Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 1 of 15 pages
NOTES FROM THE GREATER LONDON REGION COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT 1 BIRDCAGE WALK ON 19 MARCH 2013
Present:
K. Huntington (KH)
I. Berry (IB)
C. Lowther (CL)
J. Blake (JB)
V. Liu (VL)
M. Saunders (MS
C. Clarke (CC)
R. Sharma (RS)
D. Pearce (DP)
R. Cooke (RC)
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
KH welcomed those in attendance. Round the table introductions
were made for the benefit of Rachel Cooke from the IChemE
2.
APOLOGIES
2.1
G. Hartill (GH), T. White (TW), W. Todd (WT), M. Osborn (MS) & S.
Haslam (SH), C. Brown (CB).
3.
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
3.1
Generally approved, although IB pointed out that the date for the
proposed Royal Naval Engineering talk had not been set at the time
4.
MATTERS ARISING AND ACTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING
4.1
ACTION: GH to arrange for BZ to send out an email advertising
for mentors from the GLR members.
4.2
ACTION: Invite a London IET and other
representatives to a future GLRC meeting.
4.3
ACTION: GH to contact major engineering institution London
committee chairmen and secretaries to make them aware of
the IMechE GLR Committee meeting dates for 2013 and invite
them to attend to discuss improving inter-institution cooperation
4.4
With reference to the above actions:
4.4.1
KH reported that GH had sent out emails but had only received one
reply
4.4.2
MS had invited a CIBSE member to today’s meeting but they had yet
to turn up. Also, that he had received an IET contact name from M
Morgan, whom he had emailed but had received no reply. MS also
mentioned that he had a couple of contacts in the IET, whom he
intended to contact
5.
HON. TREASURER’S REPORT
5.1
See Appendix A for presentation given by CC.
Institutional
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 2 of 15 pages
5.2
CC explained that the sheet from the last report showed the budgets
available and the amount to spend – that there was an allocation of
£11k from HQ, as opposed to the requested £12k. That there were
enough funds to put on a good programme and that there had been
approximately £15k for the year, though there has been a slightly
high spend rate on the events so far in 2013, but that there was
nothing alarming to report.
5.3
MS queried the meaning of a ‘shortfall of requested amount’ and CC
explained that the was due to the overspend in the Southern Area
where the amount spent was less than the amount requested and
that they and the North West Area are likely to overspend again but
that it is not a worry. IB repeated his previous comment that the
allocation for the Southern Area might be increased. CC replied that it
is not a concern.
5.4
Graphical representation of spending to be updated
5.5
Current status of funds is approximately £13k with £500 to be
allocated to merchandise for the YM
5.6
Big ticket liabilities:
5.6.1
CC stated that a significant amount would be spent for EYF, but that
a significant amount could be claimed back. CL clarified that not more
than £2k would be claimed back from the IET
5.6.2
The amount to leave the bank account due to the CCS presentation
will be a bit more than estimated, with catering, hotel and travelling
costs coming to just over £1k
5.6.3
It is hoped that SOFE will be a big event and that there might be a
couple of other big events
5.7
There is to be a change in the way accounting works and budgeting,
with a September/August closure and beginning of the budget cycle
5.8
CC thanked everyone for keeping him informed about potential
events and costs
5.9
CL reported that he had attended a meeting of the “Educationary
Advisory Group” – an IMechE sub-committee and that they will hold a
centralised fund to approve funding of all educational activities with a
budget of £150k, with the intention that in the future anything
educational will be removed from the GLRC budget. The GLRC will
have to bid for funds for any educational related activities, putting
forward justification to the committee for approval.
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 3 of 15 pages
5.9.1
CL commented that for this upcoming year only £20k of the £150k
budget had been spent, which presents the possibility of arranging
more educational events. CL will speak to SH regarding possible bids
for events
5.9.2
CC questioned whether the events would still be associated with the
GLRC if the money will not be in the budget. CL clarified that it would
be matter of bidding and putting in justification for funds to hold the
GLRC event. CL proposed that it was an opportunity to arrange more
educational events and that there had been nothing in writing
regarding this arrangement and he had only learnt of it, because he
happened to attend the meeting
6.
