The ECA regional conferences are now in full swing. They are important fixtures in the ECA calendar and I would like to thank the regional staff and committees responsible for making them happen.

They allow members to meet and discuss the range of issues affecting their current and future business performance. They also provide an opportunity for members to hear directly about the future development of their Association.

In addition to the pleasure of meeting ECA members first-hand, addressing the regional conferences has given me the chance to outline what I consider to be the main challenges facing the ECA and its members. These are challenges brought about by the changing business and regulatory environments. However, by working together and through collaboration with other related industry bodies, these challenges can be turned into opportunities.

The regional conferences are also a valuable opportunity for members to provide input and feedback. I look forward to meeting many of you and listening to your concerns. This will help us to ensure the Association’s ongoing importance to members by developing and implementing initiatives of real relevance to your business performance.