HAVEN Waterway Enterprise Zone chairman Nick Bourne gives his monthly update.

“Important new regulations come into place next summer that could affect a number of businesses in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone.

“The Certificate European (CE) Marking of all fabricated steel used in construction becomes mandatory after July 1 2014 and after that date it will be illegal to trade fabricated steelwork and related products on the European market unless it has CE accreditation.

“The letters CE appear on many products that are traded on the single market in the European Economic Area.

“The CE marking is required for many products and attests the verification by a manufacturer that these products meet European Union safety, health or environmental requirements.

“CE Marking is regulated by criminal law and the penalties for not CE Marking or incorrect CE Marking are a fine, imprisonment or both, and businesses could potentially be closed until proper certification is in place or forced to recall non-complying products already on the market.

“The regulations are broad and cover products such as steel sections, bolts, welding consumables and fabricated steel components that are used in buildings, bridges, highways or other civil engineering projects.

“So this could affect a number of companies within the Enterprise Zone and further afield within Pembrokeshire so it is vital they are up to speed with the new regulations.

“Further information on the regulations can be found on the Steel Construction website www.steelconstruction and practical guidance on the routes to achieving certification can be found in the British Constructional Steelwork Association leaflet ‘Routes to CE Marking Certification for Steelworks Contractors’, which is available via the website.

“The topic will also be on the agenda for the next SME Breakfast meeting which is being run by the Haven Enterprise Zone Board and will be held on January 24.

“Businesses attending will be able to learn about their obligations in this area. Those interested in attending can register their interest by e-mailing tony.streatfield@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

“Training is one of my priorities for the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone. My vision is to develop tailored specialist energy related training packages working with partners including Pembrokeshire College, Communities First, independent training providers and most importantly employers.

“We are also looking at the potential of creating a Maritime Centre of Excellence to raise awareness of the Maritime sector to the Haven area.

“Again, the role of partners and stakeholders will be crucial in developing this. We are living in a changing world and ensuring our workforce has the right skills is vitally important for the long term sustainability of the area.

“This is an evolving picture and I will keep you informed of developments through my monthly column.

“Until then I hope all the businesses in the Enterprise Zone and further afield in Pembrokeshire have a peaceful Christmas and prosperous 2014.”