New rental association for Europe

Almost 30 of Europe's largest equipment rental companies have signed up as founder members of the new European Rental Association (ERA). Representatives from crane rental houses, including Arcomet, Hewden, Mediaco and Riwal, were among those at the inaugural meeting in Brussels, Belgium on 24 January.

ERA has three main goals: to promote equipment rental in Europe, to lobby on behalf of the rental industry, and to collect statistics on the market.

Outlining how associations can act to benefit an industry, Jacques Derenne, a partner at legal firm Lovells in Brussels, explained, for example, the right to intervene in cases in European courts, to submit views on proposed mergers or cases for state aid, and to shape draft European legislation.

All sizes of rental company are welcome to join for annual fees between €2,500 and €7,500, depending on company size. The association's first meeting will be in Brussels on 6 and 7 June.

IC 's sister magazine, International Rental News, (IRN) is to be the official magazine for the ERA. IRN will represent a regular forum for ERA members, each issue will include an ERA page and all members will automatically receive the magazine. IRN editor Murray Pollok explained: “ERA is a body that represents some of the biggest buyers of equipment in Europe so it cements the magazine's place in the industry.”