BLOG: Navigating the Path to UKCA Mark Approval
Discover the inspiring journey of our Managing Director, Barry Hobday, as he navigates the complex process of securing the UKCA mark. The process illuminates the broader landscape of challenges and opportunities facing many UK businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As the Managing Director of MAPUK, I am incredibly proud to announce that we have secured the UKCA mark for our fire dampers, positioning us as one of the first suppliers in the UK to achieve this significant milestone. This achievement is not just a testament to our dedication and hard work but also a reflection of the broader challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for many businesses across the UK, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The journey to UKCA mark approval
The journey to securing the UKCA mark has been a challenging experience. The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain. It covers most goods that previously required the CE marking. For MAPUK, this transition from CE to UKCA involved rigorous testing, thorough documentation and ensuring our products met the highest standards of safety and quality as mandated by UK regulations. The process required close collaboration with regulatory bodies, comprehensive internal audits and significant investment in both time and staff resources.
Increased complexity over the years
One of the significant challenges that SME’s face is that the UKCA process is far more complicated than the certification processes of a decade ago. When companies applied for CA or CE marks ten years ago, the requirements were less stringent. Over the years, new requirements have been added to ensure higher safety and quality standards. However, businesses with existing CA or CE marks did not need to reapply, so many may not realise the level of work required until they undertake the UKCA application. This can come as a surprise, as the level of detail and compliance needed is substantial.
Navigating this new regulatory landscape post-Brexit added another layer of complexity. The shift from CE to UKCA marking meant that we had to adapt to new compliance requirements while ensuring that our supply chain and production processes were not disrupted. This was particularly critical for us because fire dampers are essential components in building safety and any delay or error could have serious implications.
Impacts beyond the built environment
While our focus at MAPUK is on the built environment, the implications of UKCA marking extend far beyond. The new regulations affect a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive and consumer goods. Businesses in these sectors will also need to secure UKCA marking for their products, which presents both challenges and opportunities.
For many companies, especially SMEs, the transition can be daunting. The process requires a very deep understanding of the new regulatory requirements, substantial documentation and potentially costly modifications to products or production processes. However, securing the UKCA mark also opens new opportunities for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety, which can be a significant competitive advantage.
Encouraging industry-wide innovation and compliance
At MAPUK, we believe that our achievement in securing the UKCA mark sets a new benchmark for the industry. We hope that our success will inspire other manufacturers to elevate their standards and prioritise safety and compliance. This shift is crucial, not just for meeting regulatory requirements but for fostering innovation and improving overall industry standards.
The transition to UKCA marking can drive significant innovation as businesses look for new ways to meet the stringent requirements. For instance, our new fire damper, developed in partnership with the Swedish ventilation company, Bevent Rasch, is a prime example of how innovation can lead to improved safety and efficiency, with tweaks actually made to the product during the UKCA application. The new fire damper OPTIMUS 60 delivers advanced technology, ease of installation and enhanced protection, setting a new standard in fire safety solutions.
A call to action for UK businesses
As we move forward, it is essential for businesses across the UK to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the new UKCA marking. This transition is not just about compliance; it is about ensuring that the products we manufacture and supply meet the highest standards of safety and quality. It is about protecting consumers, building trust and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
At MAPUK, we are committed to leading by example. We will continue to uphold the highest standards in our products and processes and we will support our partners and customers in navigating this new regulatory landscape. Securing the UKCA mark is a significant milestone for us, but it is just the beginning. Together, with our parters we can set new standards, drive innovation and ensure a safer, more compliant future for all industries across the UK.
About the author
Barry Hobday is the Managing Director at Motorised Air Products Ltd (MAPUK). With the help of innovative research, MAPUK and its associated suppliers are committed to using pioneering product design and technology to provide unique solutions in air conditioning, ventilation and fire safety.