Tyre Industry Federation (TIF) had a successful meeting yesterday with the Minister at the DTI responsible for sustainable development, Malcolm Wicks, to discuss the issue of used tyre recovery.

The delegation, on which all member associations were represented and which was led by TIF chairman, Jim Rickard, made the Minister aware of the steps the industry had taken towards ensuring full recovery of used tyres by 16 July 2006 – the date the complete ban on landfilling of tyres came into force. According to a statement released by the TIF, it also impressed on him the need for Government, in partnership with the industry, to continue to keep a close watch on the arrangements set up to implement the ban and to take rigorous enforcement action wherever necessary. The Minister in turn acknowledged the success of the industry’s efforts in rising to the challenge of the ban.

The work the federation has done on the used tyre issue in recent months is a good example of the speed with which it has moved since it widened its membership last December to establish itself as the truly authoritative voice of the tyre industry in the UK.

Apart from the used tyre issue the TIF has identified a number of key areas for its work programme. These include training, market intelligence, tyre safety and workplace health and safety.

A working group has been formed to map all the training available in the distribution and retail segments of the tyre industry and to address ways of meeting possible gaps. The group includes training and HR professionals from within the industry and representatives from training providers and accreditation companies.

Of major concern to the Federation is the lack of reliable and comprehensive industry statistics. A meeting was held earlier this year to identify the information needs of the industry and explore ways of meeting them, including the possibility of collecting more accurate sell in and sell out data. The discussion has resulted in the formation of a working group, which includes statisticians, analysts and marketing executives across the industry, to address the issues in more detail.

On the important subject of tyre safety the Federation will be working closely with the Tyre Industry Council to develop a programme of action aimed at better delivering tyre safety messages to vehicle users throughout the country.

Federation members are developing individual health and safety action plans for their own sectors within the framework of a wider Health and Safety Strategy for the industry. This strategy was launched at a major conference of senior executives from across the sector convened by the Health and Safety Commission at the NEC in April. The Strategy is being overseen by the Rubber Industry Advisory Committee, which is administered by the Health and Safety Executive.

Commented TIF Chairman, Jim Rickard: “We have seen through our work on the used tyre issue, culminating in the successful meeting with the minister, just what advantages can be realised through a coordinated voice for the whole UK tyre industry. Through the commitment of all the trade associations connected with our sector we have developed the platform to talk with one voice to Government and regulatory authorities and take action for the common good of the industry.”
“Our work programme is already in full swing and we are excited by the prospect of moving forward on a number of fronts to the benefit of the whole of the industry”.