Dear Colleague,

It has been a difficult 12 months for the Institution due to the impact of the recession last year.  Overall our income fell by about £1m because of both the decline in advertising and the fall in interest rates. The consequence of this, if not addressed, would have been a major deficit.  The Trustee Board determined, wisely in my view, that this was untenable and they took steps to ensure that expenditure fell to match. Sadly this involved a 10% head count reduction at HQ. However we finished last year in surplus and expect to again this year. On the plus side – membership is increasing and is now over 93,000.

The membership-expressed wish for a more public voice is being achieved on all counts. We are listened to by Parliament through a range of policy documents on various hot topics which are very well received. Our presence in the media is also increasing. Our Director of Engineering was widely interviewed on volcanic ash impact on jet engines.

Your Region and Area Committees are working to ensure that we are as cost effective as possible. Again I would remind you that e-mail is far cheaper than the Royal Mail so could you please ensure that yours is up-to-date on the Members Register via the website. All our committees are formed from members working in their spare time to give you a good and varied programme of activities. I am sure the Area Committees would feel much more appreciated if more colleagues attended the events to recognise their hard work, I certainly am grateful for their endeavours. Ideas for improvement are always welcome.

Last year the incoming President visited the Region and toured Lockheed Martin at Ampthill and Samuel Whitbread College – a specialist engineering school. The visit culminated in the Annual Dinner a Jesus College which was enjoyed by all. Good food in a fascinating venue.

This year the incoming President is John Wood. He is visiting the Region on the 23rd & 24th September and specifically the Norfolk and Waveney Area. Again the visit culminates in the Annual Dinner at Jesus College. The event is two weeks earlier this year so in order that we could use the Great Hall. This seats about 140 as opposed to 80 in the Upper Hall which we overflowed. It promises to be a great night out, so book early! There is car parking in the College. Details are on the website!
 Yours sincerely

 

Andrew K W Powell OBE PhD FIMechE CEng CITP
Chairman, Eastern Region