Alan Murray honoured with lifetime achievement award

The accolade, presented at a packed VOX Conference Centre in Birmingham to a standing ovation from over 700 industry professionals, recognises Alan’s exceptional contribution to the safety and health sector over a distinguished career spanning several decades.

Alan, who is set to retire later this year and take up the role of Executive Chairman of BSIF, was visibly moved by the recognition.

“I was both surprised and humbled in equal measure,” said Alan Murray. “It has been my privilege to serve BSIF and to join such an esteemed list of previous winners of the Safety and Health Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. I would like to record my thanks to the Board of BSIF and to the staff of the Federation who, over the years, have given me fantastic support.”

Alan joined BSIF in 2014, bringing with him a wealth of experience from senior leadership roles in commercial organisations within the safety and health sector. His career includes key positions at Scott Safety and Kimberly-Clark, where he played a pivotal role in expanding their portfolio to incorporate workwear and protective clothing alongside their established paper and non-woven products. He also spent time at London Rubber Company, renowned for its Durex and Marigold brands, where he was instrumental in establishing the business as a global leader in hand protection. Over the past 11 years, Alan has successfully led BSIF through a period of significant transformation, driving remarkable growth in both membership and influence across the UK’s safety and health landscape.

Under Alan’s leadership, BSIF played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers met strict standards under the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme—a program ensuring that PPE and safety equipment marketed to UK workers is fully compliant and fit for purpose.

In 2019, Alan Murray was appointed President of the European Safety Federation—the collective of national bodies dedicated to lobbying and advising within the EU framework—ultimately serving two terms. In 2024, he became Honorary President of Safety Groups UK.

Chairman of BSIF, John Gill, praised the impact Alan has had on the industry and the Federation: “Alan has been instrumental in guiding BSIF to the influential position it holds today. His unwavering commitment to safety, integrity, and standards has ensured our members not only thrive but serve the nation with products and services that truly protect lives. His leadership during the COVID PPE crisis was nothing short of remarkable.”

Gill continued: “The Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting recognition of a career dedicated to making the UK one of the safest places to work in the world. From his early days at Kimberly Clark and the London Rubber Company to becoming President of the European Safety Federation and Honorary President of Safety Groups UK, Alan has left an indelible mark on the industry.”

The Federation and its members extend their heartfelt congratulations to Alan and look forward to continuing to benefit from his wisdom and guidance in his upcoming role as Executive Chairman.