31 March 2005

First Woman QPA Chairman Looking to Strengthen Voice of Quarrying Industry

The Quarry Products Association has appointed Lynda Thompson as its new Chairman; she will replace the departing Lord Sutherland of Houndwood who, after two years in the post, is standing down to devote more time to his overseas commitments. Mrs Thompson's appointment is unique for the Association, as she is both the first woman to take the post (one of the few in such a position across British industry), and the first private company owner from within the membership to hold the office. She took up the post on 31 March (today).

Mrs Thompson represents the many private - and generally smaller - member companies in the Association. She is Managing Director of Colchester-based firm Bucbricks, which produces silica sand and construction aggregates. Before the QPA was formed, Lynda had been both Chairman of the Essex Sand and Gravel Association (SAGA) and President of the Silica and Moulding Sands Association (SAMSA).

The new chairman will be working closely with the QPA team as they make the industry's case on a series of tough issues, not least arising from the tide of European legislation that is being translated into UK law. Mrs Thompson sees an important part of her role as engaging and motivating both individual members and the QPA regions to produce a strengthened voice for the UK industry.

Mrs Thompson commented: "I am honoured to be taking up this position and, along with the membership, wish to thank the departing Lord Sutherland for his valuable leadership during his two-and-a-half year tenure.

As I begin my role as Chairman, I'm keen that we involve the broader membership more effectively and take their input into account when we are formulating the strategies that drive our approach to big issues. I believe that this industry is over-legislated, over-taxed and is too often punished when it should be commended for its role in society and its approach to the environment. By bringing the association closer together we can create a meaningful challenge to these industry burdens and deliver a stronger case for its vital work."

ENDS

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