The Adhesives & Sealants Association (BASA) successfully hosted its first ever Annual Conference on 3 March 2026, marking a major milestone for the organisation and the wider UK adhesives and sealants sector.

Held in Milton Keynes, the event brought together more than a dozen expert speakers from fields including economics, sustainability, digital transformation, cyber-security, packaging, energy, government policy and international trade. Members gained a uniquely comprehensive view of the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry in the years ahead.

A landmark event for an evolving industry

BASA Chief Executive Lorna Williams welcomed delegates to the Association’s inaugural conference, highlighting the importance of giving members access to strategic intelligence and practical support at a time of rapid change across manufacturing, regulation, sustainability and technology.

Insight from leading experts

The agenda included presentations from:

• Professor Noble Francis (Construction Products Association) – assessment of the UK economy and its implications for construction and manufacturing. 
• Graeme Laws (Beyond Touch Ltd) – a highly practical session demonstrating how AI is already embedded in everyday business tools..
• Liam Hulley (Gallagher, Global Cyber Risk Management) – highlighted emerging cyber threats facing manufacturers and the practical steps companies can take to protect operations and data. 
• James Slade & Ben Powell (IMSM) – explained how ISO standards can help organisations turn cybersecurity and sustainability challenges into strengths.
• Guy Longmore (Auditel) – outlined how carbon reduction and cost optimisation can be combined for strategic advantage.
• Declan Curry – delivered a keynote offering clear, accessible analysis of the current political and economic climate and its relevance to industry. 
• Rt Hon Justine Greening – spoke about purpose‑led leadership, skills, social mobility and how collaboration can build a fairer, more resilient future.
• Tony Hyland, MBE (DWP) – explained how new apprenticeship reforms will expand opportunities for young people and support employers tackling skills shortages.
• Graham Welland (CEO, GWCI) – explored how global expansion increases exposure to legal, reputational and ESG risks.
• Mark Reaper & Ben Sherbrooke (ConsultivUtilities) – an impactful session, focusing on how the AI boom is driving a historic reversal in electricity demand.

Launch of the BASA Packaging Task Force

The conference also saw the official launch of BASA’s Product Packaging Task Force, a new collaborative industry group created to help members navigate emerging UK and EU packaging regulations, lifecycle impacts, and sustainability expectations.

AGM highlights and leadership transitions

The conference also included BASA’s 43rd Annual General Meeting, offering members a chance to review the association’s progress and future priorities. During the AGM, Carol Merrin (Azelis UK Ltd) concluded her tenure as BASA Chair and now becomes Immediate Past Chair. She formally passed the role to Jenny Barnett (F. Ball and Co. Ltd), previously Vice Chair. We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Victoria Holgate (Wacker) as the new Vice Chair, who will succeed Jenny after her two‑year term as Chair.

To conclude the AGM, we presented the Max Kochmann to this year’s nominee, Carol Merrin (Azelis UK Ltd). This accolade, in memory of one of BASA’s founders and former Life President Max Kochmann, is awarded annually for outstanding service to the association. Since becoming BASA Chair two years ago, Carol has been an unwavering advocate for membership and a tireless supporter of the adhesives and sealants community. We were delighted to recognise her exceptional commitment, leadership and contributions to BASA.

Positive feedback from members

Delegates praised the breadth, clarity and practicality of the sessions, with many highlighting the value of bringing experts from across the regulatory, economic and technological landscape into one unified industry event.

A platform for the future

“With so much change happening across our sector, from sustainability and energy costs to AI adoption and global supply-chain pressures, now is the right time for BASA to bring the industry together,” said Lorna Williams, CEO of BASA. “This conference marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we support our members.”

BASA wishes to thank all delegates, speakers and partners for contributing to a highly impactful event. We would also like to extend our thanks to PALEUS Acrylics for sponsoring this year’s conference.

About BASA

BASA represents UK manufacturers and suppliers of adhesives, sealants and associated materials. The association provides technical support, regulatory insight, training, collaboration opportunities and sector leadership across the industry.