Your questions answered.

Today’s associations need to play an increasing role in helping to shape government policy and drive the industry forward in a way that benefits members. We’re addressing this change by becoming an association that has even greater relevance to government, our members, end users and wider society.

Our name is derived from Automation - one of the key areas that will help shape the future of the manufacturing industry in the UK and beyond, driving the success of our members. Automation also unites our members, who are all suppliers of automation technology across processing and packaging, robotics and machine vision.

We are the leading trade association for automation suppliers and end users of technology across processing, packaging, robotics and machine vision. Driving industry progress, supporting the growth of our members and helping users make more informed technology decisions. Helping our members and their clients thrive and increase productivity in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

PPMA, BARA and UKIVA will continue to be important divisions of Automate UK. Each Association will be represented, BARA and UKIVA by their committees and PPMA by a newly formed innovation panel, providing sector specific insight to the Board.

The PPMA Show is recognised throughout our industry. The show will continue to be branded the PPMA Show in 2024 and beyond.

Yes, these shows will continue to be branded Automation UK and MVC under the BARA and UKIVA banners respectively.

Members will see a fresh, distinctive new brand and website to go with our new name. To begin, our day-to-day activities largely won’t change but over time you will see new additions to the membership offering and activities we carry out as a business.

From today you will notice changes like new building signage, a new website and new social media. Our aim is to fully rebrand by January, but given the scale of the change, there could naturally be some delays.

Yes. The membership experience will be seamless. Everyone will be an Automate UK member, with a nominated primary membership of either PPMA, BARA or UKIVA.

Yes, you will still receive relevant communications, bulletins and publications as well as ongoing dedicated support from our staff at Wallington.

You will see new branding and a new name. Your representatives will remain the same, however their email addresses will change.

No, you can go on enjoying all the benefits of membership.

Please direct any questions to Peter Williamson our CEO, either in person or email peter.williamson@automate-uk.com

Over time there will be a number of additional services and activities that will improve the experience of being a member. This will include:

1. Increased lobbying

Our aim is to ensure that automation is at the heart of manufacturing policy in the UK and beyond. That’s why we have a clear commitment to increase lobbying by discussing with policymakers and influencers the challenges that face our members and end users. We’ll advise on strategies that government and other regulatory bodies can utilise to help overcome these challenges. Helping to guide regulatory and technical issues for the benefit of everyone.

2. Technical support

We will maximise our expertise to provide greater technical support. Helping members understand the latest regulations and guidelines, sharing technology and topical insights, providing specialist export advice and helping end users find the most efficient and effective solutions to support their manufacturing and production processes.

3. Improved website and social presence

Our new website will act as both a knowledge centre and lead generation asset for our members. Providing marketing opportunities within the site and connected digital communications. For end users, our website and social media are vital tools to help them find the relevant technologies within our member portfolio to aid their manufacturing. In turn, growing our members’ success.

4. A louder voice

Through existing channels, greater presence throughout the media and through new innovations such as The UK Automation Forum, Automate UK will work with other key stakeholders to become a significant voice for our members and industry.