One of the best things about my role as Chief Executive of the CEA is being able to meet members, partners and industry experts face-to-face at events . My June was ‘book-ended’ with two major shows, but there are plenty more coming this year and next. The sheer quantity and popularity of these events prove that our industry is actively planning for the future. Despite current challenges, we are collectively focused on driving long-term growth for the sector. And we also love a good opportunity to network!
On the 2nd of June, I travelled to Turkey to attend the Komatek event and the CECE Board and General Assembly meetings. During the show, IMDER (the Turkish Construction Association) organised a Global Market overview, where we had a deep dive into the current situation in the US market with Megan Tanel of AEM, before our very own Chris Sleight presented the Off-Highways Research wider market update. I was pleased to see figures from IMDER that the UK is the third largest import market to Turkey, behind only China (1) and Japan (2). This was made clear by the large number of major brands on show in the exhibition halls, mostly all through local dealerships.
I returned to the UK on the 9th, and on the 10th, I headed to London for the MAKE UK Affiliate Partner Board. The agenda was very varied, as always, and included a wider Policy update, a submission on ‘Simplifying Regulations’, and, of course, steel*. At the end of May, MAKE UK also updated their Industrial Strategy Tracker, which can be viewed on MAKE UK's website. The tracker is useful in keeping our Government accountable regarding the Industrial Strategy pledges. Finally, I am pleased to confirm that Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of MAKE, will be a keynote speaker at the CECE Congress we are hosting in London in October.
The programme for Congress is very strong. We have secured some amazing speakers around the key themes of: Create – Innovate – Inspire.
These include:
Koorosh Shojael on The Power of Creative Thinking
Jason Bevan on Idea to Impact
Samantha Rennison KPM on Turning Vision into Reality.
This three-day event offers unparalleled networking opportunities through multiple social events and regular networking breaks. Over 25% of tickets are now taken, so I urge CEA members to register now. The next Congress in Germany will not be until 2028; London 2026 offers excellent opportunities with no international travel.
In June, I was very pleased to announce David Waine's appointment to the Volunteer Role of CEA Trade Advocate. David has already provided a detailed debrief of the recent Steel announcements from our Government and is on hand to answer any queries. David will also present at the July Members’ Forum.
The month then wrapped up with a sunny Hillhead (hotter than Komatek in Turkey). This year’s show felt busier than ever, and, even on what was reported to be the hottest June day on record, the visitor numbers were very high. It was great to see so many CEA members exhibiting and with very busy stands. I did get to speak to most of you, and for those I missed, I hope you had a great show too.
All the OEMs I spoke to were very positive about PlantWorx 2027, with many of you taking advantage of the site tours. I am pleased to see the bookings coming in fast for both outdoor and indoor stands for what promises to be a super show.
Looking ahead to July, first up, I will be attending Elevation 2026 with IPAF, where we will make an important announcement regarding CESAR. We then have the next CEA Members’ Forum on the 7th and 8th. Numbers are good currently, but not as high as Spring. For those of you worried about missing the football, we have timed the event and dinner to work around the matches, so you can do both without missing out! So please do get in touch urgently if you still wish to attend. We will not be having an Autumn Forum as all focus will be on the Congress in October.
Later in July, I have been invited to attend a Parliamentary Roundtable on skills, which I will report back on in my July blog before the team, and I visit the NEC in preparation for PlantWorx. Another busy month.
I look forward to seeing many of you face-to-face at ABB in July for the Forum and wish you all a productive month.