21
September
Membership
Solutions to
Solutions to
your queries
If you are considering BCAS membership, we would be delighted to discuss the options available and help you find the category that best suits your organisation. To assist you, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions covering membership, the application process, member benefits, events, and our cancellation policy.
Joining BCAS and Using your membership
Which membership class is right for me?
Group Member – Under the BCAS Articles of Association, Group Membership is limited to a maximum of three member companies. Any organisation wishing to apply for Group Membership status must submit a written application to the BCAS Executive Director, which will then be reviewed by the Board of Directors.
Should an application be approved, amendments to the Articles of Association would be required and the proposed changes would need to be presented to the membership for approval at an Annual General Meeting.
BCAS is not currently accepting applications for new Group Memberships.
Full Member – The full benefits of BCAS membership open to manufacturers, distributors and suppliers engaged in the compressed air and vacuum industry.
Associate Member – A flexible membership option for businesses within the compressed air industry, this category is suited to organisations that either prefer a lighter level of membership or do not currently meet the requirements for full BCAS membership. As your organisation develops, you can transition to full membership once the necessary criteria have been satisfied.
International Member – This membership is for businesses registered outside of the UK.
Individual Member – Whether you have a professional interest in compressed air legislation, a passion for understanding its applications, or are working independently within the sector, this membership provides access to valuable industry information and resources. It is open to individuals outside the compressed air industry, sole traders, and those not currently employed by a BCAS member company.
End User Member – This membership is for users of compressed air and vacuum related products.
Armed Forces Member – Armed Forces Membership is available free of charge to individuals who are currently serving, transitioning from service, or have previously served in the UK Armed Forces. Applicants will be required to provide appropriate identification to verify their eligibility.
Should an Armed Forces Member join or become employed by an existing BCAS member company, their Armed Forces Membership will cease, and their membership status will transfer to the appropriate category associated with their employer’s BCAS membership.
How long does it take to process my application?
The membership application process is designed to ensure that all applications are reviewed fairly and consistently.
- Complete and submit the relevant BCAS Membership Application Form.
- Upon receipt, BCAS will verify the company’s details through Companies House.
- The application is then circulated to members within the corresponding membership category for peer review for a period of 28 days. For example, manufacturer applications are reviewed by manufacturer members.
- During the peer review period, members can support or raise objections to the application. *
- Following the peer review process, the application is presented to the BCAS Board of Directors for final consideration and approval. **
- Once approved, the new member will receive a welcome pack, and a BCAS membership plaque will be presented for display as recognition of their status as an official BCAS member organisation.
* As the UK’s dedicated trade association for the compressed air industry, BCAS does not refuse membership without valid justification. Examples of circumstances that may result in an application being declined include the applicant not operating within the UK market (where International Membership may be more appropriate), unresolved legal proceedings supported by evidence, or a refusal to comply with the BCAS Code of Conduct.
** The BCAS Board of Directors meets four times each year. To help avoid unnecessary delays, applications received more than two weeks before a scheduled board meeting may be submitted to the Board electronically for retrospective approval, enabling membership to commence as soon as possible.
How do I renew my BCAS membership each year?
Membership is renewed automatically each year. Full Members will be invited to submit their latest three years’ turnover declarations and confirm their acceptance of the BCAS Code of Conduct. The average turnover across this three-year period is used to determine the appropriate membership banding.
Once this information has been received, an invoice will be generated and issued to the designated primary contact or billing contact. Where these roles are assigned to different individuals, both contacts will receive a copy. Group and Full members will have the choice of paying in full for the year or via monthly instalments.
For all other membership categories, renewal invoices are generated based on the current membership category held. All memberships that are not Group or Full are chargeable in full for the coming 12-month period.
Membership renewals take place annually on 1st July.
How do I update my contact details?
Member contact details, including the addition and removal of employees, can be managed through the dedicated member portal on the BCAS website. We encourage the primary contact, or another designated representative within your organisation, to regularly review and update your membership information to ensure BCAS holds the most accurate contact details for all individuals associated with your membership, including names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. There is no limit to the number of updates that can be made or the number of eligible employees that can be added to your membership.
How do I access the member resources, and can I provide access to my employees?
Access to BCAS member resources and benefits is linked to your organisation’s email domain (for example, @xyz.com). To enable additional employees to access member-only benefits, they must have a valid company email address that matches your registered business domain (for example, joe@xyz.com). Only current employees of your organisation may be added to your membership. Individuals who are not directly employed by your company, including subcontractors, customers, consultants, family members or other third parties, are not eligible to be included.
Member benefits
What services does BCAS provide to its members?
By joining the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), you will gain access to a wide range of exclusive benefits designed to support your business, enhance your industry knowledge, and help you influence the future direction of the compressed air and vacuum sector. These benefits include:
- Access to our complimentary legislative update service, helping you stay informed of the latest UK and EU regulations affecting the industry.
- The opportunity to contribute to the development, review, and revision of European directives and industry standards.
- Participation in dedicated BCAS Committees, which form the foundation of our industry work. Committee members can contribute to BCAS projects, including training programmes, technical publications, and initiatives that help shape industry legislation and best practice.
- A free business support helpline providing expert guidance on HR, legal, health and safety, and tax-related matters.
- Technical advice and support covering all aspects of compressed air, vacuum, and downstream equipment.
- Access to specialist education and training programmes at discounted member rates, supported by our Training Incentive Programme.
- Quarterly newsletters featuring technical, legislative, and commercial updates relevant to the compressed air and vacuum industry.
