23.04.2004

IPAF appoints new president

The International Powered Access Federation has appointed Pinguely Haulotte president, Pierre Saubot, as its new president. The announcement was made at IPAF's Annual General Meeting in London yesterday, following the resignation of Peter Bennett who, after serving one year of his two-year term, has departured from the access industry. Saubot, who moves from the vice-president position at IPAF, was originally due to take over a president next year.

The AGM, which included IPAF's annual Summit and Luncheon, was attended by well over 200 delegates from the access industry.

A further highlight of the event was the surprise additional raffle donation during the lunch of a Skyjack 3219 micro scissor lift by Skyjack UK. A decision was made to auction the machine and ex-president Frank Huish stepped in as auctioneer.

Despite stiff competition and tough bidding from the UK access rental industry, Geoff Till Access was pipped at the post at the last minute by a perfectly timed winning bid of £6000 from Harry McArdle of Height for Hire/Easi Up Lifts of Ireland.

All proceeds, which also included those generated by several footballs signed by the Luncheon's guest speaker, Sir Bobby Charlton, will go to this year's nominated charity, Dream Flight.

A full report on the event will follow next week.