23 February 2012
It’s been an absolute whirlwind since I returned from the World of Concrete event in Las Vegas last month.
In my opinion, it’s important that we continue to raise the profile of the industry and here at D-Drill we are doing our level best to ensure that construction and specialist contractors get a share of the limelight.
I’ve been on national television a couple of times, national radio, regional TV and radio as well as in the written press to push the industry and, in particular, the fact that we are taking on apprentices who are the future.
While I was over in Vegas, I joined the CSDA (Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association) which is an American organisation that has no other European – let alone British – representation on it.
The event was partly a celebration of the CSDA’s 40th anniversary and I took several associates across to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the whole occasion.
But there was a serious side too and I am really pushing the cause of the ‘next generation’ of diamond drillers and sawyers because we all have a responsibility to bring on new people.
D-Drill’s workforce includes 45 per cent of staff that either came through or are currently undertaking an apprenticeship.
I am not being a martyr, but if the odd one goes off to work elsewhere at least I can say I have done my bit for the industry and have also developed a strong workforce here at D-Drill too.
I am also pushing the green agenda very heavily with my colleagues over in the US and Canada because there is going to be an increasing focus on that in the years to come.
While we were out there, it was great to see the advances in technology with a range of new equipment coming on stream. At D-Drill, we tend to bring in the very best equipment because it is a further example where investment now pays off in the future.
One final note, it was great to actually talk to people overseas and find that they are in the same position as you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Manchester or Milwaukee, or Coventry or Canada, the same issues affect all of our businesses!
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