Outstanding service

Martin Althorpe, technical director of Epwin Window Systems, has been awarded the British Plastics Federation’s Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Services to the BPF and the wider industry.

Philip Law, director general at the BPF, said: “Martin was the longstanding chairman of the BPF Windows Group Technical Committee and has since served many years as chairman of the whole Windows Group.

“These were testing times for the industry, which was the object of unwarranted environmental attacks and was also undergoing a period of rationalisation. Martin’s leadership brought the group through these difficulties intact and provided a very strong sustainability story.

“Following his longstanding role on the BPF’s council and its Strategy and Finance Committee, Martin was elected as BPF president in 2019 and then served through the most difficult time in the BPF’s history until 2021.

“Martin’s calm, measured approach to the BPF’s business was an inspiration to the members and staff in so many of the crisis meetings held. He is uniquely qualified to be the recipient of the BPF’s Gold Medal Award.”

Martin said: “I am honoured to receive this award. The industry has an impressive track record of producing innovations that have changed people’s lives for the better and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Clare O’Hara, managing director of Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are delighted that Martin has received this award. It’s fitting recognition of his work and commitment throughout the industry.”

Martin is the first representative of the window industry to receive the award and joins an elite group of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the UK plastics industry.