There has been plenty for EPC-UK to feel proud of during 2024. Managing Director, Ben Williams shares just a few of his highlights from a busy twelve months.

Safety, Leadership, Education

“For me, the proof of EPC-UK’s success every day of the year is set against our safety standards, and I’m delighted to report that team engagement in our internal safety processes was second to none during 2024, resulting in fewer driving incidents and more people going home safely at the end of the day. 

In a year when I was presented with the honour of becoming IQ President, I feel prouder than ever of our industry, it’s capabilities and the committed individuals who work within it. 

Key to their development, and ability to take the sector forward, is learning and development. Related to this, EPC-UK’s successful delivery of the new, accredited University Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering in 2024, designed in partnership with the University of Derby and Institute of Quarrying, has been a true achievement for us. It also demonstrates just what can be realised when passionate people collaborate to accomplish a wider goal. Programmes of education continue at every level at EPC-UK, and I want to say how impressed I am with our employees who have worked to develop their skills through our learning programmes this year.  

It happens at Hillhead

In June we made a welcomed return to Hillhead, an event which never fails to bring out people’s optimistic outlooks and a real passion for our industry’s latest innovations, developments, and plans for the future. I was delighted with our team’s enthusiasm on the Hillhead stage as they officially launched our latest increasingly sustainable technologies including ROG+, supported by Dr. Geoff Adderley’s excellent simulation quarry presentations, the Polarex probe, and our recent collaboration with Vibraquipo.  

Further technological developments were also brought to the quarry top this year through the capital investment we’ve made in our ‘SmartTruck’ fleet.  We’ve welcomed a brand new 11.5 tonne capacity MB53, mounted on an 8×4 chassis, and have plans to bring a MB54 into service shortly, followed by a MB55 which is currently being built in France. In addition, we’ve replaced four drill rigs in 2024 across customer sites with a selection of models and rig types from leading manufacturers, Epiroc and Sandvik.   

Making a difference

From the quarry to the golf course, the relationships we build with our customers, partners and one another form the backbone of the EPC way. This year we marked the 10th anniversary of our now industry renowned Charity Golf Day at a new location of Wychwood Park in Cheshire. Back in 2014, we held our first golfing event with just 27 players. This year we welcomed 123 and made an outstanding £7652. That sum means that over the decade we’ve raised over £45,000 to help secure a running total of 38 defibrillators…and counting…in junior sports clubs and community venues across the country. I can never thank those who support our cause enough for their continued commitment and sporting approach to our annual event which helps EPC-UK to make more publicly used places, heart safe spaces.

My list of annual highlights could go on indefinitely, but I will choose one last win from the year to mention: During the wet spring season it seemed as though the bees at our Rough Close Works hives wouldn’t stand a chance when attempting to gather pollen. Against the odds, and thanks to the continued commitment of our resident beekeeper, Andy Bailey, the colonies made up for lost time once weather conditions finally changed, creating a bumper crop of honey through a level of perseverance to feel inspired by.

With that, I thank everyone for being part of the team and for the role you each play in making our successes happen year on year.” 

Ben Williams