September has been a huge month, culminating in the high that was PlantWorx 2025 which saw 300+ exhibitors and 10,000 visitors over three (mostly) sunny days. This was my first PlantWorx, and one of my main takeaways was the overwhelming support of the industry for what they very much feel is ‘their’ show. The CEA stand was buzzing from 8.30am on day one and didn’t stop. Check out our PlantWorx 2025 round-up.
At PlantWorx, we also took the opportunity to host a CESAR Committee meeting, where we were able to celebrate with Superintendent. Andy Huddleston, who, later this month, will retire as a serving police officer after many years in the service. The excellent news is that Andy will return later in 2025 in a civilian role to continue leading the National Agricultural and Construction Theft Team (NCATT) in the outstanding recovery work they do in collaboration with CEA’s CESAR Scheme.
As I sit here, still recovering from PlantWorx, I am trying to recall all the other great events that took place in September. Unfortunately, Mark Ormond, ex-Manitou, stood down from the CEA Board last month, having moved to work in a different sector. I would like to once again thank Mark for his tireless work and dedication to the CEA over many years. I am, however, pleased to announce that Phil Battle of SMT GB has accepted our invitation to join the Board. This also forms part of our wider plan to expand the CEA Board beyond just OEMs, and Phil brings with him a wealth of experience as a key and well-established distributor. Phil will be responsible for the ESG portfolio.
On 3 September, I attended a CECE Board meeting, where much of the discussion centred on recent US Trade Tariff changes. I am pleased to say that CECE is mirroring our efforts here in the UK at the European Parliament in Brussels and bringing pressure to bear at all levels. Later the same day, I travelled across town to sit on the Make UK Affiliate Partner Board. It was a busy agenda, but the key aspect for us was input into the Make UK budget lobbying work as we feel the ‘joint weight’ of the Affiliate Partner Board gives the CEA and our members a greater share of voice. As you can imagine, there was also much discussion around Trade and Tariffs too, and how this may affect UK manufacturing.
On 11 September, (despite tube strikes and monsoon-like weather) I attended the TAF (Trade Association Forum) Best Practice Event, where I had hoped for a day of learning and information gathering. However, a last-minute substitution onto a CAFA led panel regarding net zero gave me an excellent opportunity to deliver the CEA message regarding some of the challenges faced by UK OEMs in delivering on the net zero agenda and our combined commitments.
Trade and Tariffs were once again on the agenda on 18 September when I was invited, along with Charles Stevenson, as a CEA Board Director, to brief No.10 on the current situation. We were able to reinforce the size and impact of the UK construction equipment manufacturing market, including the number of companies and jobs supported by this industry, as well as the impact of the August changes on the sector. Following the meeting, we delivered a briefing card which we now know is circulating within the ‘corridors of power’ and has been well used at this week’s Party Conference. We continue to lobby on behalf of all members.
We signed one new member in September, RLE FutureMotiv, and were able to welcome them, along with many more, as we presented four new member certificates in person at PlantWorx. And, as I write this, I have already had confirmation of our first new member in October (which is also our financial year start), so a great way to start our FY 2026.
Looking ahead to October, I will be attending the Industry Forum in London on Monday 6, a TRA session in Birmingham on Wednesday 8, and the first of what we hope will be many workshops discussing the challenges of hydrogen-fuelled earth-moving machinery on Monday 13. Kindly hosted by JCB, the team has created an excellent panel of speakers from across the industry for what we hope will be a fascinating day.
Finally, if you have not already done so, please do register your place at the November Members’ Forum. Hosted by Caterpillar at their Desford Visitor Centre, bookings for the Forum itself are already very high (with six weeks to go), and I am told there are only three or four places left at the networking dinner the night before – so be quick!