COUNCIL / RSB UPDATE
6.1
No further updates
7.
AREA UPDATES
7.1
CEC
7.1.1
See Appendix B for a preliminary copy of MoM of the meeting held
earlier
7.1.2
There have been some successful events – the 2 joint events held
with the Welding Society; the Victoria Upgrade presentation
previously held by the Southern Area; and the Carbon Capture and
Storage event
7.1.3
The next event will be the Driverless urban vehicles planned for 11th
April
7.1.4
Details of the Royal Navy engineering lecture planned for September
to be confirmed by CL
7.1.5
Looking into one or two prospects for the coming season from a
number of ideas – weapons; biomass; marine fuels ;Boeing update;
airships; energy storage; bio-diesel – CO2 absorption
7.2
NW Area
7.2.1
See Appendix C for the report
7.2.2
CC reported that Stanmore Implants was a very good visit with the
attendees being able to handle the robotic surgeon. MO reported via
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 4 of 15 pages
email that 18 people attended this event. CL noted that it might be a
possible event for Central events
7.3
IB commented about how things are put up on the website with
regards to details and relevance eg. the Tyre wear presentation which
mentions the room in which it is to be held, but doesn’t say the
location. Ideally there should be a summary on the main page with
the location and date. DP and Basem Zaman jointly mange the site.
DP will talk to Basem regarding the matter and go through the site
7.4
SW Area
7.4.1
WT sent an email stating there were no updates
7.5
S Area
7.5.1
The SE luncheon UK railways talk which was held on the 1 st March,
was attended by 33 people and was a good presentation
7.5.2
The transport topic was generally well attended
7.5.3
The visit to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry was attended by 15 people,
although a couple who had registered did not turn up
7.5.4
The Thames cable car talk will be held on the 20th March
7.6
YMP
7.6.1
DP reported that the AGM was held recently and that the YMP were
looking at restructuring the panel to meet changing needs, such as
having nominated Chairs for larger events
7.6.2
The new budget forecast spreadsheet had been sent through
7.6.3
The website is to be reviewed focusing on updates and regularity to
try and attract a wider audience
7.6.4
The tweet address is @IMechEglr which stands for the IMechE GLR
YMP
7.6.5
New members, especially those still at University have raised the
issue of improved networking with experienced and corporate
members
7.6.6
RC raised a query as to whether ICE and IMechE YM would want to
network. Various existing upcoming social events were mentioned,
including CL bringing up the Balloon Debate as an inter-institutional
event.
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 5 of 15 pages
8.
STEM ACTIVITIES UPDATE
8.1
EYF to occur on Friday 22nd March with numerous volunteers and
companies signed up. There will be a speed networking session, and
various events tables, including one for Bloodhound – the final
arrangement to be determined with the view to a more varied and
interesting set-up. Stephen Tetlow (IMechE CE) and Colin Brown
(Engineering Director, IMechE) to open and close the event, with an
young engineer inspirational speaker. There has been good support
from the business development manager in the organisation of this
event.
8.2
Civils are looking to hold an EYF normal event in October, but there
are issues with the lack of support from local regional director,
although IChemE HQ are keen
8.3
Kingston University want to run one in the Autumn, but it was
highlighted that Thamesway are already running an event
8.4
University design challenge – TW has reported no further progress.
CL commented that Universities don’t seem to be interested although
it works in the NW and may be due to the lack of a monetary prize
8.5
SET for sport is a year 8/9 day event being organised by the new YM
8.6
Our World in 2050 is on-going
8.7
CL raised the question of funding another event such as a teachers’
event which hasn’t be done for a while, to take advantage of the new
funding arrangement for educational related activities. The teachers
would be taken around different companies to show them what
engineering is about. There is a possibility for IChemE involvement
CC commented that it might be difficult for this to occur during term
time due to teaching commitments. CL reported that the last event
was over-subscribed with 70 applications for 16 places. CC
questioned the specific role of the GLRC in terms of ticketing and
guidance. In response to companies who would be interested in
hosting – JB said that Delphi Diesel Systems would be interested; CC
– BA and RC mentioned the CCS pilot plant at Imperial
9.
