President's Blog: Progress, Partnership and Global Leadership

With the Hillhead show taking place next month, it’s a reminder that we have nearly reached the halfway stage of 2026. Whilst again it feels as though the current global uncertainty is impacting the economy and our sector, it also reminds us of the value our members can deliver in supporting efficient and effective businesses through these tough periods.

In my first column of the year I set out our ambition as a Board for the Institute for 2026, with a strong focus on developing our membership support and services, through our technology, and building capacity in our team. Following recent Council and Board meetings, I am pleased to say we are making progress.

By the time this column reaches you, our new Membership Manager will be in place and will be starting their induction with the Institute. A major part of that will be to engage with Branches and members to understand what your needs are and how we can support your development as professionals. The Membership Manager and our team will be attending Hillhead, so it will be a great opportunity to come and meet them and learn some of the plans we have moving forward.

Alongside the new role, we have been developing new materials and collateral to support members, and this will continue as we look to increase the value of the Institute in a fast-changing world. I am particularly pleased we continue to support the important work of the Branches; the recent IQ Scotland Branch CPD day again demonstrates the value we bring to the industry.

In some cases, the progress is not always so obvious, but I am pleased to report that behind the scenes the team are working on developing new systems that will improve member access to services and allow us to grow our membership, both in the UK and other parts of the world.

This forms part of our wider strategy to support and deliver services in new areas, such as the UAE. Whilst in the short term there may be uncertainty, we can be clear that the development of a new IQ hub supporting the industry and professionals in the region has a sustainable future.

Having just returned from the IQ International Presidents meeting and conference in South Africa, it is clear that our global network looks to the UK for leadership in quarry management educational materials, best practice guidance and NOS standards - which have become the benchmark internationally. The efficient use of resources and energy, underpinned by rigorous health and safety protocols, continues to be a hallmark of our approach.

In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for us as an Institute to stay focused on supporting our members; ensuring our members can adapt swiftly to change and upholding these standards that have given the IQ UK its reputation.