NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS THE 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITALISATION INWARD PROCESSING AND ITS IMPACT POST BREXIT WHAT IS THE ADVANCED MACHINERY AND PRODUCTIVITY INSTITUTE? AUTUMN 2021CONTENTS Page 2 – Editor’s Note Page 3 – Meet our Newsletter Contributors Page 4 – News Page 9 – 12 Month Extension to Implement UKCA Product Safety Marking - Update Page 14 – Inward Processing (HMRC Brief 15) and its Impact on the Metrology and Testing Industry Post Brexit by Jeff Llewellyn, President of the BMTA Page 20 – UKAS and the Fourth Industrial Revolution by Hugh Taylor, External Affairs Consultant, UKAS Page 22 – An Introduction to Digitalisation by Daniel Povey, Higher Research Scientist, NPL Page 26 – A Blended Approach to Auditing by Wayne Terry, Chief Executive, ABCB Page 28 – The Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI) by Andy Morris, Operations Manager, NPL North of England Gareth Edwards, AMPI Programme Director, NPL Tony Bannan, CEO PTG Holroyd, President of AMPI Page 32 – A4I Keeps Supporting UK Businesses: Water Management and Wound Treatment Case Studies by Ana Sousa, Marketing and Communications Executive, LGC Page 34 – BMTA Council Member Profile - Dr Gavin Davies Page 37 – Member Notices Welcome to the Autumn issue of the BMTA Newsletter Our theme this issue is the 4th Industrial Revolution. We have a feature article from Hugh Taylor at UKAS on what the Revolution is and how it is impacting UKAS activities. Daniel Povey at NPL also discusses digitalisation and the development and implementation of digital solutions. We also look at AMPI - the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute, written by Andy Morris of NPL, Gareth Edwards, NPL’s AMPI Programme Director and Tony Bannan, President of AMPI. Jeff Llewellyn, President of the BMTA, takes a look at Inward Processing and its impact on the metrology and testing industry post-Brexit. In this article we also publish the letters that have gone back and forth to Government officials regarding this issue. Wayne Terry, Chief Executive of ABCB, explores the lessons learned from remote auditing during the lockdown and looks at the growing evidence of support for a blended approach to auditing in what he believes will inevitably be the new normal for CABs. Our BMTA Council Member profile this issue is on Dr Gavin Davies. Find out what being a Council member means to him. Our theme for the Winter 2021/22 issue is: Sustainability To help us provide our BMTA members with useful information we would like your help to: • identify and share relevant topics; • provide research on new technologies or techniques; • let us know industry news; • promote events and training sessions; • inform us of publications you think may be of interest to your fellow BMTA members. If you would like to contribute to the next issue of the BMTA Newsletter please contact editor@bmta.co.uk with a brief synopsis. Please note the editorial deadline of 7th January 2022. Equally, should your business produce any information, white papers or interviews that you would like to share, please submit these to enquiries@bmta.co.uk. To subscribe visit: www.bmta.co.uk. EDITOR’S NOTE bmta.co.uk 2MEET OUR NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS bmta.co.uk Dr Jeff Llewellyn President BMTA Daniel Povey Higher Research Scientist NPL Ana Sousa Marketing and Communications Executive LGC Wayne Terry Chief Executive ABCB Hugh Taylor External Affairs Consultant UKAS A Chemist by profession, graduating from Swansea, Jeff obtained his PhD in Carbohydrate Chemistry in 1972. After two years post- doctoral research, he joined the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (now LGC) in 1973 where he worked for 10 years in food and environmental analysis. Jeff moved to the Department of the Environment with responsibility for Indoor Air Quality and Asbestos in Buildings, later joining the Building Research Establishment (now BRE Ltd) where he managed the Organic Materials Division and later the Centre for Environment and Health. He became Chief Executive of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML - now the National Measurement Office, NMO) in 2002, then an Executive Agency of DTI. He remained there until he retired from the Civil Service in August 2007. Daniel is a Higher Research Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory, working primarily on the measurement challenges associated with digitalisation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Part of this involves collaborating with Industry to evaluate the potential of IIoT solutions within applied manufacturing processes and testing Standards: determining the suitability of sensor systems used to monitor operating parameters and conditions - and using this data to inform decisions. Ana has four years of experience in science communication, a BSc in Applied Biology from the University of Minho and an MSc in Science Communication from NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Ana joined LGC in 2020 and has been responsible for the delivery of marketing and communication activities for the NML - National Measurement Laboratory, working closely with different teams within the NML and wider LGC. Wayne Terry is the Chief Executive of ABCB (Association of British Certification Bodies) having worked within the UK Conformity Infrastructure for over 20 years. Wayne represents the views of ABCB members in both the UK and internationally, working on various industry committees including UK standards development and maintenance, Government, UKAS and IAF committees, and represents EFAC at EA. Hugh has 40 years of experience in the testing, certification, accreditation and standards field, spanning sectors such as construction, environment, forensics, healthcare, engineering and consumer products. Hugh has worked for several TIC companies including BSI, Synlab, SGS, LGC and BM TRADA Certification, together with other organisations such as HSE, Environment Agency and Defra. He joined UKAS as External Affairs Director in 2019 and more recently has worked for them as an External Affairs Consultant. 