Let’s work together
The Driving Force Behind the UK’s Plant-Hire Industry
Building the future together
For over 85 years, the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has been the definitive voice of the plant-hire sector, shaping the future of construction across the UK. As the largest trade association for plant-hire companies, we represent businesses of all sizes – from independent owner-operators to national firms – all united in driving excellence, innovation, and safety in the industry.
“The UK plant-hire industry is the best established and most professional in the world, contributing £14 billion and 191,500 jobs to the UK economy.“
A Trusted Authority in Plant-Hire Since 1941
Our Legacy: 85 Years of Leadership and Influence
Founded in 1941, CPA has been at the heart of the UK construction sector, leading the way in setting industry standards and providing essential guidance to plant-hire companies. Today, our almost 2,000 members collectively supply over 85% of the plant hired to the construction industry, playing a vital role in keeping Britain building.
With a deep-rooted history of advocacy, policy-shaping, and technical excellence, CPA continues to provide the insight, expertise, and support that plant-hire businesses need to thrive.
“For over eight decades, CPA has shaped the future of plant-hire, driving progress, innovation, and excellence.”
Setting the Standards for a Safer and Greener Industry
Safety, Innovation, and Sustainability:
Leading the Way Forward
Safety is at the core of everything we do. CPA has been instrumental in developing and publishing a vast range of safety-related guidance on behalf of the industry. From plant operation standards to on-site risk management, our trusted safety documents are referenced across the UK construction sector.
HSE specialists are embedded within CPA’s work, ensuring our members operate with unparalleled safety standards.
“We set the benchmarks for industry safety, working hand-in-hand with HSE and sector leaders. A safer, greener, more efficient future – driven by CPA.”
Your Experts, Your Advocates
Meet the CPA team
The CPA is managed and administered by a dedicated team of experts with extensive experience in their respective fields. The team provides valuable guidance and advice to Members, helping them to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their businesses. They also represent Members’ interests to Government and other authoritative bodies, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed. Additionally, the Association engages contracted specialists to support specific projects and ongoing initiatives, further enriching the resources available to Members.
Steve Mulholland
Chief Executive Officer
Steve started his career in the plant-hire industry in 1989 as an Apprentice with Vibroplant PLC (Vp PLC), gaining extensive experience across various roles including depot management and sales. In 1999, he became Director and Co-Owner of MPS (Mulholland Plant Services Limited), a successful family-run plant-hire business which received multiple awards including a National Transport Award and an IOSH Safety Award, before its sale in 2023. Steve previously served as President of the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA), CPCS Management Committee Representative, CPA Council Member for over 10 years, and CPA Chair for 6 years before his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in August 2024.
Adam Godwin
Director
Adam Godwin is a Director of the CPA and the RPA (Rail Plant Association). He has worked for the Association since 2005 and has extensive experience in supporting the CPA and RPA members.
Chris Cassley
Director, Policy
Chris is responsible for developing and lobbying key policy issues vital to CPA Members. He previously spent 16 years at the CBI managing construction policy and serving as Secretariat to the CBI Construction Council.
Katie Kelleher
Technical Publications & Careers Manager
Katie joined CPA following her experience as a crane operator and deputy AP on major projects. She is a prominent advocate for apprenticeships and women in construction. Katie manages CPA publications as writer and editor, oversees career support initiatives, and acts as Secretariat to the Industry Lifting Lead AP Group.
Lisa Godwin
Membership Manager
Lisa has been part of CPA for over 25 years, bringing extensive experience in supporting members. She leads all aspects of the CPA membership process alongside a dedicated membership support team
Luis Bassett
Decarbonisation and Sustainability Manager
Luis joins CPA after eight years at the London Borough of Merton, where he worked with the Cleaner Machinery Team, managing the London NRMM Low Emission Zone for 32 local authorities. He was also Technical Lead for compliance, guidance documentation, training, and emissions calculations.
Peter Brown
Director, Technical & Development
Peter has extensive experience in technical operations and maintenance of plant machinery, alongside significant expertise in education, training, and development. He spent 18 years at CITB setting plant occupational standards and qualifications, ultimately serving as CPCS Product Manager.
Rob Squires
Training and Safety Manager
Rob has substantial experience managing training, card, and certification schemes, including recent roles within the demolition sector and previously at CITB, overseeing various CSCS-based schemes.
Siva Subramaniam
Director - Finance
Siva Subramaniam is the CPA’s Finance Director. Siva joined the CPA in 2007 and has been responsible for managing and administering all aspects of the Association’s finances since then.
CPA Support Team
Jenny Lupton (Membership Support Administrator) and Karen Douglas (Admin/Accounts Assistant) form part of the experienced Membership Support Team. Each member has specialist expertise in their respective areas and is readily available to offer advice and guidance to Members, ensuring dedicated support for the issues they encounter
Active Members
Guiding the CPA, Shaping policy
CPA Council
The CPA Council comprises dedicated volunteers drawn from the Membership who generously commit their time and expertise to oversee the Association’s functions, policies, and strategic direction. Regional representatives are elected to the Council each year, with additional positions confirmed during the Annual General Meeting. Life membership honours are also awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement and ongoing success of the Association.
CPA Council members 2024/2025
President: Mr Brian Jones
Chairman: Mr Siôn Morgan Jones
Vice Chair: Mrs Kirsty Archbold-Laming
Chief Executive: Mr Steven Mullholland
Regional Council Members
- South West: Mr Darren Blackburn, Plantforce Rentals Ltd
- South East: Mr Warren Wilkinson, Explore Plant & Transport Solutions
- South Eastern Counties: Mrs Kirsty Archbold-Laming, Southern Hoist Services (Vice-Chair)
- Southern Counties: Mrs Nadine Clark, The Hire Exchange Ltd
- Greater London: Mr Garry Orr, Synergy Hire Ltd
- West Midlands: Mr Aaron Davis, P. Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd
- East Midlands: Mr David Simmons, Sinbad Plant Ltd
- East Anglia: Mr Bernie D Chapman, W R Chapman & Son
- North West: Mr Dan Thompson, Speedy Hire Plc
- Yorkshire: Mr David Holder, HTC Wolffkran Ltd
- Northern Counties: Mr Mark Anderson, GAP Group
- Scotland: Mr Paul McCormack, Blackwood Plant Hire Ltd
- Wales: Mr Siôn Morgan Jones, ACOP Group Ltd (Chair)
Co-Opted
- Mr Chris Gill, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage
- Mr Steve Wright, Sir Robert McAlpine
Life Members
- Mr Bill Law, Mr Denis Morgan, Mr Colin Wood
Annual Review
CPA Annual Review 2025
There is also a ‘Dates for the Diary’ section which details the events the CPA will either be hosting or participating in during 2026, such as trade shows and exhibitions, CPA Regional Golf Days, the CPA Conference, the CPA Stars of the Future Awards and the CPA Gala Dinner.
Become Part of an Industry-Leading Organisation
Join CPA: Strengthen Your Business, Secure Your Future
By joining CPA, you’re not just signing up for membership – you’re gaining a powerful ally in your business success. Our members benefit from:
- Authoritative industry guidance and best-practice frameworks
- Dedicated legal and technical support
- Exclusive use of the CPA Model Conditions for plant-hire contracts
- Influence on policy and legislation affecting plant-hire businesses
- Access to specialist groups and a network of 1,900+ members