We are all faced with the daily challenges of making sure that we deliver the best results for our companies, teams, customers, communities and for ourselves. In my last column, I reflected on competence and its importance for delivering an efficient, safe and healthy industry.
As we all settle back into work after the seasonal break, many of us will be re-evaluating our professional lives and setting new goals for the year ahead. What that looks like will vary widely, but I’m sure that we all set out with the best intentions.
What a year 2019 finally turned out to be; a changing of the prime ministerial guard, a snap election and whichever way we may feel about it individually, hopefully, a resolution to the impasse of Brexit. Now with the election firmly behind us, we can finally enter 2020 with greater certainty about where the industry is heading.
In my last column, I outlined a number of the approaches and activities to drive innovation that the industry and IQ have undertaken over the years. Rapid advances in technology, and its application to what we do, means we are now facing unprecedented changes in the way we work.
The start of a new year is traditionally a time for looking forward. A time filled with hope, excitement and positivity. A time when we look for new possibilities and fresh opportunities. This year, as we look forward at what these might mean for our industry, I would like us to reaffirm our primary desire that we as individuals and all of our colleagues are able to arrive home at the end of every shift safely.
As 2018 draws to a close, it’s clear it has been another eventful year for the industry and the Institute. As 2019 dawns, our sector and the country as a whole can expect some uncertainty. One thing we do know for certain is that mineral extractives will continue to be critical for the long term sustainability of the country, underpinning the growth and prosperity of our economy.
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This month sees another landmark occasion for our community. Firm favourite Quarry Management (QM) - The Quarry Managers' Journal (QMJ) as it was formerly known - is celebrating its own centenary, hot on the heels of IQ’s celebrations last year. It is a timely reminder of how close the ties between our two organizations are and how important this industry institution has been for members from the very earliest days of IQ.
It is a great pleasure to be writing my first column as President of the Institute. I would like to thank Miles for his commitment to the Institute over many years and in particular the last two years as President. He has fulfilled the role with great energy and passion for our work which I intend to continue and build on.
We all know that health, safety and well-being are the top priority for our industry and those working within it. What we know also is that 2017 represented the worst year for fatalities in five years.
For all those who joined us at this year’s Centenary Conference at The Belfry, it was an extra-special occasion marking 100 years of the Institute of Quarrying. Conference itself provided much food for thought about the softer issues affecting our industry – from men’s health to sustainability. Later in the day, our Centenary Dinner delivered a fantastic evening of achievement awards, inspirational guest speakers, fine dining and great company.