LEEA elects new chair and president

Phil White, who was previously a member of the LEEA’s technical committee and board replaced chair Chris Towne.
White is replacing Towne as he has completed his two-year tenure as chair.
White co-founded Servtech in the 1980s. It began providing NDT in the oil and gas industries, and went on to provide other inspection and safety services. 
In the honorary position of president, Jim Coupe is replacing John Kilby, who stood down the position. 
Coupe worked in the lifting industry for a several decades in a number of senior management and director-level positions for companies such as Crosby Europe, Arbil, Felco and Parsons Chain. 
Coupe has been involved with the LEEA since the 1970s and served as its chair from 1999 to 2001. He was also chair of three International Standards committees for chain and chain components.
White expressed his desire to internationalise the LEEA’s presence and expand offerings: “I am extremely keen that the LEEA becomes a truly global entity and continues to develop and extend its portfolio of practical training courses. With Geoff Holden as chief executive we have already made good progress towards these objectives and it is important that the board continues to support him.” 
Safety is a continuing concern for the industry, says White. “We also need to do more to educate end users about the importance of using genuinely competent staff for the test, examination and maintenance of lifting equipment, and promote the fact that LEEA membership and qualifications are the best possible evidence of the necessary standards of expertise and professionalism.”
The LEEA, established in 1944, campaigns for higher standards of safety within the lifting industry, providing members with training, technical advice, and working with regulatory bodies to create British, European and International standards.