16.11.2009

New chairman for Ladder Association

The UK based Ladder Association has appointed Chris Ball as its new chairman, taking over from Don Aers, technical manager at the Youngman Group, and will serve for a three year term.

Ball, 49, is managing director of Abru Ltd, the UK’s largest manufacturer of ladders, a post he has held since March 2003. Before that he worked for the Spire Group as managing director of two group companies, where he gained experience in the house wares, hardware and furniture manufacturing sectors.
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Chris Ball

Prior to that he was managing director of a subsidiary of MS International which he merged with a major competitor before taking the combined business to a dominant position in Europe.

He is also a non-executive director of the British Home Enhancement Trades Association (BHETA) which helps develop harmonised European access equipment standards.

Speaking of his appointment Ball said: “The Ladder Association has made great strides in recent years and is now the recognised focus and authority for the industry. I aim to carry on that good work by promoting the use of ladders and the need for professional training to encourage safety and best practice.”

“If it’s right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and get trained to use it safely. That’s the message I will be delivering, alongside the need for employers to insist on the association’s LadderCard as definitive proof of competence.”