ENGINEERING INSTITUTION LIAISON
9.1
IChemE rep in attendance today (see Appendix D for IChemE minutes
and invitation) and on-going efforts being made to find reps from the
other engineering institutions
9.2
Comments from RC – IChemE rep
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 6 of 15 pages
9.2.1
RC
looking
to
have
better
institutional
co-operation
through
communication. IChemE are having a pub social in April in the Mitre
at Holland Park for an informal catch-up
9.2.2
IChemE are working on internships and having an internship day.
They have a list of companies and the question was raised whether
the IMechE would want to have a combined list/ joint internship day.
DP highlighted that the IMechE might already be involved in other
similar schemes and it would be a matter of working out where this
set-up might fit in.
9.2.3
ACTION: To look into improving communications between the
IChemE and IMechE with regards to informing the IMechE of
events or holding joint events
10.
PUBLICITY / NEWSLETTER
10.1
None.
11.
AOB
11.1
IB noted that the date for the AGM coincides with the Thomas
Hawksley Memorial Lecture and CL and KH both have a council
meeting on that date. It was proposed to move the AGM to the 28 th
May
11.2
ACTION: GH to confirm AGM date
11.3
THE CLARKE HOT TOPIC DEBATE
11.3.1
The recently distributed Rules and Regulations:
11.3.1.1 CC commentated that they seemed quite long at 29 pages
11.3.1.2 What was the function behind some rules, as some rules seemed to
be serving the rules rather than performing a more beneficial purpose
11.3.1.3 Some rules seemed restrictive eg. number and status of panel
members – with the YMP being limited to 12, which might better be
left to the discretion of the senior committee or that membership of 2
panels simultaneously is not allowed
11.3.1.4 CL commented that the rules might be more applicable for new
groups and viewed as guidelines
12.
AOB
12.1
Everyone to read the recently distributed Rules & Regulations and
send any comments back to GH. DP queried the deadline for the
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 7 of 15 pages
response and CC noted that they were issued on the 4 th December
2012.
ACTION: GH to determine date by which comments are received.
13.
CLOSE
Verina Liu
5 April 2013
APPENDIX A: TREASURER’S REPORT
2013 Allocation
summary
Target
TOTAL
Budgetted amounts for 2013
15880.00
Grant requested for 2013
Grant provided for 2013
Pro rata 2013 allocations
Comparable 2012 expenditures
Regional
Central
Committee
Events
7,950.00
2,000.00
9950.00
North
Western
Area
Southern
Area
YMs
950.00
800.00
2680.00
South
merchandis Western
e
Area
500.00
1000.00
12000.00
In hand at eoy
11000.00 2012
4,605.00
7812.33 1965.37
15605.00
933.55
9777.69
11,178.00
TOTAL
5830.82
Regional
Committee
Central
Events
1247.18
North
Western
Area
shortfall of
requested
amount
786.15
1,500.00
Southern
Area
2013
funds
available
275.00
2633.59
2,600.00
YMs
491.34
982.68
-
-
South
merchandis Western
e
Area
15605.00
2013
allocations
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 8 of 15 pages
GLR 2013 main bank account
2012 & 2013 cash at bank and HQ debt account
•
Bank balance
10000.00
9000.00
2012 transactions
8000.00
2012 HQ expenditure (running debt)
7000.00
2013 transactions
6000.00
5000.00
4000.00
3000.00
2000.00
1000.00
0.00
23-Dec
1-Apr
10-Jul
18-Oct
26-Jan
6-May
Cash at bank 19th Feb 2013
• GLR (includes NWA)
£5963.63
• SA
£244.85
• YMP
£277.22
• SWA
£247
• Grant not yet called in
£8,000
(£3,000 of total £11,000 grant is included in our
current balance)
• GLR Funds remaining in 2013
£13,963.63
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 9 of 15 pages
Big Ticket Liabilities
•
•
•
•
•
EYF is our largest commitment (£3.5k ish)
We should recover most of this
New Members Evening (£900 ish)
CCS event (£900 ish)
SOFE 2013
Summary position for 2013
• We underspent overall in patches last year with some
accounts overspending. As a large group we can share
out the bumps and dips between us.
