The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association has appointed Steve Watts as its new chairman.
Steve Watts, managing director of national asbestos consultancy Blues Consultants Ltd, takes on the role of chair for two years from October 2007 until 2009.

The ARCA is a leading association for the UK asbestos removal and asbestos management industry. Steve succeeds Tony Darsey and has been on the ARCA governing council for eight years.

Steve has been managing director of Blues Consultants since he formed the company in 2001.

Blues Consultants are an independent asbestos management consultancy providing services for the asbestos industry. They hold UKAS accreditation for asbestos surveys, asbestos bulk sampling, asbestos air sampling and testing and certificate of re-occupation.

The firm's additional services include asbestos project management, asbestos awareness training and IT-based asbestos management solutions.  Blues client portfolio includes blue chip organisations, local authorities, hospitals, the retail sector and housing associations.

Steve's asbestos career started in 1983 and since then he has held various senior management roles within the UK asbestos removal industry.   

Steve Watts said 'The next few years are set to be as challenging for the asbestos industry as the last few years have. We have a very dynamic governing council and we intend to continue to address industry issues and raise standards within the sector.  

'Having been associated with ARCA for over 20 years, it will be a great honour to be the chairman of such a pro-active, professional association'.

www.arca.org.uk