The CPA Conference is taking place at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre near Coventry on Thursday 7th November 2024 and the theme is ‘Shaping the Future: Insights for the Plant-hire Sector’.

The first panel session of the day is entitled ‘The Plant-hire Sector in 2024’ and speakers Chris Cassley, policy manager at the CPA, and Jamie Charles, lead economist at Oxford Economics, will give delegates an insight into the findings of the study.

The CPA commissioned Oxford Economics to research and write the report into the size and scope of the plant-hire sector in the UK. It makes a compelling read for both those employed in the sector, but also for policymakers and stakeholders. It also helps put into perspective the breadth and scope of the sector and why it remains a key destination for highly skilled jobs and roles.

Key findings of the CPA/Oxford Economics report entitled ‘The Economic Impact of the UK Construction Plant-hire Sector’ include:

• The construction plant-hire sector contributes £14 billion annually to the UK economy
• Construction plant-hire contributes 191,500 jobs to the UK economy
• For every £100 contributed to GDP directly by construction plant-hire, the sector supports a total of £218 around the economy
• Construction plant-hire workers are 16% more productive than the average UK worker, with a higher share being company managers or directors
• For every 100 people directly employed by construction plant-hire, the sector supports a total of 216 jobs around the economy

Steve Mulholland, CPA chief executive officer, said: “This research has been carried out over many months and we are excited to share the findings for the first time at the CPA Conference. While the report is an opportunity to showcase the plant-hire sector, it also acts as a chance to review the progress made over recent years and the contribution CPA members make to the wider UK economy.

“Over the last few years, plant-hire businesses have had to adapt and evolve in order to survive. As we look to the future, it is one full of opportunities, growth, new technologies and innovations. Decarbonisation and the move to a net zero economy has been at the forefront of policymakers’ plans – it is important that our sector plays its part in this process, as the move away from diesel and fossil fuels gathers pace. This, alongside the rise of AI and digitalisation, will all have a profound impact on plant-hire companies in the coming decades.

“The role of the CPA will also evolve as we meet these future challenges and opportunities, working hand in hand with our members in supporting them. This economic impact study helps set the foundations for moving forward for the CPA across every facet of our work and engagement and celebrating 90 years of supporting the UK’s construction plant-hire sector. It has only been possible because of the contribution our members have made to our continuing success.”

Copies of the CPA/Oxford Economics report ‘The Economic Impact of the UK Construction Plant-hire Sector’ are available on request at the CPA Conference.