3 Dr Tony Bannan, OBE Group Chief Executive Officer Precision Technologies Group (PTG) Ltd Tony is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer (Fellow of IMechE) and internationally experienced technical, operations and managing director. Beginning his career as an apprentice instrument maker in 1980 in the UK’s Ministry of Defence, Tony is one of the founders of Advanced Machinery & Productivity Institute and is currently serving as its Honorary President. Gareth Edwards B.Eng, M.Res, C.Eng Programme Director AMPI SIPF NPL Gareth leads the development and delivery of the UKRI Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) innovation programme of the Advanced Machinery & Productivity Institute (AMPI). He is delighted to be engaged with so many positive partners across the North of England, and beyond, who are striving to create impact in the UK machinery and engineering sector. Andy Morris MBE, BSc(Open), FInstMC Operations Manager NPL Andy is the Operations Lead at NPL’s Huddersfield based laboratories with an emphasis on supporting SME Manufacturers. He manages the NPL Manufacturer Measurement Network (MMN) which provides Knowledge Transfer and Networking to UK businesses. Leading the Innovation for Machinery (I4M) programme within the UKRI Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) innovation programme of the Advanced Machinery & Productivity Institute (AMPI).4 NEWS bmta.co.uk Critical issues on the agenda discussed how to determine the borderline between moderating harmful or illegal content online and censoring freedom of expression as well as who should decide if a specific content is harmful or illegal and be responsible for acting against it. The seminar also addressed the implications of the use of artificial intelligence for human rights, in particular the risk of discrimination, and the challenges of combating cybercrime with the appropriate rule of law safeguards. The event, co-organised by the Council of Europe - with particular involvement of the European Court of Human Rights - the René Cassin Foundation and the Strasbourg general consulates of Japan and the USA marks the 25th anniversary of the observer status of both states to the Council of Europe. Opening speakers at the event included Robert Spano, President of the European Court of Human Rights, Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ambassador Takeshi Akamatsu, Permanent Observer of Japan to the Council of Europe, Darragh Paradiso, Consul General and Deputy Permanent Observer of the USA to the Council of Europe, and Emmanuel Decaux, President of the René Cassin Foundation (International Institute of Human Rights). TACKLING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE DIGITAL SPHERE: INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON CHALLENGES OF CONTENT MODERATION, AI AND ACTION AGAINST CYBERCRIME An international seminar held on 18 October on the theme of “Human Rights in the Digital Sphere” brought together experts from different legal systems and jurisdictions, judges of the European Court of Human Rights and governmental representatives from Europe and beyond to examine the impact of digital transformation on human rights. MEASUREMENT FOR RECOVERY (M4R) NPL and National Measurement Laboratory partners are supporting economic growth and helping UK companies to build back better. The Measurement for Recovery (M4R) programme provides up to 20 days of specialist science and engineering expertise to solve businesses’ measurement challenges at no charge. Through Measurement for Recovery (M4R), NPL helps companies to address challenges facing their business, including design, manufacturing, production and processing, regulatory compliance and product development. NPL is supporting innovation by helping companies to bring new products to market and reduce costs, which will deliver the confidence required for investment. • Enabling innovation • M4R has already delivered support to more than 400 UK companies, who have benefited from: • Specialist measurement advice and support • Access to world-class laboratory facilities • Direct contact with science and engineering technical specialists • A new approach to solving measurement and analysis problems Applying to M4R is simple. Applications are assessed through a non-competitive process and the single online application form takes just minutes to complete. https://www.npl.co.uk/measurement-for-recovery/form MEMBERSHIP If you are reading this newsletter and are interested in finding out more about becoming a member of the BMTA, please email enquiries@bmta.co.uk, requesting a membership application pack. Membership of the Association is open to all organisations in the measurement, testing and calibration industry. We encourage senior people in organisations to become individual members, and organisations to become corporate members.5 NEWS bmta.co.uk UK KICKSTARTS PREPARATION FOR TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has begun preparations for a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), launching