Holden has worked in the overhead lifting industry since 1976 and joins the LEEA from Spanset UK Limited, where he was sales manager for height safety products. With an honours degree in metallurgy, his professional experience spans a range of senior research, sales, and business management roles, in companies that include Certex, Liftex and Bridon Ropes.
Holden said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing to grow the association nationally and internationally and building upon the excellent work done by Derrick.”
Bailes responded: “Geoff will bring a wealth of relevant technical and commercial expertise to the role. Over recent years our membership has grown significantly, along with the range of services and support that we can provide. The LEEA is fast becoming a truly global organisation and I have no doubt that Geoff’s arrival will only serve to build on these positive trends.”
Established in 1944, the LEEA currently represents 273 members, covering over 500 locations worldwide. Based at a training centre and head office in Huntingdon, the LEEA offers members a wide range of services. These include practical, ‘hands-on’ training, and a long-established distance learning course designed to prepare students for the association’s industry-recognised diploma qualification.
The LEEA also produces a range of authoritative publications, including the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment, and is closely involved in the preparation of legislation and British, European and International Standards.
To earn full membership of the LEEA, companies must first pass a rigorous technical audit, and are then subject to further periodic audits. Further details on the work of the LEEA, and a full list of members, are available at www.leea.co.uk.
