The National Association of Steel Service Centres (NASS) is to close, with the International Steel Trade Association (ISTA) being passed exclusive rights to its name, Kallanish learns from a joint statement.
Ian Darby, NASS director general, says “it is with deep regret” that the association, which was established in 1927, has come to an end in its current format. He notes the “challenging” financial viability of the organisation since he became director general in May 2023.
“It is with deep sadness that I could not reverse the trend of falling subscriptions to keep the organisation going to its 100th year,” he adds.
ISTA has been granted full and exclusive right to the use of the NASS name. In a statement, ISTA says it is “most honoured to have been passed by NASS the great names of both the National Association of Steel Stockholders and the National Association of Steel Service Centres.”
ISTA is to reach out to all existing NASS members and invite them to join the association, which has more than 100 members, including traders, downstream manufacturers, service centres, stockholders, fabricators, shipowners, port handlers, and insurers. These members account for approximately 25% of imports into the combined UK and EU market.
ISTA says it has built a sound relationship with the Trade Remedies Authority with regards to current safeguarding and anti-dumping investigations. It is closely liaising with the DBT and government ministers with regard to the replacement of safeguarding from 1 July.
UK steel industry associations are continuing to evolve, with the North Eastern Association of Steel Stockholders (NEASS) rebranding as the National Steel Association (NSA) last year. NSA says it is the largest steel trade association membership in the UK & Northern Ireland. Membership has been growing, now reaching more than 170 members, up from 100 last year.
Author: Carrie Bone