• Our budget request was pretty much fully met.
However costs of catering have risen quite sharply.
• The difficulties of providing for our traditionally steep
end of year expenditure may be helped by the bringing
forward of our budget year date. However the bridging
mechanism is as yet unknown so please continue to
keep your Treasurer advised of significant expenses in
good time.
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 10 of 15 pages
APPENDIX B: CEC REPORT
GREATER LONDON REGIONS – CENTRAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 19th MARCH 2013
Attendees:
Chairman – Malcolm Saunders (MS), Ian Berry (IB),
Charles Clarke (CC), Ken Huntington (KH), Verina Liu (VL)
Cdr. Chris Lowther (CL)
and for part of the time Rachel Cooke (RC) of IChemE
MS gave a brief report on the following events:
Wheel-Rail Interface Contact Modelling and Damage Prediction – this had been a joint
event organised by the Welding & Joining Society (now comprising an arm of the Welding
Institute). This had been an interesting presentation with 32 attendees. IMechE provided
the facilities and The Welding Institute paid for refreshments.
Carbon Capture & Storage Debate – this was an excellent event with presentations by
Judith Shapiro of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association and Dr. Norman Glen of
NEL. The debate was chaired by Dr. Tim Fox the IMechE Head of Energy and
Environment. People were asked to book and 64 registered to attend the event but only 42
people attended and some of these had not booked, so the turnout was disappointing. An
invitation was sent to 14 members of Parliament of whom 3 indicated they would attend.
Of these only Tom Greatrex MP attended.
The next event at Birdcage Walk (BCW) is on 11th April entitled
“Will Urban vehicles Ever be Driverless?”
Registration for this is low at the moment. Basem Zaman to be asked to send out an email
shot this weekend.
EVENTS FOR CONSIDERATION
“History of Technology in Naval Warfare” for September 2013 – CL to instigate and
forward details to MS
“Homes of the Future” – such an event is being held at Reading University on 19th March
with four speakers dealing with the following issues:
Design and Construction by Oliver Novakovic – Director of Building Futures BRE
Power and Heating by Prof. Tony Day, Director International Energy Research Centre
Water Supply & Drainage by Dr. Paul Rutter, Innovation Team, Thames Water Utilities
Ltd.
Control Systems by Russell Downing & Peter Haseler, Siemens KNX
MS to contact the organiser to find out how successful the event was and, if appropriate,
organise a similar presentation at BCW in spring 2014.
IB suggested a 6pm start if we are going to have four speakers
Airships and the R101 Disaster – this topic has been suggested by Jasper Tomlinson. A
presentation on this topic has been held in Cambridge recently. CC agreed to find out how
successful this event had been and to advise if it would be suitable for a BCW event.
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 11 of 15 pages
Fracking – this is an event planned by the IChemE and CL suggested that we could make
it a joint event with the IMechE providing the lecture theatre and IChemE paying for
refreshments. This would enable a larger audience to be attracted (IChemE can only cater
for 60 people). RC agreed to raise this with her committee. MS said he would give Rachel
an indication of lecture theatre availability and likely refreshment costs at the IMechE. The
IChemE have this penciled in as a September event but are prepared to offer other dates.
Marine Fuels – this could also be an event of interest to both IMechE and IChemE
members. CL raised the issue of changing of fuel when within territorial waters which
prompted the topic.
