Nigel Palmer joins BCAS Board as Elected Manufacturer representative

SCC Air Compressors UK Ltd is pleased to share that Managing Director Nigel Palmer has been appointed to the Board of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), holding one of only two elected manufacturer positions. His appointment reflects both his long-standing involvement in the compressed air sector and his commitment to raising standards across the industry.

For customers, partners, and colleagues, this is a positive signal that SCC UK is closely engaged with the organisations helping to shape best practice, safety, and efficiency in compressed air systems across the country.

BCAS and the role of the Board

BCAS is the UK’s trade association for the compressed air and vacuum industry, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, and service providers to promote standards, guidance, training, safety, and best practice. It provides a forum for companies to work together on shared challenges and opportunities, from energy efficiency to compliance and skills.

Serving on the BCAS Board means helping to set priorities for the association, supporting the development of guidance and training, and contributing to industry-wide initiatives. Board members bring the perspective of their part of the supply chain – in Nigel’s case, that of a compressor manufacturer operating in a dynamic UK market.

Holding one of only two elected manufacturer positions, Nigel will focus on collaboration rather than competition: working with peers, distributors, and end users to support a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable compressed air industry.

From the Royal Navy to managing SCC UK

Nigel’s journey into compressed air and industrial engineering began in the Royal Navy, where he served as a Marine Engineer from 1998 to 2007. Working at sea under demanding conditions gave him a deep, hands-on understanding of machinery, reliability, and safety, as well as experience leading teams in environments where downtime is simply not an option.

After leaving the Navy, he moved into the industrial sector as a Chiller & Air Treatment Engineer with Domnick Hunter / Parker Hannifin from 2007 to 2013. There he worked directly with compressed air, gas generation, and cooling technologies, supporting industrial clients with technical service and troubleshooting in the field.

From 2013 to 2015, Nigel broadened his commercial experience as a Nitrogen Sales Specialist at Maziak, focusing on nitrogen generation solutions and working closely with customers to align technical capabilities with real-world operating needs.

He then took on a wider management role as UK Contracts & Service Manager at Rockwell Automation between 2015 and 2018. In this position he was responsible for national service contracts, leading teams and projects, and supporting strategic planning for installed bases across multiple sites and sectors.

Since 2018, Nigel has been Managing Director of SCC Air Compressors UK Ltd, where he has been building the UK business and partner network for SCC, a European compressor manufacturer with a growing presence in the UK and Ireland. Under his leadership, SCC UK has focused on delivering smart, efficient, and cost-effective compressed air solutions supported by local partners and service capability.

This combination of hands-on engineering, service and sales experience, and leadership in a growing SME gives Nigel a broad view of the compressed air landscape – from the plant room to the boardroom – which he now brings to BCAS.

Focus areas Nigel will bring to BCAS

Nigel’s appointment to the BCAS Board is driven by a clear set of priorities shaped by his background and day-to-day work with customers.

He has a strong connection to the BCAS manufacturing committee’s Armed Forces Project and sees real potential for more veterans to build successful careers in the compressed air industry. Drawing on his own time in the Royal Navy, he understands how well the skills developed in service – discipline, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical capability – can transfer into engineering roles in industry when given the right support.

A consistent theme in his career has been a commitment to best practice and safety. On the Board, he aims to support the development and sharing of clear, practical guidance that helps companies of all sizes improve the way compressed air systems are designed, operated, and maintained. That includes a strong focus on energy efficiency and more sustainable compressed air solutions, helping users reduce waste and operating costs without compromising reliability.

Nigel is also keen to ensure that smaller and mid-sized companies are heard alongside larger manufacturers. He understands the challenges SMEs face in terms of resources, skills, and time, and wants to help ensure that BCAS initiatives remain accessible, relevant, and achievable for the full supply chain.

Training and skills development are another key focus. Nigel is committed to supporting the next generation of engineers – whether they come from apprenticeships, higher education, or the Armed Forces – so that the industry has the capability it needs to remain innovative, competitive, and closely aligned with customer needs over the long term.

What this means for SCC UK customers and partners

For SCC UK’s customers, partners, and distributors, having the Managing Director involved in the BCAS Board reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to best practice, safety, and compliance in compressed air systems.

It helps ensure that SCC UK remains close to developments in standards, guidance, and training, and can reflect these in its own solutions and services. This includes a continued focus on energy-efficient and cost-effective systems that support customers’ wider sustainability and productivity goals.

At the same time, Nigel’s role on the Board is about contributing to the sector, not promoting individual products. The benefit for SCC UK’s customers lies in deeper insight, stronger networks, and a clear commitment to doing things properly – from system design and installation through to service support and lifecycle performance.

A shared commitment to quality

For SCC Air Compressors, this appointment reinforces the group’s wider dedication to quality and compliance. Joachim Kosinski, CEO of SCC Air Compressors, sees Nigel’s role as a strong endorsement of the work being done by the UK team and said, “We are very proud to see Nigel join the BCAS Board. At SCC, we have always believed that high standards and transparent processes are the foundation of a strong industry. Having our UK Managing Director help steer these discussions confirms that we are not just a supplier, but an active and responsible participant in the British market.”

A word from Nigel Palmer

Nigel Palmer shared his enthusiasm about this new role and explained, “I am honoured to take on this elected manufacturer role on the BCAS Board. The compressed air industry has given me an excellent second career after leaving the Royal Navy, and I am particularly keen to see more veterans find similar opportunities. Working with colleagues across the sector, I hope to support high standards, practical guidance, and more energy-efficient solutions that work for both large manufacturers and smaller businesses.”

Looking ahead

Nigel’s appointment to the BCAS Board marks an important step in his long-standing contribution to the compressed air sector and underlines SCC UK’s commitment to responsible, efficient compressed air solutions in the UK and Ireland. Together with customers, partners, and colleagues, SCC Air Compressors UK Ltd looks forward to supporting a safer, more sustainable, and more collaborative future for the industry.