HAE meets MPs, and celebrates opening of new HQ

The group - HAE chairman Claire Gains, managing director Graham Arundell, and HAE board members Sat Dhaiwal, chief executive of A-Plant, and Martin Emery of Hilti - met the Construction All Party Group, chaired by Bill Olner MP, at the House of Commons on Thursday 9 July.

HAE said the group's aim is to help shape policy by highlighting the importance of the sector and the work of HAE. Topics covered included equipment theft, the economic downturn, health and safety and training.

Mr Arundell said the visit was the first of a number of planned meetings; "This is a positive first step in getting UK hire on the parliamentary radar. As an industry, we have much to be proud of, but our contribution to the economy and delivery of key infrastructure needs to be recognised on a wider stage if we're to build on it.

"Our aim is to ensure the hire industry remains relevant to the national policy agenda and that we are able to put forward constructive, practical and informed input when new legislation or regulatory proposals are being framed."

Meanwhile, HAE held an official ceremony to mark the opening of its new European headquarters in Birmingham. The event was led by the son of the founder of the organisation. Mark Rogers, whose father John set up the Association in 1974, opened the new offices at Birmingham Business Park, on July 15.

Mr Arundell said the move was a natural one for the association; "Our main priority is providing a high-quality service to every one of our members, and by moving bases I believe we can exceed that goal.

"I am delighted that Mark was able to join us and officially open the offices, as well as collecting a certificate for honorary membership, as both he and his father before him have been long-standing ambassadors of the hire industry."

HAE and its sister body, the Events Hire Association (EHA), are based at Birmingham Business Park, minutes from the country's major motorway links and Birmingham International Airport.