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Stepping into spring at the CEA

By  Viki Bell  ·  2 minute read

I am delighted to be writing this blog as the new Chief Executive of the CEA. The past year has been exciting – not only in terms of what we’ve achieved behind the scenes but in the energy and momentum we’ve built. I’ve also been hugely encouraged by the support of our members, industry partners, and other associations – as well as the backing of the trade press, which continues to shine a light on the important work being done across the sector. The CEA remains focused on progress and delivering real value to our members and the wider industry. With a strong team, new partnerships, and a clear plan for 2025 and beyond, I’m looking forward to the challenge. 

Q1 2025 has seen many pivotal steps forward in our transformation journey.  

We officially launched our rebranded, fresh look for the CEA, with a subtle nod to the industry we represent. Thank you to all of you who have shared your positive feedback. 

On 17 and 18 March we hosted our first Members’ Forum of the year at Peterborough Football Club, kindly hosted by ABAX. We had a record-breaking turn-out. The next Members’ Forum will be taking place on 8 and 9 July in Portsmouth. Bookings will be launched soon, but in the meantime make sure to add the dates to your diary. 

The Spring Statement had very little new information for the construction equipment sector. The commitment to build 1.3 million homes and bring the target within ‘touching distance’ of 1.5 million is encouraging, and we continue to monitor this pledge. The £600 million to train 60,000 construction workers and set up ten technical excellence colleges is a step in the right direction, and we will work to ensure this is delivered and aligned with industry needs. 

Following the Spring Statement on Wednesday, Professor Andrew Angus from Cranfield School of Management provided commentary on key areas of the Statement and the impact on the construction equipment sector. Members can access the report here.

Back in 2024, we wrote to all incoming MPs with a member in their constituency, introducing the CEA, and stressing the importance of the industry to national infrastructure. On Friday 27 March, Peter Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, visited Takeuchi. This is the first of several MP visits to members over the coming months, and one of the many ways the CEA represents our members and the wider industry. 

Spring into April

April is another busy month for the CEA Team. Yesterday (1 April) I was in London attending the AEA Conference. The speaker line-up was excellent, and it was great to catch up with the AEA team and many CEA members. 

Beth, Joanna and I will be at bauma Munich from 7 April so make sure you come and say hello on the UK Pavilion.  

On 24 April Chris Sleight from Off-Highways Research will be hosting a webinar looking at the global construction equipment market with data including 2024 figures, as well as forecasted trends up to 2029. Register your place now. 

We are now an official Membership Partner of the IMechE (Institution for Mechanical Engineers). This new collaboration marks a significant milestone in the CEA’s ongoing commitment to our members and investing in the future of engineering across the construction equipment sector. This partnership presents a valuable opportunity for CEA members to strengthen and support the development of their engineering teams, improve retention and recruitment, and align with internationally recognised Professional Registration qualifications. More details will be announced later this month. 

Adding to our Skills and WorkForce offering, we have also partnered with Elite Consultancy Network, recruitment consultants specialising in the construction equipment sector. Through this partnership, members can access Elite’s 2025 Salary Survey Report here.  

Wishing you all a Happy Easter.