- Access to industry-specific statistics and market intelligence to support business planning and performance (restrictions may apply. Please contact BCAS for further information).
- Information, resources, and services available through our international trade body, PNEUROP.
- Access to resources and opportunities provided through our partner associations.
- Invitations to exclusive industry events and networking opportunities.
- Inclusion in BCAS member directories and the Air User publication.
- Member-exclusive discounts on a range of products and services, including hotels, IT equipment, and home and garden products. BCAS continually seeks to expand these offers, so members are encouraged to check regularly for the latest additions.
A comprehensive overview of member benefits can be found in the table below.
How can I get involved in BCAS committees or working groups?
Each committee has specific eligibility requirements. To determine whether you qualify and to learn more about the committees currently available, please see below:
Air Treatment & Applications Committee (ATAC)
Open to full manufacturing members operating in the field of air treatment equipment and applications.
Compressor Committee
Open to full manufacturing members operating in the field of compressor equipment.
Vacuum Committee
Open to full manufacturing and distributor members operating in the field of vacuum pumps and associated equipment.
Distributor Committee
Open to full distributor members involved in the supply of compressed air, vacuum and/or air treatment products.
Training & Development Committee
Open to all full manufacturing and distributor members working within the compressor, vacuum, air treatment and associated product sectors.
Emerging Leaders Committee
Established in 2026, this committee is open to individuals aged 18 to 40 from all full membership categories. It has been created to provide the next generation of industry professionals with a platform to share ideas, contribute to industry discussions and help shape the future of the compressed air and vacuum sector.
Associate members may be eligible to join a committee; however, participation is strictly by invitation only.
Where can I find BCAS resources and publications?
A wide range of BCAS resources, including information on compressed air technology, industry standards, legislation, health and safety, and sustainability, can be accessed through the Knowledge section of the BCAS website.
In addition, the Knowledge section provides access to a comprehensive library of industry factsheets, a full dictionary of compressed air and vacuum terminology, and a collection of frequently asked questions and industry myths.
BCAS Best Practice Guides are hosted on our dedicated Learning Management System and can be accessed directly at elearning.bcas.org.uk or via the Knowledge section of the main BCAS website.
What training and certification programmes are available for members?
BCAS offers a comprehensive range of training solutions designed specifically for the compressed air and vacuum industry. Our portfolio includes practical, sector-specific training, blended learning programmes that combine self-paced online study with virtual or classroom-based sessions, and fully online courses that allow learners to study at a time and pace that suits them.
All BCAS training courses are CPD-approved by the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), providing learners with recognised professional development opportunities. Our training programmes cater to a range of experience levels, from the introductory Working Safely with Compressed Air (WSWCA) course through to our Compressed Air Management training modules and the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Installation and Commissioning.
All training courses can be purchased through our dedicated Learning Management System at elearning.bcas.org.uk. For further information or advice on selecting the most appropriate training pathway, please contact the BCAS Training Team at training@bcas.org.uk.
BCAS Events
Can I attend BCAS events as a non-member?
Unfortunately, attendance at BCAS events is generally restricted to members. Eligibility and attendance arrangements vary by event as outlined below:
BCAS Spring Conference
Group and Full Members are invited to attend free of charge. Associate, International, and Individual Members are also welcome to attend but will be charged the applicable delegate rate for the event.
BCAS Lunch
Held every two years at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, this event is open to Group, Full, Associate, International, and Individual Members. Attendance is chargeable at the advertised ticket price. Members are welcome to invite guests, who may also attend at the applicable ticket rate.
BCAS Ball
Held every two years at The Savoy, London, this black-tie event is open to Group, Full, Associate, International, and Individual Members. Attendance is chargeable at the advertised ticket price. Members may invite guests to attend, with guest tickets available at the applicable event rate.
Cancellation Process
How do I cancel my membership?
The cancellation process varies depending on your membership category.
For all membership categories except Group and Full Membership, cancellation may be requested at any time by emailing membership@bcas.org.uk. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made before the end of the membership year, and membership benefits will remain active until 30th June of the current membership year.
For Group and Full Membership categories, a minimum of six months’ written notice is required. Notice must be submitted to membership@bcas.org.uk no later than 31st December of the current membership year. Cancellation requests received after this date will take effect at the end of the following membership year, and the member company will remain liable for the subsequent annual renewal fee.
Scenario A
Company XYZ submits written notice to BCAS on or before 31st December 2026.
BCAS will accept the cancellation for the current membership period ending 30th June 2027. No renewal invoice will be issued on 1st July 2027, and the company’s membership will cease on 30th June 2027. At this point, access to all BCAS member services, resources and systems will be withdrawn.
Any outstanding invoices for training or events will be required to be paid prior to membership being cancelled.
If any employee of the member company is serving on a BCAS committee, working group or Board, their appointment will end when the membership terminates.
No refunds will be provided for early cancellation.
Scenario B
Company XYZ submits written notice to BCAS on or after 1st January 2027.
BCAS will accept the cancellation for the end of the following membership year. A renewal invoice will therefore be issued on 1st July 2027, and the member company will remain liable for payment of this invoice.
Membership will continue until 30th June 2028, at which point it will be terminated and access to all BCAS member services, resources and systems will be withdrawn.
Any outstanding invoices for training or events will be required to be paid prior to membership being cancelled.
If any employee of the member company is serving on a BCAS committee, working group or Board, their appointment will end when the membership terminates.
No refunds will be provided for early cancellation.
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