Member Annual Report 2023

alfed.org.uk

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 The Voice of the UK Aluminium Industry

01

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

03

REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

04

EVENTS

05

ALUMINIUM AMBASSADORS

08

ALUMINIUM NEWS MAGAZINE

09

ENGAGING MEMBERS

12

2024 EVENTS

14 alfed.org.uk

02

WE FOSTER INNOVATION, PROMOTE BEST PRACTICE AND CHAMPION THE INDUSTRY’S INTERESTS Aluminium is an affordable, highly recyclable material that supports a global circular economy. As the voice of the UK industry, our mission is to expand the market for aluminium products by helping members solve problems, lobby government and boost their competitiveness.

alfed.org.uk

03

INTRODUCTION This report serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience of our members, highlighting the developments and initiatives that have shaped the past year. It provides an overview of the advancements, challenges overcome, and the strides made towards a more robust and sustainable future for the aluminium sector in the UK. By outlining the significant events, reporting and accomplishments of the past year, this report not only celebrates the collective efforts of ALFED members, but also provides insights into what these achievements mean for the future of both the industry and our association. It serves as a reminder of to direct our focus toward fostering innovation, sustainability, and continued growth within the aluminium sector.

I hope you enjoy revisiting everything we have managed to squeeze into this year and look forward to working with you and your teams to deliver again in 2024!

CONTACT: nbloxsome@alfed.org.uk Tel: 0778 688 035 alfed.org.uk

04

REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS At the request of members, ALFED launched two reports examining the impact of the Russia/Ukraine war on the UK aluminium industry. Developed in partnership with CRU International Ltd, the first document explores the short, medium and long-term consequences of government import sanctions, as well as suggesting alternative future options to maintain primary aluminium supply.

With the objective of protecting the UK’s thriving aluminium supply chain, supporting domestic production and minimising the effects of geopolitical issues, the report considers how removing Russian material from imports will directly impact UK businesses, as well as how changing market dynamics will likely hit future export demand.

The opportunities to increase uptake of recycled content and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint are also covered in detail, alongside the wider supply chain issues presented by a weakening global forecast.

The second report offers extensive analysis into themes including post-COVID market recovery, the reasoning behind weakening industrial activity and the continued implications of the Russia/Ukraine war.

Alongside analysing changing market trends, the document breaks down the past four years of extrusion import volume data by month, as well as detailing the rapid rise of imports from ‘Group A’ countries Vs. material from China.

Tom Jones, chief executive officer of ALFED, commented: “Our latest report investigates the changing face of the import market, analysing trends, challenges and opportunities. It’s fair to suggest that this report is a hugely important resource for any business involved in the UK aluminium supply chain and I’d implore industry professionals to take the time to read it in further detail.

Visit the website to download the reports or contact the team for more information.

alfed.org.uk

05

EVENTS

ALFED events are designed to encourage networking between members and the wider industry. Regular calendar events consist of Parliamentary briefings, sector sub-group meetings, strategy days, online webinars and more.

Sector Groups Forum

EnvironmentAl Sustainability Day

UK Metals Expo Meet the Industry

Annual Business Briefing & Dinner

The Aluminium Federation Sector Groups bring together members from across the supply chain, fostering customer and supplier relationships, while encouraging learning from your peers.

Held in London, this one-day event invited members to join ALFED to explore the realities behind the Net Zero Roadmap, while enabling growth and supporting the supply chain.

ALFED hosted a booth at the UK Metals Expo, where the team met with members and shared details of the latest reports and updates from across the industry.

Delegates heard from Govt representatives and leading industry speakers across topics such as CBAM, waste handling and green manufacturing initiatives.

Taking part in panel discussions and inviting members to a dedicated ‘meet the industry’ networking event saw plenty of opportunities to promote aluminium as a material of the future.

