Speaking at UK-based Technology Centre SATRA’s annual meeting for the last time, before his retirement later in June, chief executive Ron Whittaker said 2006 had been an excellent year of progress and development.

He announced that SATRA's total income for the year increased 5% to a record £8.73 million to maintain an operating surplus of more than £500,000, which he described as a “remarkable achievement” considering the heavy capital investment programme currently being implemented by the centre.

Most SATRA business centres increased activity in 2006 and footwear testing and safety products evaluation activities achieved their most successful years yet as a result of brands’ and manufacturers’ ever-increasing need to ensure that their products are free from restricted chemical substances, and through increased membership.

Dr Whittaker also emphasised SATRA's involvement with footwear sourcing companies and Asian footwear manufacturers who now dominate world production, commenting, "Increasingly, SATRA is becoming the technical partner between the resourcing company and the Chinese or other Far Eastern manufacturer to ensure high quality finished products are finally sold to the consumer."

SATRA attracted more than 100 new members in 2006 and overall membership income increased 4% to a record £2.12 million.