Why
the FMCEC is changing to progress
by Rob Oliver - Chief Executive, FMCEC
In
any organisation today - change is not an option but
a necessity. This is also true of trade associations
and I was delighted to accept the invitation to lead
the development of the FMCEC in the new post of Chief
Executive. Our independent survey of members at the
end of last year told us something very loud and clear.
Members want their trade association to be (and to
be perceived to be) both STRONG and INFLUENTIAL. So
our Council have taken this as our objective in setting
our priorities for the years ahead.
But
what does "strength and influence" really mean? The
answer is that it comprises some very practical building
blocks. First, Recruitment. FMCEC membership
has grown significantly over the last few years. Yet,
there are still some companies, large and small, that
have chosen to remain apart from our group. We will
be systematically contacting such companies over the
next few months. I believe we can increase our membership
by 25% over the next year. Existing members can play
their part by recommending companies for membership
and explaining to potential recruits what the Federation
can do for them. Strength also comes from our
Member Services which we are also seeking to enhance
over the coming months. For example, we know that
many of our members value good market information
- so this is now a priority work area. Lobbying is
another key activity, the way that we use our strength
to influence the political process. We need a clear
voice in our dealings with Government, its agencies
- and, importantly, the European institutions. That
is why I welcome the strategic review being started
by our partners in the Committee for European Construction
Equipment (CECE) - and the early opportunity we had
to meet with the Minister for Competitiveness to press
our concerns on non-compliant imports and the strength
of the pound. And finally, we must build on the biggest
strength of all, the power of Networking. That
is networking with our counterpart associations in
other sectors to join in common cause on key issues;
networking between our members to build understanding
and business between them; and networking with the
decision makers and institutions that influence our
trading environment.
So,
myself, your Council and our Secretariat Team have
some big targets to hit in the future. We have made
a swift start on some issues but others will take
time. Watch this space!
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