The Annual ALFED Business Briefing provides the perfect opportunity to meet with ALFED members and hear from a host of industry representatives, offering new insights on market updates, transformation, innovation, strategy, and sustainability in the current climate.

This event was designed to offer an insight into the Sector Groups and encourage members to share in the discussions.

This year saw speakers delve into the challenges around CBAM.

06

EVENTS

As well as a number of large-scale events, the team also worked with members and knowledge partners to offer dedicated strategy days and workshops.

House of Lords Lunch

Cyber Security Workshop

Tour of the London Metal Exchange

Member Days and Workshops

The purpose of this very important event in ALFED’s calendar is to raise and discuss issues relating to the UK’s Aluminium Sector at the highest level within UK Government.

In prtnership with Coventr yUniversity, members had the opportunity to meet with cyber security specialists providing valuable technical expertise and hands on support.

Due to its popularity, there were two chances for members this year to visit the LME and see the Ring trading in action!

Working with members such as Primetals Technologies and Fronius, ALFED was also able to invite members to join in a Supporting the Circular Economy day to key themes related to the UK aluminium flat-rolled products market and see welding technologies in action at the Fronius facility.

This year, the lunch was hosted by Lord Rupert Redesdale, with more than 40 members in attendance.

There was also the opportunity to take part in a cyber simulation exercise, which saw see participants work together to “manage a cyber incident”.

All guests were given a detailed briefing by the LME team to learn more about the world centre for the trading of industrial metals - the majority of all non-ferrous metal futures business is transacted through its platforms.

A tour of Cranfield University was also offered, as well as

NETWORKING & SOCIAL EVENTS With more members keen to met socially again after restrictions in previous years, this year saw the introduction of the ALFED Spring Networking Activity Day and Dinner and the more formal, black-tie Annual Dinner take place.

Contact the team if you’d like to know more about the opportunities to join in these social and networking opportunities in 2024 - dates to be announced soon!

07

08

AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME

ALU AMBASSADORS OBJECTIVES The Aluminium Ambassador Programme was launched to establish industry role models drawn from member companies to engage directly with students and teachers, inspiring the next generation by showcasing the aluminium industry as an attractive career path.

In partnership with the Bloodhound Education charity and their established programme, Aluminium Ambassadors will be industry role models, trained and equipped to engage directly with students, teachers and parents in education and community settings. This will range from careers talks to hands-on Aluminium related activities, designed to bring the curriculum to life and make the link between the classroom and careers. They will promote positive images of the industry, bring complex and innovative technologies to life, and reach a wider and more diverse audience.

OPPORTUNITY “The ALFED Aluminium Ambassador programme is a great opportunity for the UK aluminium sector to establish industry role models to support education and training for students, parents and teachers, promoting the benefits of a career in a leading sustainable industry and to ensure the future succession of skilled staff.” Tom Jones, ALFED CEO.

BUILDING SKILLS It will provide opportunities for both new and experienced engineers to develop presentation and communication skills, and help apprentices meet the broader knowledge skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship standards.

ENGAGEMENT There is still time to take part and become an Ambassador!

Contact the team to find out more: alfed@alfed.org.uk

alfed.org.uk

09

ALUMINIUM NEWS

500+ Circulation per issue

Aluminium News magazine reaches ALFED Members and the highest level of decision makers and purchasing influencers from across the UK aluminium supply chain.

3 Issues per calendar year

The publication is ideally positioned to promote your products and services to key decision makers and influencers within the aluminium industry in the UK. With three issues planned to be made available in February, May and September, in print, digitally and via social media platforms in 2024, all members will receive a hard copy and electronic version and we will also distribute copies at ALFED events, meetings and industry exhibitions.

45% Readers in Corporate Management

10

TRUSTED BY...

As a member, you become part of an influential community, getting your voice heard.

Whether it is through advertising in the magazine, sponsoring Member events, or supporting initiatives, we’re pleased to share news and regular updates from all members and promote services and offerings across the supply chain.

