CALLUM Mackintosh, founder of Highland Hammer Hire/HHH Equipment, has taken over the reigns as the new president of the Scottish Plant Operators Association (SPOA), having served two years as vice president of the trade association.

At 32 years old, Callum is the youngest president to hold the role in the 70-year history of the SPOA. Speaking about his appointment, he said: “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.”

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Joining Callum on the executive committee as vice president is John Sibbald from Sibbald Training.

This new term of office for Callum comes after a very challenging year for the industry as well as the whole nation, which he was swift to acknowledge saying: “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 1 April 2022 is yet another challenge for our sector and I am committed to doing everything I can to mitigate the impact to our members from this decision.”

Members or potential new members of the SPOA are encouraged to make contact with Callum with ideas and feedback for the organisation by emailing him at info@SPOA.org.uk.

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