ICOM Energy Association held a seminar prior to its Annual Lunch earlier this month.
The keynote speaker was John Cridland, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). David Kilpatrick from the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) was another speaker.

Ross Anderson, ICOM director, introduced the seminars with an update on the association's work with government departments and other bodies in shaping new legislation relating to heating equipment. In addition, he highlighted ICOM's renewed focus on education and the dissemination of information, particularly in relation to sharing information with professional bodies.

ICOM has been liaising with the CEA and David Kilpatrick provided an overview of the association's activities and the areas where the CEA and ICOM complement each other, including energy efficiency.

John Cridland noted the key role that ICOM plays in promoting and facilitating energy efficiency. He also predicted a modest improvement in the economy in 2013.
Noting that the overall growth figures hide some key stories, he said: 'Europe accounts for around 50% of our exports, so the situation in Europe has clearly had an impact, However, exports to markets outside Europe have increased by 33% and manufacturers and exporters are reporting good forward figures.

'This is helping to provide a subtle rebalancing of the economy as it goes through a detox process to deal with debt-driven consumption and problems in the Eurozone. As a result, I feel there is potential for a full 1% growth in 2013,' he added.

Mr Cridland also noted that the required increase in domestic consumption is being delayed through lack of confidence, fuelled by the constant stream of bad news stories.

Mr Cridland also urged the government to give more support to fast-growing medium-sized companies, as it is these that will drive growth. In parallel, the CBI would like to see more government investment in infrastructure projects to support the construction industry. He noted that for every £1 of investment in infrastructure there is a £2.84 benefit to the economy.

Javelin thrower Steve Backley OBE was the post-lunch speaker.