A LOCAL businessman has been elected vice president of the UK’s leading trade association for pest control.

James Ostler, director and owner of Positive Environmental Ltd of Hereford will take over the role at The British Pest Control Association. He has been actively engaged with the BPCA since launching his company in 2010 and has been a board member since 2013, including two years as chairman of the servicing committee.

Mr Ostler said: "I am delighted that my colleagues have the confidence in me to fulfil the vice presidents’ role and look forward to the exciting challenges ahead. There is a strong drive to increase professionalism in the industry; my experience as a chartered environmental health practitioner will certainly help to move this forward.”

The British Pest Control Association is the leading UK trade association representing those organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health pests. A not-for-profit organisation, it acts in the interests of its members and on behalf of the pest management industry within the UK.

Paul Rodman, association president, added : “The provision of pest control services to a professional standard can be an area which is overlooked, yet the economies of inadequate pest control can be catastrophic. The BPCA places great importance on promoting the highest standards of professionalism within the industry. It is the role of the association to highlight the risks of inadequate control, to offer guidance on what to look for when searching for a pest control contractor, provide general pest advice and guidance documentation, and finally how to select an appropriate pest control professional. We are absolutely delighted to welcome James as vice president of the BPCA; he has a wealth of experience and a real enthusiasm to make a difference.”