CPA Endorses UK Plant Operator of the Year 2025

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is proud to announce its official endorsement of the 2025 UK Plant Operator of the Year competition, hosted by UK Plant Operator Magazine.

Now in its fifth year, the highly anticipated event returns for its third consecutive final at the CITB’s National Construction College (NCC) in Bircham Newton, Norfolk, taking place on Saturday, September 6th.

Bringing together plant hirers from across the UK, leading global manufacturers, industry professionals, stakeholders - and of course, the nation’s top plant operators - Finals Day promises a vibrant ‘Festival of Construction’. 

This year’s event will also feature an enhanced Jobs Fair, providing hirers a platform to recruit, promote their businesses, and witness the latest plant and equipment through 12 live operator challenges.

CPA Chief Executive Officer Steve Mullholland commented: “We are delighted to endorse the UK Plant Operator of the Year for 2025. We believe this unique event offers real value to our members, especially as the industry continues to address recruitment and training challenges. It’s a chance to see cutting-edge solutions from leading providers tested in a live setting, and we look forward to supporting this year’s campaign and exhibiting on Finals Day.”

Recognised as the UK’s largest independent event for plant operators, UKPOOTY 2025 offers an impressive prize pot of £20,000. The competition will once again feature 12 high-skill challenges, allowing operators to demonstrate their expertise across a wide range of plant machinery and attachments.

Jeff Schofield, Director of UK Plant Operator Magazine, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome the CPA as a partner and thank them for their endorsement. With the CPA joining the CITB, UK Plant Operator of the Year 2025 is quickly establishing itself as the must-attend construction event of the year.”

Confirmed supporters for 2025 include headline sponsors Flannery Plant Hire, Collins Earthworks, and BKT Tyres. Challenge sponsors include L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, JCB, Thwaites, Takeuchi, XCMG, Steelwrist, Safety Shield, Mervyn Lambert, Dromone, and MB Crusher.

Simultaneous machine challenges will be held on the day, covering Excavators, Mini-Excavators, Site Dumpers, Backhoes, Articulated Dump Trucks, Tiltrotators, Grapple Grabs, Fork Attachments, Dozers, and Wheeled Loaders.

Finals Day is not just a competition, but a full celebration of the construction sector. Sponsors will be on-site with interactive stands, offering visitors insights into exciting career opportunities and the latest innovations in plant equipment.

Registration to compete is now open on the UK Plant Operator Magazine website at https://ukplantoperators.com/application-for-uk-plant-operator-of-the-year-2025/

For further details and sponsorship opportunities, please contact brian@ukplantoperators.com