Towne Group Chairman Elected As LEEA HeadChris Towne chairman of the Towne group of companies has been elected as the new chairman of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). He replaces Len Latham of Bridon International, who stands down after two years, as is customary with the LEEA.
 Chris Towne’s appointment was announced at the LEEA’s AGM, held in Chester on November 20th. Commenting on his new role, he said: “he was delighted to lead the team in fully developing LEEA as the international trade association committed to enhancing the skills and training of all those involved in the lifting industry…….” After starting his career in the Merchant Navy, Chris Towne joined the family businesses of C.E.A. Towne (Ship Riggers) Limited and Fleetwood Trawler Supply Limited in 1976. He developed the lifting equipment manufacturing and supply side of the Towne group throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and was appointed to the LEEA board in 2004. He studied at Hull University between 2003 and 2007 and holds a Nebosh Safety Diploma and a University Degree in Safety. Established in 1944, the LEEA has over 300 member companies worldwide and campaigns vigorously for higher standards of safety within the lifting industry. In addition to providing members with training and expert technical advice, the association works closely with organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive in the preparation of regulations and British, European and International standards. Member companies include those involved in the manufacture, hire, repair, refurbishment and use of lifting equipment; all are responsible for the test, examination or verification of lifting equipment. Applicants are subject to an initial technical audit before full membership is granted, and then to a continuing programme of assessments. Further details on the activities of the LEEA can be found at: www.leea.co.uk |
