The Chemical Business Association (CBA), the representative voice for the UK’s chemical supply chain, hosted its yearly awards event on 28th November 2024 at Leeds’ Royal Armouries. The event was a grand celebration, honoring the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals from across the chemical supply chain with various accolades being awarded.
Referred to as the ‘Chemmies,’ this prestigious event drew over 350 attendees, including members from CBA-affiliated companies, partners, government officials, and stakeholders from both the UK and international locations.
Throughout the evening, guests were entertained with live magic performances and watched a touching and insightful video about Breathe Arts Health Research (Breathe), the CBA’s chosen charity for 2024. Breathe is renowned for its innovative programs, which span a variety of art forms, tailored to address specific clinical and wellbeing needs. Particularly notable is their work with young individuals affected by hemiplegia, a condition stemming from brain injury that causes weakness or stiffness on one side of the body. Here, the art of magic is uniquely employed as a form of intensive therapy, effectively enhancing communication and confidence skills. Lydia Hayes, Head of Development at Breathe, was present and shared her insights. The event raised close to £4,000 that evening, contributing to a yearly total of more than £29,750 for the charity.
Post-awards, the festivities continued with vibrant live music, encouraging attendees to dance and enjoy the evening.
In his speech, Tim Doggett, CEO of the CBA and a Director of the Trade Association Forum (TAF), expressed: “The CBA stands as a distinguished trade association with global prominence, highlighting the Chemmies’ distinctive emphasis on saluting the exceptional accomplishments within the chemical supply chain.”
“Our member businesses, a mix of SMEs and family operations, are fundamental to the expansive chemical industry—recognized as one of the world’s most pivotal and varied sectors. Their exceptional contributions merit acknowledgment and should be celebrated by the broad community within the chemical supply chain.”
The awards presented on the evening were:
– Responsible Care Award (Logistics Services Member): DSV Air & Sea Ltd
– Highly commended: H W Coates Ltd
– Responsible Care Award (Distributor Member, Office Only): Alfa Chemicals Ltd
– Highly commended: Meade-King, Robinson & Co Ltd
– Responsible Care Award (Distributor Member, with Operational Sites): Tennants Distribution Ltd
– Highly commended: Airedale Group
– Sustainability Award Winner: Grolman Ltd
– Highly commended: DSV Air & Sea Ltd
– Wellbeing Award: DSV Air & Sea Ltd
– Community Engagement Award: Airedale Group
– Highly commended: Tennants Distribution Ltd
– Made a Difference Award: Brian Taylor (Grace Overseas Ltd)
– Highly commended: Jay Barnes (Airedale Group), Lisa McLaren (Brenntag UK & Ireland Ltd), Georgia Llewellyn (Univar Solutions)
– Young Person Award: Erin Scott (Brenntag UK & Ireland Ltd)
– Lifetime Achievement Award: Sarah Taylor (Grace Overseas Ltd)
– Highly commended: Lorraine Burke (DKSH UK), Maria Kelly (Tennants Distribution Ltd)
– Affiliate Member of the Year: Tiro Training Ltd
– Highly commended: Hibiscus Plc
– Logistics Services Member of the Year: Grace Overseas Ltd
– Highly commended: Bowker Group, DSV Air & Sea Ltd
– Distributor/Manufacturer Member of the Year: Nordmann UK Ltd
The 2024 Chemmies were supported by generous sponsors including Hibiscus Plc (Responsible Care Awards), Airedale Group (Sustainability Award), Tiro Training Ltd (Wellbeing Award), and several others who contributed enthusiastically to ensure the event’s success.