Simon Hill, the Executive Director of Business for Yorkshire Forward, visited ETCIC (Environmental Technologies Centre of Industrial Collaboration) at the University of Hull on Tuesday 11 September 2007 to meet some of the first delegates on its pioneering Postgraduate Course in REACH Management.

Simon Hill Speaking

The course, the only one of it’s kind in the world, has been launched to train those responsible for managing their organisation’s compliance with the new REACH legislation.  REACH is expected to affect thousands of British businesses that manufacture chemicals or use them in their processes.

Speaking to delegates from UK- and overseas-based chemical companies at the official reception at the University of Hull, Simon Hill said:
“I am delighted to be here tonight on behalf of the Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward”. 

“The chemical industry makes a major contribution to the economy of Yorkshire and Humber.  It is vitally important to this region as a manufacturer, an employer, and a supplier of many of the products we use every day.

 “This course is not only an example of excellent collaboration between the worlds of industry, education and training, it is also a ‘first’ in the world.  We’re particularly pleased to be associated with an important development that’s also a leader in its field.”

David Calvert and Simon Hill

Dr David Calvert of ETCIC, who has developed the Postgraduate Certificate, thanked the development, marketing and administrative teams who have helped get the course through accreditation in record time.  The University recently announced that Module 1 of the September 2007 course had sold out, with places taken by delegates from five countries.

Registrations are now being taken for all elements of the course, which comprises four, one-week modules.  Companies to have signed up for the course include: Kimberly Clark, Chevron, Samsung, GlaxoSmithKline, and Nippon Gohsei.

REACH Pioneers

The next date for the first module is Monday 7th January 2008.  Anyone interested in receiving information on the course should email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01482 466940 or visit www.etcic.com/reach.html

The University of Hull has also launched ‘The REACH Blog’ for those interested in keeping abreast of developments with the legislation.  To subscribe to the free online service, visit www.thereachblog.com