Page 9 - CSA INDEX - Autumn WInter 2021

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 31st AGM was held at the Tower Bridge Hotel, St. Kathrine’s Walk, London E1 before the Gala Awards evening. It was
attended by many of our members and we appreciate those who attended and travelled from far afield to be with us and support us.
Mark Todd opened the meeting and announced that the official hand-over of Chairman to Neil Burdess will take place at this meeting.

MT reported Covid and the impending withdrawal agreement or lack thereof due to Brexit has meant that they have been tumultuous
to say the least. However, the Association continues to support its members, given our foundation of hard work and sheer effort of the
past 31 years and this year has been one where support has been paramount.
We have continued to grow and increase our membership both individual and corporate. A hearty thanks must be given to Julie, Jo,
and Tracey without whose sterling support, we would no doubt have faltered. Alan Cram, the Treasurer and every member of our
committees and the sub-committees must also receive praise for their tireless work. Sincerely thanks to all.
As the annual CSA Awards Gala Dinner and Ceremony were sadly cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, protecting our people was of the
utmost importance to the association and something we will never compromise on, however, non-face to face meetings carried on
over Zoom and Skype etc. As we faced challenging times, maintaining personal relationships in the industry was critical to our mental
wellbeing. We are pleased that this event is happening this year, I think we all need a great night out!
When considering the coming year, it is incredibly difficult to predict the effects of the political decisions made prior and how we will
tackle them. I would love to be able to say that there is a firm plan for the next twelve months but that simply is not the case. The
Japanese have an analogy of being like the bamboo cane as it grows; epitomising strength and flexibility, and this is entirely how I see
the industry having to be from now on. Manufacture, supply, staff, and projects in general will have to adopt a flexibility previously
unseen in business as a whole due to the legal ramifications of Brexit and the social effects of Covid.
The CSA will continue to support the membership with facing these challenges as they arise and I have no doubt that the members will
do the same for each other. Collaboration and cooperation have never been more necessary than now and I know that I have fostered
this kind of energy both inside and outside of the association and that my peers shall do the same.
Communication is, as ever, key to constructive continuation and I encourage and invite all to keep open channels of communication in
all aspects of their business. Take care of the mental and physical health and wellbeing of yourselves and your colleagues, and know
that the CSA's door is open to all for resources in the success and survival of every member and their company. With an attitude open
to going with the flow, adapting and overcoming, and maintaining strength and flexibility, 2021 can be fine year for all.
Each Sub-Committee Chairman went on to report progress and
future key objectives of their individual Committee.

Neil Burdess reported the key objectives for 2021/2022 to be;

• Continued growth of GCC Chapters.
• Continue to market and promote Commissioning
Management Training course to include online course.

• Continue to develop the Grade 7 Commissioning Management
course.

• Develop online functions such as G4 exam, payments,
downloadable content etc.

Full minutes of the meeting are available from the CSA office.