Britain's ductwork specialists will be gathering in October for a seminar, which could have a significant impact on the future of their industry.
For the first time, the Association of Ductwork Contractors and Allied Services (ADCAS) - the trade association for the ductwork sector - will join with HVCA in a public forum on the problems facing both ductwork contractors and their mechanical-engineering customers.

Announcing the planned meeting, ADCAS president Paul Roxburgh paid tribute to the efforts of FETA in making the event possible.

'A year ago, such an open discussion of mutual problems would probably not have taken place,' he said. 'However, since we became members of FETA, relationships with other professional bodies such as HVCA have greatly improved.

'Certainly there's much to consider. Our colleagues in HVCA suffer from many of the same problems that face us - retentions being chief among them.

'There are also technical issues to be resolved, including the confusion over air tightness testing as expressed in building regulations, which seem to be at odds with the industry standard in the form of DW144.

'Getting together in October is a major step on the road to practical solutions that will benefit the industry as a whole.'

The first year of FETA membership has proved a highly successful one for ADCAS. The association recently celebrated its tenth anniversary at the Emirates stadium - Arsenal Football Club's new north-London home.

Members heard some good news as the association entered its second decade.

ADCAS' finances were said to be in a healthy state - and
subscriptions may be reduced.

Delegates from across the UK heard ADCAS president Paul Roxburgh welcome new additions to the ranks of both contractor and associate membership.

Roxburgh underlined the key role of the Associate branch by announcing that Malcolm Moss of Doby Verrolec is the new vice president and president elect of ADCAS. He will assume the office of president for a two-year period with effect from the next AGM in 2008.

FETA director general Cedric Sloan now acts as ADCAS Secretary. ADCAS' financial position had seldom been stronger, he reported, with the association's reserves almost double the level of the same time last year.

With membership and revenues rising, the president anticipated that a reduction in subscriptions could well be possible.