Benefits of Membership

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is the leading membership and representative body for construction plant-hire in the UK. The leaflet and text below outline the many benefits of CPA membership.

Benefits of CPA Membership

(PDF, 3.15 MB)

CPA Model Conditions

The CPA Model Conditions for plant-hire contracts are the best developed in the industry. They have been tested up to the Supreme Court (formerly the House of Lords), and have been drafted to fairly represent the responsibilities of both the Plant Owner and the Hirer (Customer). Other terms, including Consumer and Supplementary Conditions, are available for special types of plant-hire. Members are entitled to use the Model Conditions and to receive support to help resolve any queries and difficulties that may arise.

Reduction in Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies recognise the strength of the CPA Model Conditions, reflected in a reduction on insurance premiums for companies hiring under these terms. The CPA also leads the Combined Industries Theft Solutions (CITS) group, maintaining security standards and improving theft recovery.

Special Interest Groups

To help provide focus points within CPA's diverse membership, special interest groups have been formed to tackle issues within specialist sectors. As well as networking and Information sharing, these groups frame the standards and good practice publications relevant to that sector.

CPA Members can join any of these groups (fees may apply):

  • Tower Crane Interest Group (TCIG)
  • Crane Interest Group - for mobile and crawler cranes (CIG)
  • Construction Hoist Interest Group (CHIG)
  • Road Sweepers Interest Group (RSIG)
  • British Concrete Pumping Group (BCPG)
  • Shoring Technology Interest Group (STIG)
  • Suction and Vacuum Excavator Interest Group (SAVE)

The Rail Plant Association (RPA) also forms part of the CPA, focusing on the specialist needs of companies hiring rail plant and equipment into the rail industry.

Government and Regulators

The CPA performs a vital role as a link between Government bodies, policy makers and the construction plant-hire industry. With construction a core part of the Government’s industrial strategy, the CPA works with its Members in developing the ideas and solutions needed to ensure the plant-hire industry is at the forefront of construction policy and regulation. In an uncertain economic environment, the industry needs a powerful organisation which represents the sector's views effectively. The depth and strength of membership gives the CPA the authority to speak on behalf of the sector. The CPA also host events, such as the CPA Conference, which forms the principal point of discussion for construction plant issues in the UK.

Safety Guidance

Good Practice Guides and Technical Information Notes (TINs) are available as free downloads from this website. The standards of these are determined by industry-led working groups and cover the essential health, safety and legal requirements for plant operations, hire and maintenance - with many written in conjunction with and supported by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The CPA also chairs the Construction Industry Plant Safety Group, drawing together expertise from all parts of the supply chain to tackle safety and health issues involving construction plant.

Training and Skills Support

The CPA represents the plant sector at Government level, such as the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and CITB, as well as with other Federations, Awarding Organisations and Training Bodies. The CPA is also instrumental in the management and development of plant-based training and assessment standards and for many years, have operated the CPA Stars of the Future awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector.

The CPA leads the agenda for skills and training in construction plant and headed up the formation of the Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO). Recent projects include supporting the development of new Trailblazer apprenticeships, developing the CPA skills strategy, research into plant operator supply and demand, and working with CITB to develop national occupational and training standards for plant-based roles and activities to determine appropriate grant support.

CPA Bulletin and Being Kept Up-to-Date

Construction plant is a high priority on skills and safety agendas. Employers need to stay informed on current and future changes, including regulations and industry rules which may affect how they run their business.

All Members receive our quarterly CPA Bulletin, which includes the latest information on areas such as training, legal, technical, policy health and safety and plant theft, including regular e-mail alerts and access to Members pages on this website. The CPA is committed to providing Members with first class support and services to assist with the running of their businesses.