Reasons to be Cheerful
Despite the fiscal storm clouds around the world, which keep the economic weather forecasters in business, maybe we should reflect on the fact that 2011 was much better than some pundits predicted.  Both the CEA and the construction equipment industry at large grew during the year.  Some reasons to be cheerful:

1. Early in the year, the CEA successfully launched plans for the PLANTWORX2013 trade show – nearly all of the major brands are already signed up for the Stoneleigh Park event organised “by the industry, for the industry”.

2. Within the last few weeks, there have been major new UK investment programmes announced by both Caterpillar and JCB – further evidence of confidence in British manufacturing.

3. Having started the campaign 3 years ago – the European institutions finally allowed an amendment to the Stage IIIB flexibility provisions for engine emissions.  This follows intensive industry lobbying in the UK and Europe.

4. Latest news from the European Commission suggests improved prospects for a solution to the thorny issue of the need to harmonise road regulations applicable to non-road mobile machinery (NRMM).

5. In October – the result of the second round of bids to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund were announced, part of the £950 million budget was directed to our sector.

6. The Government announced some policy rethinks which have restored part of the infrastructure spending programme, and provided some incentives to purchase new build homes.

7. And at the CEA – we can announce that Membership Subscription scales are frozen, yet again, for 2012!

Merry Christmas and a profitable New Year.
Rob Oliver – Chief Executive
Construction Equipment Association

CEA AGM Conference
Make a note in your diary now!!
15 May 2012 at One Great George Street, Westminster, SW1.

M&T Expo, Sao Paulo, Brazil:  29 May-2 June 2012
UK Pavilion space almost gone, BOOK NOW!
The CEA will run a cost effective UK Pavilion at M&T EXPO in 2012.  All the big names in construction equipment, cranes and trucks are exhibiting...
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