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Welding World Ltd on behalf of the Association of Welding Distribution Adrian Hawkins OBE Managing Director Telephone: 01462 482200 07793 220800 E-mail: adrian@welding-world.com Dave P. Ellwood Director & Company Secretary Telephone: 01252 333661 07860 258309 E-mail: dave@welding-world.com Lee Darton Finance Director Telephone: 01462 482200 07734 857044 E-mail: lee@welding-world.com
Gavin Pearson, 5 Parsons Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1JJ. + 44 (0)1952 290 036 + 44 (0)1952 290 037 secretariat@awd.org.uk www.awd.org.uk Editor: Darren Isted editor@welding-world.com Design: David Walters Published on behalf of Welding World by: Tel: 07539 782979 Email: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com www.hashtagdigitalmedia.co.uk While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the AWD, the editor and the publisher, Hashtag Digital Media, cannot accept liability for any statement or error, or for any claims made by the advertisers, contained herein ©Welding World 2020. They cannot be held responsible for the failure to use, or for the poor depiction of use of environmental, personal or other equipment, such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment in photographs received from editorial contributors or advertisers. Best practice in the use of the correct and appropriate equipment is advocated and strongly recommended by the AWD. Hashtag Digital Media ensures that the paper used for printing this publication has been sourced from sustainably managed forests.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE What on earth can I say in these dreadful times, my heart goes out to everyone right now no matter what your circumstance. But you know what they say, sorrow won’t pay the bills so we pick ourselves up, brush ourselves down and push on. Here at Westermans, 2021 has greeted us with new challenges, including but not limited to: Brexit, Covid-19, and once again a significant lack of toilet roll. Rations are back but now with products and components and not just food. So, my key message for survival is to stock up on what you can, especially your best sellers to get you through the first quarter until the world economy and customs gets itself back on an even keel. During times of hardship such as these it is easy to forget to spread some of the good news, and we have an abundance of it in the UK right now, here’s just a few. BAE systems have just been awarded a colossal £2.4bn munitions contract which is going to help to create 4,000 jobs around the country. Stockport based defence supplier WFEL have won a contract worth £2.3bn to manufacture artillery vehicles for British defence. Brexit waters are calming and we are successfully navigating ourselves through the storm to bring more business to our own shores after a long and uncertain road. On that note if anyone has set up a satellite office or has any tips for simple trade with Ireland, I would really appreciate a call. Like-wise if there is any advice you require, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone, our team here at Westermans are always happy to help, and now more than ever we must help one another. And finally, my wife and I have both had the vaccine and can now look forward to time spent with a home full of family, including the addition of 3 beautiful great grand-children. Spring is finally on the horizon, those of you who know me well will know I have my bulbs and plants ordered (stuck obviously at customs) and the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched back on. Be patient, be kind, but most of all be positive to those around you as it rubs off you know. I hope you had a lovely January and anything else you need please don’t hesitate to let me know! PETER WESTERMAN President AWD