The Chemical Business Association (CBA) recently held its famous Annual Lunch, where it also launched its centennial year celebrations in style, along with its member companies, special guests, and dignitaries from around the world. The event, affectionately known as “Floggers Lunch” and a highlight on the chemical supply chain calendar, took place at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 26 April 2023.
To mark this momentous milestone, the multi award-winning Association received a letter from King Charles III who sent his “best wishes…for a memorable and enjoyable ‘Floggers Lunch’” to the more than 1,100professionals from its member and affiliate member companies and their guests, who collectively are the main chemical industry interface providing products and services to virtually every sector.
Attendees also included invited guests from key global CBA partners, including Trade Associations and Government representatives. Hosted by outgoing CBA Chair Kate Mingay and sponsored by Grace Overseas, they joined a VIP drinks reception also attended by special guest speaker, Katherine Ryan and charity representative Andy Airey who engaged with attendees and learned about the broad scope of the UK chemical supply chain.
The King’s letter, delightfully received by CBA CEO Tim Doggett, highlighted His Majesty’s interest in learning about the Association’s history. In particular, the King expressed his enthusiasm in learning the scope of sectors supported by the CBA, which has expanded over its 100-year history and today includes distributors, traders, logistics and service providers, as well as manufacturers and consultancies within the supply chain.
This year’s headline sponsor, Barrettine, a family owned company has been in business since 1879 and is a longstanding member of the CBA.Also attending were one of the founding members, Blagden Speciality Chemicals who remain a proud CBA Member to this day.
Whilst the Association celebrated its 100thyear, its Future Council, which serves as a platform for emerging industry talent to network, learn and advocate, celebrated its first “Floggers Lunch” as a fully formed committee, with many of its members in attendance.
In addition to a spectacular meal, speeches by the Association’s outgoing Chair and CEO, and a showcase of the CBA’s achievements over the past 100 years, guests were treated to an incredibly well-received performance by special guest speaker Katherine Ryan, sponsored by Alfa Chemicals.
As has become customary, fundraising in aid of a nominated charity took place during the event. This year’s beneficiary, chosen by Kate Mingay, Managing Director of Dakram Materials Ltd and outgoing CBA Chair, is 3 Dads Walking and PAPYRUS, a charity aimed at raising awareness of suicide in young people. Andy Airey, one of the 3 Dad’s, spoke emotionally about the impact of suicide and their efforts help prevent what is the leading cause of death in under 35s across the UK. During the event, an incredible £12,000 was raised for this worthwhile cause.
Andy commented “I was delighted to have been invited to the CBA Annual Lunch to talk about 3 Dads Walking and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide. Sharing the story of losing our girls to suicide is a very challenging and emotional subject, and the over 1,100 guests listened attentively and gave generously to the charity. A particular highlight for me was the number of people who came to speak to me after the lunch, many with their own stories, and all pleased to have heard about what we’re trying to achieve.”
The occasion also marked the end of Kate’s time as the Association’s Chair, and she said afterwards “In the past year, CBA has undergone tremendous change, with the Association completely reshaping and realigning itself. Under Tim’s leadership, the team have been working tirelessly to implement various new initiatives for the benefit of our members and staff, and who have made great strides in helping the Association become more diverse, transparent, and inclusive. As the first female Chair in the Association’s history, it was a privilege to lend my support to these efforts. I am particularly proud of the great success we have achieved in supporting young people in our industry and supporting them and their initiatives is something I will continue to do beyond my tenure as Chair.”
Commenting on the event, CBA CEO Tim Doggett said: “OurAnnual Lunch was truly an unforgettable event. CBA is very fortunate to have the generous support of our members, who help make Floggers Lunch such a success each year. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and all our guests for supporting and celebrating this incredible milestone with us. We are also thankful to our members for their dedication, support, trust, and confidence in our Association.”
Other sponsors of “Floggers Lunch” 2023 included 2M Group, Airedale, Arpadis, Biachem, Bowker Group, Brenntag, CHEMUK 2023, Exolum, Grace Overseas, MKR, Navigator, PennWhite, Scitegrity, Stort Group, Sutton Winson, Tennants and Univar.
