What steps are you taking to lower emissions?

Suneeta Johal, CEO of the CEA

Dear Member,

It has been just over a fortnight since I began my new role as Chief Executive and what a fantastic two weeks it has been.

It’s an honour to have been chosen to lead such an important organisation. The last 18 months have been very testing for the industry and I am excited to see the sector beginning to recover.

I will be taking some time to get to know the association and its members better and to understand the challenges and opportunities we face.

By working together, we can build a long-term sustainable future for the CEA. The association exists for its members and you should be at the heart of everything that we do.

Last week I attended the National Highways event and the CPA conference and this has given me some great insight into key industry issues. The events were also a fantastic opportunity to meet some of our members and stakeholders and see the industry in action.

High on the agenda of these events was net-zero and there is no doubt in my mind that the construction equipment industry has a critical role to play in the government’s carbon reduction targets.

With the COP26 climate change conference coming up in November, I would very much like to hear about the steps you are taking to lower emissions in your company and the associated challenges you are facing.

As you know there are a number of other challenges the industry is faced with.

You may have noticed a survey from the CEA landing in your inbox – we are consulting with members about how the increase in energy and steel prices is impacting business. I would be grateful if you could spare a few minutes of your time to complete the survey as your responses are critical to our lobbying efforts.

With the upcoming Autumn Statement, Build Back Better, and driving digital change post-pandemic agenda, it is clear that there are not only challenges but opportunities ahead and there is a real potential for growth for both the CEA and the industry.

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas on the issues I have mentioned. I am sure we will get to do this in person very soon, but as COP26 is fast approaching please send any comments or thoughts to me by email.

Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank Rob Oliver who has been a key figure in making the association what it is today, and in his time as Chief Executive has guided the association through some of the toughest conditions the sector has experienced.

I’m looking forward to working with you all and leading the CEA into its next phase.

Best wishes,

Suneeta