At the CPA
Welcome to the website of The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), the Organisation for Plant-Hire Professionals in the United Kingdom. The CPA was originally named the Contractors Plant Association, before changing its name in 1985.
The Construction Plant-hire Association's membership comprises in excess of 1,500 companies, who jointly represent over 90% by turnover of all UK Construction Plant Hire. The CPA through its strong membership has a powerful voice within Industry and Government on all matters relating to the hire of construction of plant.
Members of the Construction Plant-hire Association cover a wide spectrum of companies from Owner Operators, through Tool Hire Shops, and up to the market leading Multi-depot plant rental Organisations.
The progressive fee structure is designed to ensure that membership is good value, even for small companies.
Please see below our ten good reasons to belong to the Construction Plant-hire Association, and please look around our website to find out more about our activities at the CPA.
CPA - 10 Good Reasons why you should join the Construction Plant-hire Association
What is the CPA?
What is the CPA? The Construction Plant-hire Association was formed over 40 years ago. It now has well over 1500 members, and it is governed by an elected Council, made up of owners, managers and others in the plant-hire business. This means that the Members' needs are always put first, and the Association will always respond to changing circumstances in the industry.
1. The CPA Model Conditions: The Best Rental Conditions In The Business
Only CPA Members can use the CPA Model Conditions. A Hire Contract drawn under the CPA Model Conditions is sound - they have been tested in Court. They have been constructed to look after the rental company, yet be fair on the contractor. Terms include:-
- Customer is responsible for unloading and loading the plant/equipment
- Hire company is protected against direct and consequential losses
- Hire income continues while stolen machinery is replaced.
Using the printed Conditions is only part of the benefit - all Members have free access to CPA's support, including direct telephone calls to experienced advisors who can talk you through any particular contract dispute that may arise.
2. Cheaper Insurance
Reliable insurance is essential for all businesses, and even more so in the area of construction plant and equipment hire, but it is also a major expense. Many insurance companies recognise the strength of the CPA Model Conditions, and reflect that in lower premiums for companies hiring under these terms. Ask us at the CPA for details of brokers who offer these policies.
3. Unique safety support
Here at the CPA, we have an unrivalled understanding of safety issues with operated and non-operated plant. Best Practice Guides and other technical publications from the CPA will help you with all aspects of plant safety and operator competence issues. And all this is backed up by direct telephone access to some of the most experienced advisors in the industry. One 'phone call may be all you need to solve that problem. Guidance produced by CPA is used by HSE Inspectors - it is the industry standard.
4. Someone on my side
When that unexpected problem happens, and you need some support and specialist knowledge, you need someone on your side. It may be an issue with the safety enforcement authorities, or a government department? Perhaps your sector is under pressure from some other industry body? CPA can advise on what to do, and can turn to their extensive range of contacts to find the right person to speak to. This means your problem gets solved quickly and painlessly wherever possible - allowing you to get back to your business. If the issue is big enough, CPA will campaign and fight for the industry - helping to preserve and develop the right environment for your business to flourish.
5. Staying up to date
It's important to keep up to date with industry developments, with Best Practice, and with legislative requirements and standards. You need to stay informed on all changes, including regulations and laws that affect how you run your business. The CPA's Bulletin and email alerts make sure that you won't be caught out, and let you concentrate on running your business, safe in the knowledge that you have the latest information.
6. Fighting for our Industry
With so many laws, regulations and requirements coming from Westminster and Brussels, the industry needs a powerful organisation sitting at the table with legislators to ensure that new laws and regulations are both workable and fair. The CPA is your voice, but it needs the strength of a large membership to give it the authority to speak for the industry. If you join, you make us stronger.
7. Concentrate on what you do best
CPA has developed an extensive range of support services in response to Members' needs.
- Insurance policies have been created especially for the plant hire industry. This gives you what you need, at the right price, without you having to explain to your broker just what “plant hire” is.
- Advice on legal, training and Health & Safety issues is available on the phone.
- More detailed support is provided through the Legal Support Telephone helpline. Personnel law, PAYE, VAT and a range of other business problems can be resolved straight away by a call to CPA's free helpline service.
8. Special Interest Groups
Within the CPA, there are Special Interest Groups, focussed on the specific challenges and issues relevant to the sectors in which they operate, for example, mobile cranes. Members can join these groups for networking and information-sharing, as well as helping to frame the standards and practises relevant to the group. You could learn more useful facts in one morning than in a whole year of working in isolation.
9. Website
Problems arise at the most inconvenient times. CPA Members have unlimited access to the comprehensive information resources held in the members only area of the website. CPA help is there 24/7.
10. Experienced team
The CPA team is experienced in the industry and the areas that matter.
Colin Wood - Chief Executive. Has over 40 years experience in the plant rental industry. Prior to joining the CPA, Colin has spent his entire career in senior positions in the Crane Hire Industry. He knows the business from the sharp end.
Kevin Minton - Kevin has spent many years working to support the equipment hire industry. He understands the issues that hirers face and is available to give comprehensive advice on very many issues.
Haydn Steele - Haydn has extensive experience in Construction Training Issues and Health & Safety issues. He represents the Plant Hire industry on many important committees.
David Smith - David has qualifications in both law and accounting. He is available to give advice over the phone on the legal and contractual issues that occur on a day to day basis. His column in the CPA's Bulletin will keep you up to date.
Adam Godwin - Adam has 2 roles within the CPA. He is responsible for communications to the members, he edits the Bulletin and many other items that are sent out to the members, and he provides administrative support to the Rail Plant Association, a part of the CPA.
Siva Subramaniam, Lisa Godwin, Olwen O'Dowd and Louise Rider are all part of the strong membership support team working at CPA's offices in London.
Next steps
If you want to join, or you need more information, contact CPA by telephone on 020 7796 3366. Ask for a membership pack. Or, you can ask to speak to any of the staff. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@cpa.uk.net. Our fax number is: 020 7796 3399. Or you can write to CPA, 27/28 Newbury Street, London EC1A 7HU.