11

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

Joining ALFED Membership

Supporting a UK Circular Economy Event

The Annual ALFED Dinner

“ALFED membership supports BOAL Extrusion by providing market insights, a network of key industry members and by representing the aluminium industry with government on industry challenges.

"I felt the day was a great success with some really insightful and interesting presentations that generated fascinating discussions on the trajectory and opportunities of the UK aluminium market.

“For us, the ALFED Dinner is an important annual get together.

The first year we attended as a new sales team, two of us got last minute tickets.

After seeing everyone in attendance, we decided to make our team presence a little bit larger and every year we try to increase our presence that little bit more."

ALFED membership will also provide a resource for technical knowledge and delivers excellent training through ALFED Training Academy, ensuring we train, develop and retain our skilled employees. We look forward to joining the network of businesses who process, trade and work with aluminium."

It was also great to catch up with some old friends and make some new ones too as we celebrated the 50th year of our market leading Air Bearing ShapeMeter.”

EMMA SWANN

NICHOLAS SAUNDERS

MARK ALLEN

General Manager BOAL Extrusion UK

Senior Sales Manager Primetals Technologies Ltd

Sales Director Mechatherm

12

ENGAGING MEMBERS

We use social media as an important way of engaging with our members through not only informing them of the benefits, training and networking opportunities they have access to as part of their membership, but also to give them a platform to shout about the projects and events they are getting involved in.

Giving them a unique voice to share their hard work and dedication to creating a positive impact in the UK aluminium industry and the sectors move towards net zero.

LinkedIn

Twitter

Instagram

7,024 FOLLOWERS

4,340 FOLLOWERS

NEW: 139 FOLLOWERS

Custom button clicks 84%

New followers in September: +17

Total followers increased by 25.5%

Post Impressions 24.3%

Total tweet impressions for September: 2,606

in the last 30 days Accounts reached: 217

alfed.org.uk

13

MEMBER DIRECTORY

CONNECTIVITY

USER EXPERIENCE ENHANCED LISTINGS Make your entry stand out!

Please contact the team to find out more about the enhanced listing opportunities.

SPONSORSHIP@ALFED.ORG.UK Tel: 07920 259262

We are excited to introduce the online ALFED Member Directory, which promises to transform the way you present your company to the aluminium industry and engage with other ALFED members.

Coming in early 2024!

CONVENIENCE In response to the ever-evolving needs of our members and stakeholders, the new online ALFED Member Directory offers an enhanced user experience and unprecedented visibility across the diverse categories of our members.

ENGAGEMENT Listings within the ALFED Member Directory are only offered to Members.

It provides comprehensive company listings, product information and key contact details.

alfed.org.uk

14

*

2024 EVENTS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

6th June

November

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY DAY

HEALTH & SAFETY FORUM

One-day event hosted in London to explore aluminium’s key role in the UK’s transition to a more sustainable future and hear from Government Officials.

Back by popular demand, to share information for all things related to Health and Safety and Environment with the aim of improvement and best practice within our sector.

Tabletop Booths Available

Tabletop Booths Available

28th November ANNUAL BUSINESS BRIEFING & DINNER Renowned by ALFED Members as ‘the event of the season’, the black-tie evening dinner follows on from a full day’s programme of industry speakers at the now established ALFED Business Briefing.

Sponsorship is the perfect way to add impact to your attendance across the 2024 ALFED portfolio of member events, increasing your company’s visibility both before, during and after the events to maximise exposure of your brand(s)/business, and to generate higher ROI from member companies in the year ahead.

For full information on our packages and availability at each event please contact our Sponsorship Manager: Philip Bloxsome: 07920 259 262, sponsorship@alfed.org.uk *Dates are subject to change

alfed.org.uk

alfed.org.uk

Contact: 0333 240 9735 alfed@alfed.org.uk www.alfed.org.uk

The Voice of the UK Aluminium Industry