All about OCCA

How OCCA can benefit your company

Who and what is OCCA?

The Oil & Colour Chemists' Association (OCCA) is a leading professional body, recognised worldwide as an authority on all matters relating to the colour and surface coatings industries. OCCA is a Members organisation. Our Members are our strength. The majority of our activities and events are organised by them. OCCA Members are professional individuals; employed at all levels and capacities, by the companies that manufacture, supply, or apply the colours, coatings, raw materials, equipment, or services of our industry.

We are a leader in every sense: for the strength of our collective knowledge, our expertise, our commitment to encouraging best practice and, of course, for the way in which we support our Members and promote the industry in general.

OCCA Members, working throughout the industry in organisations both large and small, have a shared view that, as business becomes ever more competitive and customers' expectations rise, only the highest levels of training, knowledge and expertise can meet the challenges ahead. The Association is forward thinking and responsive to change. It supports its Members and their respective companies to meet these challenges, cost effectively.

Why OCCA is important to your organisation

These are challenging and exciting times in the colour and coatings industry. Something above and beyond the commonplace is needed. OCCA is providing that extra dimension, namely, a competitive advantage for both its Members and their companies. Companies, as well as their employees, benefit from a Member's active involvement within OCCA.

Here at OCCA we understand that information and knowledge are vital to success. Accordingly, we draw from a wealth of industry experience and talent, to deliver tangible benefits to our individual Members in the workplace.

Strong and continuous growth has enabled OCCA to become an international centre of excellence, dedicated to developing knowledge and expertise within the colour and coatings sector. Our Members are talented technical people, who have set themselves apart through professional qualifications, a firm industry focus, as well as a real commitment to achievement and progress. In short, our Members are the sort of people you are pleased to have working at your side, to help you grow and develop your business.

What is OCCA doing that can support and enhance your organisation?

• OCCA administers a series of benchmark professional qualifications for your personnel, which have been adopted by OCCA's sister organisations worldwide. These qualifications are hallmarks of technical competence - people at the peak of their profession.
• OCCA offers its Members, free of charge, continuing professional development (CPD) accreditation. Many Members are no longer satisfied with qualifications alone and want to be at the forefront of progress and change; the sort of progress that gives companies an edge.
• OCCA arranges an international, value for money, programme of conferences, workshops and technical meetings, not just for Members, but also for the colour and coatings industry as a whole. OCCA is at the forefront when it comes to developing a technical base for the industry.
• OCCA publishes Surface Coatings International in two parts. Part A is a lively and topical review of the industry and Part B is a definitive, peer-reviewed journal of record dedicated to advancing the science and technology of coatings, inks and related materials.
• OCCA organises the popular SURFEX exhibitions, the most visible part of OCCA's partnership with the international coatings industry. SURFEX exhibitions in the UK, South Africa, Scandinavia and Singapore give the industry cost-effective showcases for companies, their products and services.
• OCCA supports and encourages students and new recruits to our industry. OCCA sections build supporting relationships with local educational bodies and organise technical events. Students and new recruits are our future. OCCA is committed to nurturing these high achievers of the 21st century.
• OCCA arranges an extensive programme of social and sporting events, the ideal platform for mixing business with pleasure and networking in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

This all adds up to one thing - an international organisation that is totally dedicated to serving the best interests of the industry; a true 'Professional Partner for Surface Coatings'.

Add your influence to OCCA's activities and help steer our future. We invite you to: join us; attend our meetings; subscribe to our publications; participate in our exhibitions; and enjoy our social events. Above all, encourage your staff to join the Oil & Colour Chemists' Association. Remember, your interests are our interests: professionalism and performance.

For further information about OCCA and how it can help your company, contact Barbara Knight, the Association's Membership Secretary, at 1st Floor, 3 Eden Court, Eden Way, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4FY, UK, Tel: +44 (0)1525 372530, Fax: +44 (0)1525 372600, Email: membership@occa.org.uk, Websites: http://www.occa.org.uk and http://www.surfex.net.

OCCA... achievement, vision, leadership