CATCH, the multi million pound centre of excellence for the process, renewable, engineering and energy sectors is celebrating 20 years of the company’s founding organisation, the membership cluster –  Humber Chemical Focus Ltd.

The cluster, established in 1999, was a spin out from North East Lincolnshire Council to support economic development and inward investment priorities. The local authorities research with support from the Department of International Trade, indicated that supply chain, contractor capability and skills were the primary areas for improvement in the Humber chemical and allied process industries. Thus, Humber Chemical Focus Ltd was born.

Employing 2.5 people, with the support of 5 industry directors and 2 public sector partners, HCF drew on matched funding from the European Regional Development Fund and combined with the sector research grew and established a strong, sustainable membership base, which continues to grow today.

Now, the CATCH facility, which was opened in 2006, arising from a partnership between HCF and the Humber Client Contractor Training Association plus investment from Yorkshire Forward has grown to employ 25 people and has an influential board of 16 directors which supports companies throughout Yorkshire and Humber and beyond.

Katie Hedges, Head of Membership at CATCH, and a founding staff member, said, “We are often asked what makes CATCH membership special, it’s the coming together of likeminded industry professionals to share experiences and learn about what’s important to them. This is done, mostly, via our popular long standing networks such as Environmental Managers and Engineering Managers and Human Factors networks. Picking up tips and being able to implement changes and ideas on site are one of the major benefits of attending.

Katie Continued –  It is amazing to look back over our 20 year history and see all the instrumental things the industry has achieved working together with the public sector stakeholders and the pivotal role CATCH has played.  The next big challenge facing our Cluster is decarbonisation and we expect to announce another collaboration in this area very soon. Just think what we can achieve together in the next 20 years!!”.

And CATCH continues to grow, CATCH is also home to CATCH Skills, CATCH Technical and ConCom – a multi service, thriving community of industry members, contractors and training providers working together to meet the needs of industry and future leaders.