CATCH is pleased to announce that Martin Jones, Health. Environment, Safety & Quality Manager at Yara is taking over the role of Chair for our members Environmental Managers Network, following long-standing chair, Tony Edwards Retirement after 14 years!

Martin said,  “Thank you, I am very honoured to be appointed as Chair to the Environmental Managers Networking group at CATCH.  Having worked in various Environmental roles within the Chemical Industry in the Humber area I am very passionate about the synergistic relationship of industry and the environment.  I have seen industry improving its direction and strategy in respecting and enhancing the environment.  My intention within this role is to work closely with industry, nature partners and regulators to ensure any barriers are removed so each party can work together because, I believe environmental protection and sustainability are mutually achievable goals. Yara are fully supportive of me in this role and we ourselves are committed to a serious environmental sustainable growth program in both the short and long term.  I look forward to working with you all and will really appreciate your support as I grow into the role”.

Following his departure, Tony Edwards commented, “It has been great chairing the Network since 2007 – someone else should have taken over a long time ago! A fresh perspective is always good and I wish Martin Jones of Yara well in taking over from me. The Network is run by CATCH with help from Humber Nature Partnership. Many thanks to Katie Hedges, CATCH for organising everything and to Darren Clarke, HNP for his support.  – The Network brings together industries from around the Humber, regulators,  consultants and NGOs. We have had many good presentations keeping us on our toes on environmental developments and hearing participants outline their environmental ‘great leaps forward’ (and some woes).  There will be plenty for the Network to consider over the next year or so. There is the outcome of the COP26 Climate conference towards the end of this year and the Environment Bill expected to be enacted in the autumn. The latter should include the creation of the Office of Environmental Protection, set new long-term targets and have measures for air quality improvement, waste management, producer responsibility, water resources, and drainage and sewerage.

I intend to continue my participation in the Network if you allow me, and Humber Nature Partnership. Over the next academic year I am slimming down my lecturing at the University of Hull so moving towards proper retirement – more walking in the Dales, photographing waterfalls, going round art galleries, and all that! I may become a bit more ‘sustainable’ – less car and more bus, train, and foot travel”.

Katie Hedges, CATCH said “It’s with great sadness that we say “farewell” to Tony, he has supported CATCH and our popular network for over 14 years, an amazing achievement! The team at CATCH and I wish him well in his growing retirement and wish to say a heartfelt thank you for all you have done”

“The group and I look forward to working with incoming chair Martin and we are looking forward to seeing how the group continues to grow and develop in the coming years”

If you would like further details in regards to the Environmental Managers group, please contact Katie –  katie.hedges@catchuk.org