Behind the scenes at the CEA

Discover the crucial work being done by the CEA Team and what lies ahead for members.

What is your role at the CEA?

My main role is to provide Market Insights for members, keeping them updated on the UK market for construction equipment. This involves reporting on monthly sales, quarterly imports and exports, and end-use markets in the UK. I also monitor overseas equipment markets through collaborations with organisations like Off-Highway Research and the Construction Products Association.

I support membership activities including recruitment and retention processes. Additionally, I administer the CESAR Scheme, handling secretarial duties for the Review Committee and overseeing police funding requests and company approvals for joining the scheme.

What brought you to the role and industry?

Before joining the CEA in 2016, I worked in the steel industry, primarily in marketing and business development. In my latter years, I sold steel to companies manufacturing construction equipment or components. To get closer to this industry, I encouraged my colleagues to join the CEA.

Attending CEA meetings and events as a member helped us develop within the sector. I also got to know Rob Oliver, the CEA Chief Executive at the time. Discussions with Rob about my role as a Market Information Manager led to the opportunity to join the CEA, where I introduced a market information service for members, a first for the organisation.

Is there a particular aspect of your work you are passionate about?

I have always enjoyed market research and analysis, sharing the results through statistics and graphs. It's satisfying to explain the market situation and why it is that way, whether in one-on-one conversations or presentations at the CEA Members’ Forum. In my current role, I particularly enjoy working with Systematics International, a specialist company that collects, processes, and shares information about the UK construction equipment market. They are integral to the market information service I provide for members.

Another aspect I enjoy is visiting member companies. It's rewarding to keep them informed about membership benefits and make them feel part of the CEA. These visits also add variety to my work, preventing me from being "stuck behind a desk" in the virtual world.

What are you currently working on?

My work is not project-based but focused on regular updates of market information and reports for members. Following changes within the CEA, we are reviewing how we report Market Insights to improve our messaging and presentation. Member feedback is crucial to ensure we continue to deliver a premier service, so we welcome any comments on the recent changes.

Recently, I have been working on a market update article for Construction Worx magazine and the CECE Quarterly Economic Bulletin. CECE is the European trade association for construction equipment, and their bulletins provide updates on the latest European market situation, including country-specific details.

From a membership administration perspective, I've been helping colleagues improve the CEA member database. This will improve future communications with members. Whenever possible, I meet with members at events to discuss membership affairs. For instance, I recently attended the National Fluid Power Centre Advisory Group meeting in Worksop, where I spoke with new members ABB and Danfoss about membership benefits.

What topics and trends are emerging for members?

A significant development in the sector is the progressive decarbonisation of equipment in the UK market. This process starts with the electrification of compact and medium-sized machines via battery power and will extend to other technologies like hydrogen power in the coming years. From a Market Insight perspective, tracking and reporting on this development is crucial to show how the sector contributes to net-zero activities. We are currently working with Systematics International to collect and share this data.