UKQAA appoints new director
Dr Nigel Cooke to replace Dr Robert Carroll as UK Quality Ash Association director at end of July
THE UK Quality Ash Association (UKQAA), the country’s leading authority on the use of quality ash in construction and engineering applications, has announced that Dr Nigel Cooke will replace Dr Robert Carroll as the Association’s director from the end of this month.
Dr Carroll has led the UKQAA since 2012 and has helped to shape the Association’s strategy, overseeing the expansion of membership to include overseas ash producers and suppliers.
During his directorship, he has also been vital in developing sources of ash supply following the continued closure of coal-fired power stations in the UK, including supporting the growth of importation and ash recovery.
Dr Cooke, who will assume his responsibilities at the end of July, has more than 30 years’ experience of working within the building materials sector, including time spent at Blue Circle Industries and Lafarge.
He brings with him considerable global experience, including involvement in a number of cementitious initiatives across Europe, Russia, south-east Asia and Japan.
During his time with Blue Circle/Lafarge in the UK, he was responsible for setting up ash-beneficiation projects and logistics facilities with ScottishPower, EDF Energy, RWE nPower and Drax Power.
The UKQAA says this knowledge will be fundamental to the continued growth of both ash recovery and importation from new markets to meet UK demand for high-quality ash.
Ivan Skidmore, chair of the UKQAA, said: ‘Rob has been a great asset to the UKQAA and a superb champion for the use of quality ash across the UK.
‘During his time with the association, we’ve seen change sweep the industry as ash availability has moved away from the big coal stations and towards stockpile recovery and importation.
‘Rob has helped steer the UKQAA members through this ongoing transition, providing technical and logistical guidance throughout, so we’re hugely grateful for his time at the helm.
‘While we’re sorry to see Rob leave, we’re delighted to welcome Nigel to the UKQAA. His commercial experience as well as his knowledge of global projects and supply chains will be vital as the market continues to adapt.
‘Nigel’s insight and knowledge will not only allow us to continue to advocate the use of this important resource, but continue to explore new opportunities to use and source quality ash.’
Dr Cooke said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining the UKQAA and continuing the work of the Association. There are some big challenges ahead such as securing the supply chain for fly ash and adapting to changing environmental legislation.
‘Based on my initial meetings with members of the Association, I am, however, very much encouraged by the innovative approaches being taken with regards to maximizing existing resources as well as identifying potential import opportunities.
‘As a consequence of such activities, I am confident that fly ash will continue to play an important role within the UK construction sector for many years to come.’
