Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) – The Countdown
There seems to have been a national holding of breath concerning the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review on 20 October. Businesses that don’t necessarily depend on government contracts have held back on investment to see what mood emerges from the results of the review. Departmental cuts of between 25 and 40 per cent have been mooted. To put these in context, these economies have to be reached by 2014/15, so we are not talking about an immediate axe job. But government finances are not like those of your business. In the commercial world you would be able to tackle these kinds of cost cuts, in fact most of our members have during the recession. However, the review becomes more significant for our sector, in that certain budgets will be ring fenced (health and international aid) and others are not wholly discretionary expenditure (despite the debate, welfare and pension payments can only be reduced by so much). This leaves longer-term investments, such as in defence and transport infrastructure, in the firing line. We have re-circulated our UK construction equipment sector profile brochure to all MPs – reminding them that we can be a model for success in being successful manufacturers and exporters and attracting high levels of inward investment. However, we do need a strengthening home market, which is where government monies can be crucial.
Rob Oliver – Chief Executive
Construction Equipment Association

CESAR Gets Prime Time TV Exposure
The CEA sponsored plant registration scheme received prime time TV exposure recently on BBC’s Countryfile programme. Lead reporter John Craven investigated the rural challenge of tractor and equipment theft – and heard how the CESAR scheme is part of a successful drive against the problem more....

PANIU Visit Impresses
In his latest visit to the Plant and Agricultural Equipment National Intelligence Unit (PANIU) HQ at Chalk Farm, the CEA’s Rob Oliver was briefed on the recent successes of the Unit – part subsidised by the CEA’s and AEA’s CESAR funds. Whilst some of the successful police operations remain confidential (as cases come to court) it was clear that the Unit is making a big difference on theft and recovery levels more....

CEA Membership Subscription Scales Frozen
The Management Council of the CEA has approved a further freeze on membership subscription scales for 2011. This will be the third consecutive annual freeze of subscriptions more....

Network Day Attracts 70
The recent CEA Network Day at Stoneleigh Park attracted 70 members – who attended meetings of our General Technical Committee and International Business Group plus a joint “Executive Summary” session more...

Engine Emissions
The CEA has responded to a request by DfT to justify the proposed increase in the flexibility allowance for NRMM engine emissions. This follows the reported market upturn and claims that the industry no longer has an argument on economic grounds more....

Turkmenistan on the Map
The CEA has pre-empted the formal launch of the new Turkmenistan UK Trade and Industry Council (TUKTIC) by an Embassy arranged visit to the country by the CEA’s Joanna Oliver. Last week’s tour included sessions with a Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, leading contractors and Ministry officials more....

Export Handbook to be Updated – Budget Approved
Finance has been agreed for a comprehensive update of the CEA Exporters’ Handbook. The previous edition (2004) was widely used and praised by members. The new edition will form the ultimate guide to exporting construction and related equipment and will include chapters on all the main topics you need to know about when exporting more....

CEA Discussion Forums
Have you joined the CEA’s discussion forums on the website? Once registered, CEA members can use the forums to share and exchange information. There are three discussion areas for the exclusive use of CEA members – Technical, International and Business more....