AINSCOUGH CRANE HIRE’S HEAD OF TRANSPORT, MARCUS GOUGH, HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE HEAVY TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (HTA).

The HTA is the only specialist trade association for the heavy/abnormal load industry. Members include abnormal load hauliers, truck/trailer manufacturers, route surveyors, permit agents, consultants, abnormal load escorters, ferry owners, infrastructure owners/managers, equipment manufacturers and abnormal loads officers.

Marcus was appointed to serve his first term on 15th December, replacing David Purslow. He will bring to the position over 35 years’ experience in haulage and heavy cranes operations, during which time he has held a variety of roles from driver to operator. Marcus also currently serves on the Road Haulage Association’s Abnormal Loads Specialist Group committee and is well placed to represent the views of the HTA.

Commenting on his new role, Marcus said: “I am delighted, and it is a huge honour to be elected for this term and to try and provide stability in these uncertain times. “Both I and the committee encourage everyone to get involved, engage with the new look website, share, and feedback your ideas on the vast array of heavy and abnormal loads that are moved and escorted.

“As chair, I want to continue to drive the excellent work the HTA has already done in this area. With many key projects in progress at present, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders – right up to government departments – with a focus on improving safety and standards within our industry will be crucial. This can be explored further at the news page on the HTA website.”

Marcus’s new role is the latest appointment of a senior member of the Ainscough team to a key industry organisation, following the announcement in October that Peter Gibbs, Ainscough’s chief executive officer, had been named chair of the Construction Plant-hire Association – Crane Interest Group (CPA-CIG).