The HSE has recognised that not everyone, and in particular SMEs, were able to attend the four national events it produced on REACH. As a result, it has organised, in collaboration with BusinessLink, a series of nine regional roadshows. No roadshows are currently planned for the South West, however the HSE is in the process of organising a series of breakfast events for this region. The regional events confirmed include:
30 October 2007 Chesterford Research Park, Essex
7 November 2007 Walkers Stadium, Leicester
14 November 2007 The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
23 November 2007 St David’s Hotel, Ewloe, North Wales
27 November 2007 The Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough
3 December 2007 Radisson SAS Hotel Glasgow
5 December 2007 KC Stadium, Hull
11 December 2007 Marriott Hotel, Manchester Airport
16 January 2008 Sofitel Hotel, Gatwick Airport
What's on offer?
Like the national conferences the roadshows are aimed primarily at those in UK business who have little knowledge of REACH. The events have been produced to allow delegates a choice of presentation sessions, which are provided at the beginning and end of the working day. Staff are on hand during the rest of the day to provide a drop in clinic, which might be of interest to those with more knowledge of REACH.
Why attend?
Although REACH might be thought of as impacting only upon the chemicals industry, the regulation has implications for manufacturers and importers as well as downstream users of substances. It should therefore be an issue of major importance for EEF members. These events provided an excellent opportunity to engage directly with the UK’s competent authority (the HSE) on REACH.