a 14-week consultation calling for the public and businesses to share their views ahead of negotiations starting in 2022. The GCC is already an important trading partner, with almost £22 billion of UK exports and bilateral trade worth over £30 billion in 2020. An advanced trade deal would take our relationship to the next level in industries of the future such as digital trade, services and green growth - delivering higher- paying jobs across the country. British business could seize new opportunities in areas such as renewable energy and play a key role in helping a region that wants to move away from a reliance on oil. Financial and digital services companies, along with education and healthcare providers could also strengthen their position in a region that holds UK expertise in high regard. Over £597 million of British food and drink exports headed to GCC countries last year, including lamb, biscuits and chocolate. Farmers and food producers could now benefit hugely from better market access to a region that imports virtually all its food and has a high demand for top-quality British produce. The UK is already a top destination for investment from GCC members and a trade agreement is expected to attract even more into world-leading UK industries such as renewable energy, infrastructure, tech and life sciences. Trevelyan is to hold a bilateral meeting in London with GCC Secretary-General H E Dr Nayef Falah M Al-Hajraf and members of the Bahrain Government, who hold the current rotating presidency of the GCC, to mark the beginning of the consultation. Concluding in January 2022, it includes a questionnaire that will gather information from participants about their experiences and priorities when doing business with the countries in the GCC to ensure any deal reflects the country’s best interests. Trevelyan said: “A trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is a huge opportunity to liberalise trade with a growing market for British business and deepen ties with a region that is vital to our strategic interests. “We want a modern, comprehensive agreement that breaks down trade barriers to a huge food and drink market and in areas like digital trade and renewable energy which will deliver well-paid jobs in all parts of the UK.” International Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena said: “The nations forming the Gulf Cooperation Council are, together, one of our biggest trading and investment partners and are home to over 50 million people. From exports of Welsh lamb and Scotch beef to biscuits from Belfast and financial services from the City of London, I am determined to strike a deal that will further cement our relationships, attract investment, promote trade opportunities and provide significant benefits for British business, creating jobs in communities across the country.” Paul Benton, Managing Director, International, Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), said: “As the economies of the region have matured and diversified in recent years, we have seen significant demand for proven UK HealthTech, and enhanced trade opportunities with the region will only boost this further. We look forward to engaging with the consultation, with the aim of supporting UK innovators to build lasting relationships with the GCC members, so that world-class HealthTech can reach more patients.” Contribute to our next newsletter We encourage our readers to send in thought leadership articles and opinion pieces on a wide range of technical, operational and commercial issues impacting any aspect of the UK measurement and testing industry. To provide the best possible coverage for you within the newsletter we ask that alongside the article you provide a 50-100 word synopsis which we can use to highlight the article before publication via news feeds and the BMTA website. Feature articles are usually between a half A4 page and two A4 pages of text in length. In addition to this we would ask that you provide supporting images, at print ready resolution, together with a photo and short biography of the author. If you would like to contribute, please email Laura Vallis at editor@bmta.co.uk6 NEWS bmta.co.uk Businesses across the country who are considering exporting for the first time are being encouraged to join the ambitious, new week-long event to get the advice they need to take the plunge. The event will take place from 15th – 19th November across the UK, aiming to encourage UK businesses to export and sell to the world, and showcase the long-term support that is available to help them do so. Figures show that businesses that export are more productive and pay their staff more. But only one in ten British businesses currently export, with DIT Ministers keen to boost this figure through a broad package of tailored support. Minster for Exports, Mike Freer MP, said: “We want to help more businesses across the UK start exporting so they can seize the wins on offer in the world’s fastest-growing markets. I’m delighted to announce DIT’s first International Trade Week. Exporting is crucial to the government’s plans to level up and build back better, and this week of events is a great opportunity for businesses to get involved, share advice and learn from the experts.” Andy Burwell, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) International Director, said: “There has never been a more important time to talk trade, for businesses to embrace it and for all to realise the prizes exporting brings - increased revenue, jobs, innovation and productivity. The International Trade Week must be a launchpad to get our nation exporting. It will require a renewed partnership between business and government, not just at a national level but at a local level as well. Government ambition, the practical tools, information and advice, matched with business action is the recipe for success.” Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “When the BCC was set up in the 19th Century its aim was to help businesses grow by trading internationally, and that hasn’t changed. More than 60% of Chamber members export overseas compared to just 10% of all businesses UK-wide. We agree wholeheartedly with the government that to turn the UK into the global economic powerhouse it deserves to be, then we need to get our businesses exporting. “Taking that first step may seem daunting but the BCC, and its network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce in the UK and British International Chambers across the world, are here to help you. Once you open the door to international trade the possibilities for expansion are endless.” Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Head of International Affairs James Sibley said: “Small businesses are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to grow and thrive, and for many of them exporting is the way forward. Currently more than 25% of FSB members export, and this has the potential to grow further with the right support in place. “Small firms are the backbone of our economy, and as we sign new trade deals around the world, it’s vital that these businesses have the support and information they need to become successful small exporters as part of the government’s global Britain and levelling up ambitions. “We look forward to engaging with Government to unlock the vast export potential of the UK’s SME community.” DIT is committed to helping UK businesses seize international trade opportunities. Exports are central to the government’s ambition to level up every part of the UK and help businesses build back better; government-commissioned research estimated that exports supported 6.5 million jobs across the UK in 2016, 74% of which were outside London. International Trade Week will launch on the 15th November, and businesses can sign up HERE for virtual/physical events in their local area. INTERNATIONAL TRADE WEEK LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT NEW EXPORTERS The Department for International Trade (DIT) has announced the first International Trade Week. It will include business and sector-led activities, showcasing events and workshops available to businesses of all sizes, all sectors and across the UK hosted by expert trade advisors, Parliamentarians and Ministers.7 NEWS bmta.co.uk The ground-breaking deal was agreed in a video call on 20th October between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, after 16 months of talks by Department for International Trade negotiators. UK-New Zealand trade was worth £2.3 billion last year and is set to grow under the deal. The deal will remove barriers to trade and deepen access for our advanced tech and services companies, while making it easier for smaller businesses to break into the New Zealand market. Tariffs as high as 10% will be removed on a huge range of UK goods, from clothing and footwear to buses, ships, bulldozers and excavators, giving British exporters an advantage over international rivals in the New Zealand import market - a market which is expected to grow by around 30% by 2030. High- quality New Zealand products loved by British consumers, from Sauvignon Blanc wine to Manuka honey and kiwi fruits, will be cheaper to buy. UK workers will benefit from improved business travel arrangements and professionals such as lawyers and architects will be able to work in New Zealand more easily, allowing UK companies to set up shop and bring the best British talent with them. Both sides have also committed to a mobility dialogue outside the trade agreement that will consider how people-to-people links can be deepened further. The New Zealand trade deal follows advanced free trade agreements already struck with Australia and Japan and helps pave the way for UK to join Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free trade area of 11 Pacific nations with a GDP of £8.4 trillion in 2020. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This is great trade deal for the United Kingdom, cementing our long friendship with New Zealand and furthering our ties with the Indo-Pacific. It will benefit businesses and consumers across the country, cutting costs for exporters and opening up access for our workers. This is a fantastic week for Global Britain. On Tuesday we raised almost £10 billion in investment for the industries of the future, and this new deal will help drive green growth here and on the other side of the world in New Zealand.” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “The United Kingdom and New Zealand are great friends and close partners. The historical connections that bind us run deep This world- leading free trade agreement lays the foundations for even stronger connections as both countries embark on a new phase in our relationship. It is good for our economies, our businesses and our people.” The deal will provide benefits for people and businesses across the UK: • Edinburgh’s financial and insurance services companies will benefit from greater access to New Zealand’s market and easier digital trade and business travel. • Welsh auto companies that exported £3.4 milion of road vehicles to New Zealand last year will now benefit from the removal of tariffs of up to 10%, while manufacturing companies like Zip-Clip and K-form will also see the removal of tariffs of up to 5% on metal goods and construction products. • Northern Ireland’s Wrightbus, from Ballymena, will benefit from the removal of a 5% tariff on buses, helping to boost £2.4 million of road vehicle exports to New Zealand last year. Textile producers, such as Ulster Weavers, who exported £1.5 million to New Zealand last year, will also benefit from the removal of tariffs of up to 10%. UK AGREES HISTORIC TRADE DEAL WITH NEW ZEALAND A comprehensive trade agreement with New Zealand will cut red tape for businesses, end tariffs on UK exports and create new opportunities for tech and services companies, while making it easier for UK professionals to live and work in New Zealand. 