The British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA) has had a productive and positive start to 2023. The expected economic downturn, new government contacts, inflationary pressure and increased energy costs have all impacted our members’ businesses in different ways.
During the first quarter, we held successful online webinars on topics such as automation, energy costs, and carbon footprint reduction.
- Our “How to Robot” webinar de-mystified the path companies can take towards automation.
- “Control Energy Costs” educated attendees about the changes to and impacts of the Government’s energy support packages.
- “The Road to Net Zero” provided useful information about how businesses can reduce their carbon footprint.
The association also continued to offer well-attended and respected online training courses, following a record year in 2022. These courses are open to members and non-members alike, and offer an invaluable introduction to the industry.
Looking ahead, the BSSA is gearing up for several new developments, including the “Corrosion Mechanisms in Stainless Steel” course, which has been developed in partnership with R-Tech Materials. This full-day course, which covers the causes, effects, and solutions to corrosion mechanisms in the industry, will take place on April 19th at the NMC in West Bromwich.
You can register for the “Corrosion Mechanisms in Stainless Steel” course here: https://bssa.org.uk/event/corrosion-mechanisms-in-stainless-steels-course/
The BSSA is also working with member companies, including Leviat and Shortt Stainless Ltd in Ireland, to deliver a series of online and face-to-face sessions.

The association’s Stainless Steel in the Food & Beverage Industry seminar, which took place in conjunction with the Nickel Institute and the European Hygienic Engineering Design Group, was a highlight of the first quarter. This event, which covered critical subjects for the food industry, was attended by 30 delegates and was very well-received. The BSSA plans to repeat this event in different locations around the country.

Looking further ahead, the BSSA will be attending the WorldStainless conference in Brussels from May 10th to 12th, bringing together the heads of the world’s major stainless steel enterprises and national and regional associations.
The BSSA’s own Annual Conference and Dinner will take place on May 25th at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham. This event is almost sold out, so attendees are encouraged to register soon.
Register for the 2023 Annual Conference and Dinner here: https://bssa.org.uk/event/bssa-conference-dinner-2023/
Finally, the BSSA will be exhibiting again at the UK Metals Expo in September at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. The inaugural event last year was well-attended, and the association sees this as a fantastic opportunity for members to showcase their businesses. The 2023 event is expected to be even bigger, with more exhibitors already confirmed and more visitors anticipated.
To stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from the BSSA, visit their website: www.bssa.org.uk
You can also follow the BSSA on LinkedIn and connect with Rob Cooper.