4 replies to this topic

[wayne]

Hi All,

 

The home office has contacted me regarding further research that they are conducting for explosive precursors.  This stems from the recent terrorist atrocities in the UK.  They have employed a research company to carry out a survey primarily aimed at precursor suppliers.  I think its imperative than anyone who resells precursor takes part in the survey to ensure that our sector is represented.  We don't want to lose the ability to buy chemicals altogether!  They have issued me the statement below which should clarify the research and provides the link to the survey.

 

Please feel free to pass this on to anyone who supplies chemicals.  Also, feel free to re-post this in any other forum.  The more exposure the better.

 

Cheers,

 

Wayne.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

Dear colleague,

 

You may, or may not be aware that some products sold by companies such as yours can be used in the manufacture of explosive devices.

 

Following the explosive attack at Manchester Arena, the UK Government is reviewing capability to prevent and detect terrorist acquisition of chemicals that can be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives. In this context, the Home Office are conducting research to gain a greater understanding of the demand and scale of the retail market of specified chemicals that can be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives. These chemicals may be widely used in homes and are widely available on the UK market.

 

The research is key to enabling the government to understand the scale of the market and to prioritise engagement with appropriate retail sectors. The Home Office’s appointed research partner, DJS Research, has approached the UK Pyrotechnics Society to support them with the engagement of our membership, and I would greatly appreciate your input to further the Home Office’s understanding of our sector.

 

With this in mind, can I encourage you to take part in an online survey that you can complete at a time of your convenience. The survey should last no longer than 10 minutes. If you are willing to take part, please click the following link when you are ready … www.djsresearch.co.uk/homeoffice/pyrosociety

 

As a Market Research Society Partner, DJS Research abide by the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. All feedback will remain anonymous and confidential – your name will not be attached to any findings unless you give permission for this.

 

If you wish to verify the legitimacy of the research or have any queries please get in touch by emailing dmarchant@djsresearch.com or roseelizabeth.verrill@homeoffice.x.gsi.gov.uk.

 

Thank you in advance.

[Rob.L.]

 

 

Interestingly,

as someone who has bulk chemicals for potential supply to bona-fide amateurs (occasional) I thought to have a go at this survey and see how it came out.

 

What I discovered is that despite entering different criteria each time I did not 'fit the criteria' to continue the survey!!

 

The initial blurb mentions the supply of Hydrogen Peroxide and other chemicals that have nothing to do with amateur pyro.

 

I think I may well contact the Home Office on this where it concerns me directly. The options given were so limited I don't see how this will give the picture they are looking for or more importantly protect our interests.

 

If anyone is willing it would be more effective to simply speak to the home office and give a true and real picture that reflects reality. That in turn may serve our interests more effectively.

 

[wayne]

After speaking with David (DJS research) this morning, he suggests that you're filtered out due to your particulars as entered are not of interest to the Home Office.  What he means by this is that the HO are looking for precursor suppliers who supply to the general public.  Although you supply to what is in essence the general public, they are currently regulated by precursor licencing.  The home office are looking for suppliers who supply precursors to those who are currently unregulated (he gave an example of fertiliser suppliers, most supply to business so will be filtered out of the survey and only a few supply to the general public which wont).  So, getting filtered out in the survey is actually a good thing - ie, not an area which the HO are interested in research or changing.

 

David did say that its still worth suppliers taking the survey even if they get filtered out as it shows that there is a sector present, albeit not of interest in this survey.  

 

Hope all that makes sense.  I'm only reciting here what I've been told and by all means email David or Rose (email address in original posting) to clarify any further if you wish.

[David G]

It does mention acetone,aluminium powderand potassium and sodium nitrates.

[Rob.L.]

 

 

 

After speaking with David (DJS research) this morning, he suggests that you're filtered out due to your particulars as entered are not of interest to the Home Office.  What he means by this is that the HO are looking for precursor suppliers who supply to the general public.  Although you supply to what is in essence the general public, they are currently regulated by precursor licencing.  The home office are looking for suppliers who supply precursors to those who are currently unregulated (he gave an example of fertiliser suppliers, most supply to business so will be filtered out of the survey and only a few supply to the general public which wont).  So, getting filtered out in the survey is actually a good thing - ie, not an area which the HO are interested in research or changing.

 

David did say that its still worth suppliers taking the survey even if they get filtered out as it shows that there is a sector present, albeit not of interest in this survey.  

 

Hope all that makes sense.  I'm only reciting here what I've been told and by all means email David or Rose (email address in original posting) to clarify any further if you wish.

Well that does make things a bit clearer i suppose.

 

I still felt that the list of options presented was very vague regardless of the obscure little slot in life I occupy. I just hope the information gained in this manner brings the right result.

 

So in theory our own supply chain is safe enough for now and better for being regulated? Gives me even more reason to keep at it!