CEN is the European Committee for Standardisation and brings together the National Standardisation Bodies of 34 European countries. It is one of three European Standardisation Organizations (together with CENELEC and ETSI) charged by the EU and EFTA to develop and define voluntary standards at European level. Each European Standard is recognised across the whole of Europe, and automatically becomes the national standard in 34 European countries, making it much easier for businesses to sell their goods or services to customers throughout the European Single Market.
BITA is also a member of all of the Sub-Committees and Working Groups doing a similar job with ISO/TC110, Industrial Trucks, at international level, where David has been head of the UK delegation since taking over from Bob Hine.
Post-Brexit, the importance of trade associations in developing and articulating a single UK voice will become even more pronounced, both at home and abroad, and David’s appointment is a strong indicator of how BITA is valued across the industry.