13th March 2020

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Our spring general meeting took place on 5th March at Loughborough University. Held twice a year, these meetings are an opportunity for representatives of PAAA member companies to update on the association's business matters, report on legislative and lobbying activities, make decisions on financial matters and discuss forthcoming events and promotional plans.

 

Before the meeting, delegates were provided with an insightful look around some of the venue’s research and development departments. These included:

• A visit to the laboratory where they look at the effects of combining carbon and ceramic materials used in the manufacture of brake disks

• A look around the engine test cell area where they measure and assess the effect of controls on combustion, emissions, efficiencies and performance

• An overview of the university’s Formula Student race-car project that has seen the students achieve success in the national finals

• A look at the Material Characterisation Centre that provides a range of analytical services for industrial clients

 

Following the tour, members reconvened to a conference room in the adjoining Burleigh Court Hotel for the general members’ meeting, where the following items were covered:

• A talk by Dr Kelly Manders of Loughborough University

• An update on the progress of ongoing legislation issues and the consequent meetings and correspondence that has taken place

• A draft of the new annual review was presented

• Details of the PAAA Expo at Brands Hatch were presented

• The annual track day event was discussed. It was decided this would not run this year and be replaced with a membership recruitment event at a different venue. Further details to be announced soon

• Other events including the members’ social networking get together at Caffeine & Machine, plus members’ attendance at Coventry Motofest were discussed

• There was also further discussion about recruiting new members – especially associate members – and the development of the PAAA as a mark of quality that can be used by members to promote their businesses (further details about this project will be announced soon)

 

Minutes from the meeting have been published and distributed to all members.