The Bradford-based Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has appointed a new president, Adrian Abel.

Mr Abel, 60, takes over from outgoing president Arthur Welham.

Mr Abel has a strong background in the pigment industry. After graduating from Leeds University in 1968, he worked for a paint company in Liverpool before joining Hoechst UK in 1970 as a pigment technologist.

In 1975 he spent three months in Frankfurt, returning to the UK as Hoechst UK's pigment laboratory manager, progressing to technical manager then marketing services manager.

He is currently managing director of Gemini Dispersions. He has been a member of the SDC since 1970.

He was awarded the Society's Bronze Medal in 1991 and Gold Medal in 1999 for services to education and the Colour Index.

Mr Abel said: "I want my presidential year to be marked by recognising the full spectrum of colour and colour industries, not only in the UK but also globally."

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