CALLUM Mackintosh has become the youngest president in the SPOA’s 70-year history – and has set his sights on helping to provide more opportunities for young people to break into the industry.
Callum (32), founder of HHH Equipment, has succeeded GAP’s Mark Anderson as president of the trade body. John Sibbald from Sibbald Training steps into Callum’s previous role of vice president.
“In my tenure as president I will serve with the same high standards of professionalism, transparency and integrity as my predecessor,” Callum explained. “I have been around plant and machinery my entire life. During my career, I have been fortunate enough to sell plant, operate plant and now, through my own business, hire plant.
“Had it not been for the opportunities given to me as a youngster when I was inspired by many magnificent and memorable characters in this industry, then I might not have followed this path. I am keen to give other young people that same chance and get young blood into our industry to learn from the very experienced operators we have.”
Callum listed a number of other objectives he intends to focus on during his two-year tenure. They include: the future direction of the industry and supporting SPOA members to keep ahead of advancements and changes; working to diversify the workforce; developing new terms and conditions to ensure member businesses stay protected; working with industry stakeholders to tackle drug and alcohol use/abuse; and launching new member events to bring members back together once Covid restrictions ease.
Reflecting on the challenges the pandemic has caused for the plant industry, Callum added, “There is no doubt that the last 12 months have been challenging and all our members have gone above and beyond and persevered with the ever-changing guidelines to keep the sector working. The recent announcement by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to remove the red diesel rebate from April 1st 2022 is yet another challenge for our sector and I am committed to do everything I can to mitigate the impact to our members from this decision.”