8 NEWS bmta.co.uk In light of a close and fruitful cooperation, EUROLAB and Eurachem signed their Memorandum of Understanding on 19 October, via an online meeting. EUROLAB and Eurachem will work closely together in identifying key activities to further develop, undertake collaborative tasks, as well as exchange expertise on topics of common interest. The regular communication between the Chairs and Secretariats will enable coordination and joint positions on policy matters of interest to the European laboratory community and its customers, such as the European Commission R&D programmes, pre-standardisation activities, standards for laboratories and accreditation practices. Eurachem and EUROLAB will work together in the organisation of joint events, contributing to the joint work in working groups of mutual interest (e.g. on development of guidelines) and assist each other in finding suitable experts for dealing with specific tasks, such as sampling and decision rules. Both organisations will encourage liaison at the national level between their respective national members, in order to facilitate and improve benefits and exchange of data between the “members’ members”. Last but not least the communication between the organisations will be enhanced through a close collaboration between the two secretariats in the creation and exchange of publications, briefings and other communications materials that are relevant for the membership. Find more information at: https://www.eurolab.org/newsarticles/EUROLAB-and-Eurachem-sign- MoU-to-enhance-cooperation-on-key-topics-of-relevance-for-the-laboratory-community MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING EUROLAB and Eurachem have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation on key topics of relevance for the laboratory community.12 MONTH EXTENSION TO IMPLEMENT UKCA PRODUCT SAFETY MARKING – UPDATE 9 bmta.co.uk The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021 with a requirement for all sectors (apart from medical devices which has until 30 June 2023), to display the new UKCA marking from 1 January 2022. However, recognising the impact of the pandemic on businesses, the deadline for implementation has been extended for a further 12 months. This means that recognition of the CE mark will end on 31 December 2022 and businesses must take action to ensure they are ready to apply UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) marking by the final deadline. This applies to all goods where businesses were due to begin using the UKCA marking by the end of this year (2021). With the 12 month extension in place, manufacturers and importers can continue to apply to EU Notified Bodies for EU Certificates of Conformity allowing them to use the CE mark in the UK until 31 December 2022. The BMTA recognises the benefit this extension provides manufacturers and importers. However, it remains concerned this is eroding the UK Conformity Assessment market, with some former UK Notified Bodies having already ceased their UK based operations as they have lost business. Some of them have closed down altogether, while others have migrated operations to the EU to retain their status as EU Notified Bodies, in order to take advantage of what they see as better business opportunities. This has led to a net reduction in UK coverage, capacity and capability for Conformity Assessment. The BMTA remains concerned about the timing of the introduction of the UKCA mark and the lack of detailed supporting guidance. The BMTA also notes concern at the introduction of Easements which recognise tests carried out by EU Notified Bodies as having UKCA equivalence. This is in direct contradiction to the objectives of the legislation. While we recognise that it is expedient to adopt this approach, it again mitigates against UK Approved Bodies (ABs) extending or expanding their capability to deliver this service in the UK. The BMTA believes that ABs need clarity on what the regulatory requirements for UKCA marking are, as well as clarity on the timing of their introduction. This lack of clarity has failed to encourage UK ABs to come forward and develop their capabilities and capacities. The following pages contain redacted copies of letters that have been sent and received on behalf of the BMTA regarding the issues relating to the UKCA mark extension. Please note that redactions are used to protect the privacy of those concerned. The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) mark is a new UK product safety marking used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking, known as ‘new approach’ regulated goods. If you are engaged in conformity assessment please contact us at: enquiries@bmta.co.uk. We continue to be interested in supporting the TIC industry in addressing the present challenges being faced in this area.Next >