SCOTTISH Plant Owners Association (SPOA) president John Sibbald emphasised the importance of trade bodies at the organisation’s annual dinner in Glasgow recently, following what he described as the ‘serious threat’ posed by some of the measures announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in the autumn budget.
Hundreds of plant sector stakeholders gathered at the Hilton Glasgow for the 73rd annual SPOA Dinner. The spectacular event has been a highlight on the calendar for many decades now and the 2025 edition certainly didn’t disappoint.
The evening kicked off with a short introduction from comedian and compere for the night, Des Clarke. He then handed over to SPOA vice president David Jarvie, who introduced the top table guests (Ian Hughes, engagement director CITB Scotland); Paul Mitchell (operations director, Scottish Building Federation); Gary Moug (editor, Project Plant); Craig MacWilliam (chairman, NFDC Scotland); Graham Bell (secretary, SPOA); Steven Mulholland (SPOA past president and current chief executive of the Construction Plant-hire Association); and David Morrison (growth and relationships lead, Barclays UK).
It was then time for John Sibbald to take the stage for his final president’s speech as he nears the end of his two-year tenure. John began by welcoming everyone and thanking the event sponsors before confirming that Jarvie Plant MD David Jarvie will be succeeding him as president on March 11, following in the footsteps of his father John who held the role from 1996-1998.
“I’m confident that David will excel in this role, and I look forward to seeing all that he will achieve,” John stated.
After hailing the voluntary contributions of the SPOA’s executive committee, John turned his attention to one of the biggest issues facing the sector – skills shortages. “I hope you’ve all had the chance to see the association’s plant simulator in the foyer tonight,” he added. “Over the last 12 months, it has attended multiple careers events across Scotland, inspiring young people to consider a career in plant.
“This initiative will only continue to grow in 2025, with increasing bookings and interest, enabling us to engage with more of the next generation of plant industry professionals. It is designed to ignite a spark in young minds, but we need employers’ support to provide pathways into apprenticeships and offer opportunities for the future of our industry.”
John went on to praise the support of the CITB, a relationship that has grown in recent years.
“This partnership has allowed the SPOA to work closely with the industry training board, helping them support the Scottish plant industry in a more strategic and focused manner, and ensuring we stay on par with training quality in England, as it should have always been,” he continued. “In 2024, thanks to the hard work and persistence of Callum Mackintosh, we saw the first-ever Scottish lifting apprentice cohort attend CITB Bircham Newton College, strengthening the SPOA’s relationship with our lifting sector members and reinforcing the value we bring to this area of the industry.”
John added that the SPOA has continued to remain at the forefront of industry best practices, offering subsidised training, delivering social events, and, more recently, supporting the campaign to oppose the removal of business and agricultural property relief.
“This tax change could have a significant impact on many of our members, and we’ve been vocal in raising our concerns through your letters of support,” he revealed. “The budget poses a serious threat to the Scottish plant industry and similar businesses across the UK. At times like this, associations like the SPOA become even more essential, providing a united voice to lobby the government effectively. Our influence can only grow through the continued support of our current members and the expansion of our membership.”
John encouraged everyone to engage more actively with the SPOA, adding that the association is built on members bringing forward their challenges and concerns, allowing the organisation to leverage the wealth of experience on its committee.
“Whether it’s lobbying at a local or national level, or simply collaborating with the wider membership to share best practices and address common challenges, your involvement truly makes a difference. The association is only as strong as the contributions of its members.”
John concluded his speech by revealing that being president has been a ‘genuine honour’ and also far more challenging than he could ever have imagined.
“It’s great to see our past presidents here tonight and to have various others with us across the room – all of whom have been part of the 75-year journey of the SPOA. I hope that with the small role I’ve played and the path the association is on, it will continue to have purpose and (add) value to its members for many more years to come.”
Highlights of the evening included a dazzling performance by magician scientist Kevin Quantum (of Britain’s Got Talent fame), an address to the haggis by Graeme Johncock, a stand-up set by Des Clarke, and the annual SPOA Apprentice Awards.
Ross Gorman, who works for McFadyens Contractors in Campbeltown, was named SPOA Plant Operator Apprentice of the Year, while Lara Mcleman, who works for Scot JCB in Muir of Ord, took home the SPOA Plant Mechanic Apprentice of the Year prize. The awards, co-sponsored by Currie Contractors, The Attachment Company, and CITB, recognise the achievements of Ross and Lara as they progress through their CITB apprenticeships.
Ross Gorman said, “I am still taking it all in, I can’t express how much this means to me and how grateful I am to everyone at McFadyens for me giving me the opportunity. I would also like to thank all the tutors and staff at the National Construction College at Bircham Newton.” William McFadyen, director at McFadyens Contractors, added, “McFadyens Contractors has long supported young people through apprenticeships. Ross embodies everything we look for in an apprentice and we could not be more proud of him for winning this award.”
Lara Mcleman added, “I am absolutely delighted with this award. I love my job and I really value everything I am learning on my apprenticeship. I am grateful to Scot JCB for the opportunity.” Lara’s employer, Iain Bryant, joint MD at Scot JCB, commented, “Lara fitted into the team at Muir of Ord immediately and her commitment and ability have really shone through.”
