Interface

Issue 3 2020 03 EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT PAUL GAZE, CEO DESIGNATE, LOOKS FORWARDTO HIS NEW ROLE AND REFLECTS ONTHEYEAR SO FAR ‘Passionate about the hire sector and ready to help navigate these challenging times’ T his is my first column as CEO at HAE EHA so I’m reflecting on a turbulent eight months which has seen the hire sector and its people buffeted by the coronavirus pandemic. As your trade association, we have worked hard to keep you informed and updated on the key announcements, financial support and ever-changing restrictions to control the virus. This work continues apace. HAE EHA has been in almost continuous contact with ministers and officials, whether on the operational impact of the restrictions, the contribution of the hire sector in supporting essential public services, or the plight of the event supply sector, which has been left unaided by the various government schemes. For several months, HAE EHA operated with a smaller team as around half our colleagues were furloughed. Everyone played a significant part in keeping our members supported. I’m grateful for their hard work and dedication at a time when all of us were caught up in the Covid-19 crisis. This mirrors the experience in many of our member companies. I’ve just taken on the CEO role from Graham Arundell, who has become a non-executive director and I thank Graham for his 14 years leading the organisation. I’m passionate about the hire sector and want to do all I can to help members navigate these challenging times. As ever, I remain grateful for your support across this fantastic sector, which was so admirably showcased in the online Awards of Excellence. Paul Gaze CEO Designate