Steve Booker takes the helm as PASMA’s new chairman
Steve Booker, the new PASMA chairman (left), shakes hands with Richard Fairfield, PASMA’s outgoing chairman (right).29/11/2023 –PASMA’s Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) in Worsley marked the introduction of Steve Booker, managing director of Kentec Training and Kentec Tool Hire, as the association’s new chairman.
The role of chairman
Taking on the role of PASMA chairman is a voluntary commitment that will see Steve engaging regularly with other council members. They will take part in discussions, debates, and decision-making processes that shape PASMA's work.
This position places Steve at the forefront of the association, giving him a chance to make a real impact on our campaigns, projects, and overall direction. In his acceptance speech, Steve made clear that he wants all members to have a say in what this looks like, saying: “I encourage each one of you to actively participate and voice your ideas, as your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our association.”
Building a safe and innovative future
“We are a diverse community with unique perspectives, but I believe we share a common commitment to excellence. Through knowledge exchange and collective problem-solving, we can address the challenges that lie ahead and seize the opportunities that await us.” – Steve Booker
As chairman, he will lead PASMA through a significant year, marking the association's 50th anniversary. His goals include advancing digitalisation, embracing new tools like TowerSure and virtual reality, and reinforcing working relationships with regulators to ensure the industry's continued growth and success.
During his speech at this year’s AMM, Steve added: “We are committed to adding value to PASMA membership, providing more resources and support to our members than ever before. I will also be working closely alongside [PASMA managing director] Peter [Bennett OBE] and his dedicated team. Together, we will lead PASMA into a new era of innovation and progress.”
History of commitment
PASMA’s community spans the entire access tower industry, encompassing manufacturers, rental companies, training centres, instructors and hire and assembly businesses. All members are actively encouraged to run for council and committee elections, which gives them a bigger say in the future of the association.
Embracing a collaborative spirit, members (even competitors!) work together towards the shared goal of enhancing tower safety. With this collaborative approach, PASMA also benefits from a rich pool of industry knowledge and product expertise.
Steve brings this and more to the table, including his business acumen and foresight. He became a PASMA lead instructor in 2009 and, three years later, was elected the Training Committee’s vice chair. Since then, he has served four distinct two-year terms between the roles of training committee chair and vice chair and, in 2022, assumed PASMA’s deputy chairmanship. Now, he is PASMA’s new chairman.
Family business
In his decades of leadership at Kentec, Steve has leveraged PASMA membership to strengthen and grow his family business, branching out with Kentec Training in 2008. Ever since then, he has been directly involved in PASMA’s activities. Last month Kentec celebrated 20 years as a PASMA member, and their story was featured on our media as a member case study.
Thank you, Richard Fairfield, our outgoing chairman
Before becoming PASMA’s chairman in 2022, Richard was deputy chair for three years. Before that, he chaired the Hire and Assembly Committee, also for three years.
In 1989, Richard founded E. T. Hire Ltd, a tool and access hire company. His leadership as managing director guided the company's success until recently selling the business to the management team. Early on, recognising the significance of PASMA training, Richard strategically incorporated it into the company's activities to fortify the hire business.
When taking over as chairman at last year’s AMM, he said: “PASMA has taken giant steps in recent years, but we are on a journey that has no final destination, unless, of course, we get to the stage where there are no falls, no injuries and no deaths.” And his contributions have certainly taken PASMA a long way towards that ideal.
As a key figure in PASMA and in our industry, Richard’s impact has been invaluable. On behalf of all members, we thank him for his contributions!
Welcome, Steve!
We welcome Steve as he assumes the role of PASMA chairman. Join us in offering him your best wishes and support for an exciting year ahead.
