Lifting Q&A

How long have you been in the crane industry?

47 years from leaving school. My first contact with a crane was an ex-army Coles MK7 mounted on a Thorneycroft chassis.

What is the most significant development in your time?

The introduction of long boom telescopic cranes.

What is your favourite crane?

P&H 9125 but more recently the Liebherr LTM 1500.

Is the crane industry safe?

I think that crane hire companies overall are operating as safely as possible but our customers are not aware of their responsibilities.

What disappoints you most in the industry?

There needs to be a global ruling on how the HSE interprets the code of practice. It concerns me greatly that some crane companies choose to ignore the requirements of BS7121 and are putting profit before safety to the jeopardy of those companies that do comply.

Where do you see the industry in 20 years' time?

If certain crane manufacturers continue, for the sake of increasing sales, to give financial support to companies who cannot obtain finance on their own, then we will most certainly see companies failing and shrinkage of the industry. Risk of litigation and ever increasing regulations will also take its toll on the weaker companies.