User:Comptonhall/sandbox

The Brick Development Association is a Technical Trade Association based in the United Kingdom. It's members manufacture approximately 98% of the clay brick manufacturing capacity in the UK.

The BDA’s mission is;

“To represent effectively the interests of the clay-brick manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom in order to enable its member companies to be more commercially successful.”

Membership of the Association is defined and is restricted to clay brick makers, calcium silicate brick makers, and clay paving manufacturers. The BDA represents, approaching close to 100% of the UK clay-brick manufacturing output. Member companies range from large multi-national organisations to small regional and specialist brick makers. Indeed, one of the Association's great strengths, particularly in the Government's eyes, is the extent to which it truly represents its sector.

The BDA has a clear set of aims and a set of objectives contained within its articles of association.

Its aims

•	To encourage the use of clay-bricks and associated products so as to ensure continual steady growth and profitability in the industry.

•	To be the leading authoritative UK organisation for information on clay-bricks, pavers and other clay-based products used in Construction.

•	To promote and maintain high standards, safety, work quality and working practices for the brickwork Industry.

•	To be dedicated to the promotion of the manufacture and use of clay-brick and related products.

•	To promote continuous improvement in all aspects of clay-brick manufacture and brick work.

•	To promote continuous improvement in the education and training for all aspects of clay-brick manufacture and brickwork including research & innovation.

•	To counter any potential threats from competing products and so-called modern method of construction or offsite-building systems that do not use clay-brick, clay-brick slip systems and. similar.

•	To support the appropriate development of codes and standards, both in the UK and international, relating to clay-bricks and other clay products.

Its Objectives

•	Promote and maintain a high standard of manufacturing and use of clay-bricks and associated products, in terms of safety and work quality.

•	Provide guidance on training and certification of personnel involved in the use of clay-bricks and related products. •	Produce technical publications and guidance together with promotional material on good working practice, clay-brick and related products, training and other related topics.

•	Prepare submissions and provide informed opinion and advice to government departments and others on matters concerning clay-bricks and related products. •	Assist working parties charged with commenting on, developing and discussing existing and draft legislation and directives.

•	Provide a forum for the free and informal exchange of experience and opinion.

•	Maintain and enhance the finances and governance of the organisation.