Boeing Dreamliner – As a follow up to the previous presentation it was suggested that we
may invite a presentation on the current status, particularly with regard to the battery
problems that have been encountered.
Energy Storage – Another topic suggested by CL. There is a short article in the March
edition of PE. There has also been a one day seminar on the topic at BCW. MS
mentioned that Clive Price (Southern Area Secretary) is already in the process of
arranging such a presentation and has been liaising with Dr. Tim Fox. MS to follow up and
see if perhaps we should switch this to a BCW event.
Desalination Plants – VL will follow up on this and will make further enquiries and advise
if a presentation can be arranged.
Bio Diesel & Algae – CC felt that this would be an interesting topic and may be able to
find a contact.
Stanmore Implants – CC had been on the recent visit that been arranged by NW Area
and suggested that another visit be arranged – promoted by Central Events.
GLR-CE-6-13.doc
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 12 of 15 pages
APPENDIX C: NW REPORT
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 13 of 15 pages
APPENDIX D: IChemE MINUTES AND INVITATION
London and SE Branch Committee Meeting
12th March 2013 – 1 Portland Place
Meeting commenced 6:15 pm
Present: Chris Davy (CD), Peter Elstner (PE), Maria Parau (MP), Nerea Cuadra (NC),
MingYan Siew (MYS), Adam Hawthorne (AH), Daniel Holden (DH), Rachel Cooke (RC),
Lucy Bates and Matt Stalker
Apologies: Neil Smith (NS), Aleksandra Gorecka (AG), Arthur Berenfeld (AB), Colin
Tamsett (CT), Gloria Lam (GL), Rukhsana Faiz (RF)
1. Review of Events Timetable
The Progress of the following events was discussed:
 March: Horizon Lecture – Carbon Capture and Storage – 4th March
It was a very successful event with a debate after the lecture. It has been suggested
that a webinar should be organised to allow those not present to see the talk. RC
suggested we have Dr. Paul Fennell organise this. GL took pictures at the event.
AH to upload the lecture slides to the website, along with the pictures and the
quotes from David Brown.
 March: HAZOP workshop at SBU – 18th March
A HAZOP workshop will be held for 90 students at South Bank University. This
event will be and all day event and sponsored by IChemE. Assistance is required
from 2-3 people working in industry willing to give a brief career talk as well. So far
there are representatives from BP, Air Products and consultants with experience in
safety and prevention. (Action: ALL)
 March: Bowling Social Event at Bloomsbury Lanes – 19th March
This is a joint social for L&SE branch committee and the YMG committee. There are
30 people expected to attend. The price has been set at £5 per person. GL has
booked two lanes. There is also a bar there, so we can have drinks there. Facebook
has been used to promote this within the YMG. NC to send out an email as a
reminder for the rest of the committee.
 April: Career Development – Week commencing 15th April
Career Development event for people already working in industry. NS to check with
Roseanna to avoid clashes with SONG. (Attention: NS)
 April: Pub Night – Week commencing 22rd April
A social to be held at Mitre Pub. It was suggested to invite IMechE to the pub social
as well. CD will do this when attending their meeting on 19th March. (Attention:
NS)
 May: Get Chartered and Mentoring Event – May?
The event was successful when it was organised two years ago. Companies offer
internal training as well, however these are popular events with members as it
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 14 of 15 pages
allows them to ask more questions. PE to get in contact with Ben Bowden and
agree on a date. RC has also suggested to organise a similar event aimed at
individuals wanting to become a Fellow. (Attention: PE)
 June: Horizon Lecture – Commissioning (Martin Pitt) – June?
This event will be organised between NC and DH. Should contact Martin Pitt and
see if he is available to give the talk. (Attention: NC and DH)
 June: Summer BBQ (Social)
Details will be agreed on closer to the date.
 October: Internship Day - October?
CD has been in contact with the British Contractors Association and has invited the
Chair to one of committee meeting to discuss this further. The aim is to have a list
of companies in the area that offer internships on IChemE website, advertise career
events held by these companies and provide a guide for students on the process of
applying, by the beginning of summer.
