How time flies

19 May 2008

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They say time flies when you're having fun, and I suppose that's true of the past 24 months or so.


On May 17 2006, just over two years ago, I was named editor of Hoist.

At the time, I likened my ambition to that of Heinz-Helmut Kempkes, who said in reflection of his two-year term as president of the Fédération Européene de la Manutention (FEM), which concluded later that year: "The main intention was to bring together the industry with the same, strong interest."

And, two years down the road, nothing has changed. Through close relationships with companies and associations alike, we're addressing the issues most relevant to the industry as a collective unit.

I suppose there have been two notable developments this year. First, the company was bought out by private owners and, second, a new publication was launched, Overhead Crane & Hoist (OCH). You can read more about this in the May issue, which should have landed on your desk late last week.

Hoist has also named an assistant editor, Will North. It is the first time in the magazine's history (it was launched in 1998) that the title has benefited from the services of two in-house editorial staff. North, who is also deputy editor on sister title Cranes Today, brings with him a wealth of editorial experience.

He has proved during his time on the construction crane title that he can produce high quality, analytical editorial content. I'm excited about the benefits he will bring to the pages of the magazine. Look out for him from next month.

I joined the company almost exactly three years ago after leaving the newspaper business and spending a year in Australia. I joined Wilmington Media, as it was then, as assistant editor on Cranes Today, so have a similar background to that of North.

I work on a day to day basis with former editor Will Dalrymple (now cranes group editor) and sales colleagues Mark Bridger (now group sales manager), Kate Hearn (classified advertisement manager), Martin McCarthy (who has also joined in the last year as senior sales international) and Kirsty Guest (classified sales executive).

What more could I (or any of the team) do to help raise the profile of your business?

Contact me on rhowes@progressivemediagroup.com.

Richard Howes, Editor