Seasons Greetings from IWMA Chairman – Martin Van Der Zwan

2021 has been another challenging year for everyone due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit fallout.

Whilst thankfully we are all still here, I would like to pay my respects to family and friends that some of us have lost during this time. Hopefully, there is light at the end of this dark tunnel and with most, if not all of us receiving Covid vaccinations, we can return to some normality in 2022.

IWMA has gone through tough times financially. The lack of income from cancelled exhibitions has forced us to give up the offices in Wellington House and retain only a virtual presence, as well as reluctantly reduce staff numbers. We really need the wire show in Düsseldorf next May to go ahead to bring us back to financial fluidity.

In business, Brexit has resulted in rising prices and material shortages due to the shipping crisis which has affected us all, and will continue for the foreseeable future. We will also now face the adherence to import inspections from January, so expect more delays…..

On a more positive note we all congratulate Jessica who was married earlier this year and wish her and her husband much happiness together.

Christmas is a time for looking forward with optimism: a happy festival to brighten the cold of winter and encourage us to look to the New Year beyond.

So, at the close of 2021, let’s all hope the New Year will be better, safer and healthier for us all. On behalf of my friends and colleagues at the IWMA – and personally, for my last time as chairman – I wish you and your families our very best wishes for the holiday and the year to come. 

My warmest regards
Martin