A more than familiar face around the UK mineral extractives industry, Mike Phillips, general manager of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), is moving on to new challenges in 2018 after 10 years in post. During his ten-year tenure at IQ Phillips made a considerable contribution, which has seen the organisation move forward in a number of areas. These include IQ gaining Professional Affiliation Status to the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the engineering profession that sets and maintains
A more than familiar face around the UK mineral extractives industry, Mike Phillips, general manager of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), is moving on to new challenges in 2018 after 10 years in post.
During his ten-year tenure at IQ Phillips made a considerable contribution, which has seen the organisation move forward in a number of areas. These include IQ gaining Professional Affiliation Status to the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the engineering profession that sets and maintains internationally recognised standards of professional competence and commitment.
Phillips was also the driving force behind the introduction of IQ’s Corporate Professional Competence Scheme, The PRIME project and introducing the TMIQ membership level, as well as the development of online Continuous Professional Development (CPD) recording system and IQ’s CPD App.
Miles Watkins, IQ president, said: “Mike Phillips is a name known to most people in our industry. His infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy have played a big part in driving forward his ideas and initiatives. During his decade long service IQ has made significant progress, increasing its membership and cementing its reputation for professional excellence across the industry.
“I’m pleased to say that whilst Mike is heading off to pursue new challenges, he will be continuing to work with the IQ in an independent capacity, supporting the important work of the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC). Everyone at IQ wishes him well and thanks him for everything he has achieved.”
Commenting on his time at IQ, Phillips said: “I’ve worked within the extractives and mineral processing industry for over 24 years, starting my career at Hargreaves Quarries in Yorkshire. During my time within the industry I’ve been involved with most things – including quarrying, asphalt, concrete and recycling – not only in the UK but also overseas.
“I became a proud member of IQ aged 24 as an aspiring young manager. From where I started, I never believed that my career would lead me to the coveted role of General Manager at IQ. I’ve always been huge advocate of professional development and my time at IQ has allowed me to share my passion and commitment with many others.
“The industry has taken major leaps forward over the years in improvements in health and safety, sustainability, recycling and community relations, but it is the industry’s commitment to developing the skills and competencies of its people that makes me most proud.
“IQ is in great shape for what promises to be a very exciting future. I’ll be keeping in touch with all of my colleagues and look forward to following the success of the new IQ Skills Pledge.”
Phillips leaves IQ at the end of December 2017.