It has also been suggested to collaborate with IMechE, hence making it more
attractive to companies. It is also a good platform for smaller companies, with
smaller recruitment budget, to advertise placement opportunities.
 November: Horizon Lecture – Nucler Power from Thorium – November?
AB has had no response yet. AG to support with contacts.
 November: University Challenge – November?
After the success from the last quiz organised in January, it was decided to host it
next year. The event will be hosted by South Bank University.
2. Potential Events for 2013

Fracking – September?

Sustainable Agriculture (Food and fertiliser production). RC has two possible
contacts. RF to pass on any other contacts to RC.

Christmas Dinner in December – 10th December

Tour of Pilot Plant in Imperial – Contacts: Dr Paul Fennell and Geoff Maitland

Visit to Waste To Energy Plant – Suggestions: Slough Heat and Power; ;

Drugs and the Developing World – GSK: RC has had no response from her
contacts. CD has a contact at UCL.
3. Annual Dinner
Lucy Bates and Matt Stalker attended the meeting to give a brief on the proposed annual
dinner. The aim of this dinner is to recreate the annual dinner and the awards dinner held
in the north. The target is chemical engineers in and around London. It will give an
opportunity to organise an event for the local members and also engage with the VIPs
Ref: IMechE/GLR/19/03
Issue 1
Page 15 of 15 pages
which rarely travel outside London for events such as the Awards Dinner. We are looking
at an event of 100-200+ people.
Pricing will be aimed at individuals rather than targeting corporate. It is estimated at £7090per person, including a 3-4 course dinner and some form of entertainment. This highly
depends on the venue. The Awards Dinner has been moved away from London due to the
high costs associated with running such an event.
The role of the committee is engagement in terms of support as members, publicising in
the networks (companies you work for/with). It can also be used as way to give recognition
to our member and the work they do (e.g best technical presentation, best sustained
service to the group over a period of time, best young chemical engineer in the region).
Therefore two members of the committee are needed to support this event and act as the
bridge between IChemE and L+SE branch.
We would be looking for sponsorship from industry. This can be in terms of supporting the
costs, prizes, table gifts, flowers etc. The networks of members are extremely useful in this
case.
It has been agreed to move the dinner to early next year, between March and May, as it is
separated from the Awards Dinner in November, hence companies would be more inclined
to sponsor. Ideally, it would be held on a Wednesday or Thursday. This would also be
dependent on the availability of the speaker.
There are concerns over the pricing, as individuals and students would not be willing to
pay £70-90. The Aberdeen and Teesside annual dinner are priced at £75 and £80,
respectively. However companies usually buy a table, with few individuals. For this price it
should be made very clear to the members the purpose of this event. The aim is to make it
entertaining, light-hearted and steer clear of technical or political speakers. Suggested
speaker are the Energy Minister or someone from the business sector.
There will be some subsidised seats available for students. However the target audience is
more towards the economical active members. At the Aberdeen dinner there is usually a
table of 10-12 students, but not a long waiting list.
Just under a 1/3 of local members are students and we would also like to represent and
celebrate the work done by the Young Members Group. It was suggested to ask one of the
universities for a free/low cost venue and offer the students free/low cost tickets. However
it is important to have a good ratio of students to more senior chemical engineers, to avoid
having “a student party”.
At the moment we want to start a discussion going on LinkedIn and get a list of ideas for
the next meeting. This is to include a list of possible venues, a budget proposal, aims and
purpose, volunteers and an agreed date.
4. Budget
This year a budget of just over £2000 was approved. It is very important to discuss the
budget of an event with PE before any expenditure is made. For refunds keep the receipts
and contact PE and he will provide a form that needs to be completed. A suggested
budget for an event (such as Horizon Lectures) is around £200 and for a social £150. This
can be discussed further.
5. Next Committee Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 9th April 2013 at 6:00pm. Venue: IChemE office,
1 Portland Place.