CPA launches Construction Growth Coalition at 85th anniversary dinner in Liverpool

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has announced a new industry body, the Construction Growth Coalition, at its 85th anniversary gala dinner in Liverpool on 5 November, attended by more than 300 guests.

The CPA said the coalition had been established by the association in conjunction with founder members to give the construction industry a stronger, independent voice. It is co-chaired by CPA Chief Executive Steve Mulholland and Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), who also spoke at the dinner.

According to the CPA, a key priority is to give businesses of all sizes a stronger voice, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro businesses, which it said account for 99% of the construction industry.

Steve Mulholland, CPA Chief Executive, said: "The launch of the Construction Growth Coalition marks another important milestone for the CPA and the wider industry, giving the construction supply chain a stronger, independent voice."

The coalition

The CIOB confirmed on 6 November that Hills had been appointed co-chair of the newly formed coalition, with Mulholland as the other co-chair. It said the coalition is led by nine founder members drawn from across the industry's institutions, trades and media.

The CIOB framed the coalition as aimed at the 99% of construction businesses that are SMEs or micro firms. It said that as a chartered body it has a remit to act in the public interest, and that most of its chartered company members are SMEs.

The CPA said the coalition is open to construction businesses of every size, as well as the self-employed, and that firms can join through its website, constructiongrowth.co.

Long-serving members

The dinner at St George's Hall was the CPA's second annual black-tie gala. Twelve businesses received Long-Serving Member Awards, some of which the CPA said have been members since the 1950s.

The recipients were Marsh Plant Hire, Bennie Plant, Schwing Stetter (UK), Grant Plant, Clee Hill Plant, Balfour Beatty Rail Plant, Welch's Crane Hire, VolkerStevin Specialist Businesses, Amey Fleet Services, Martello Plant Hire, D Morgan plc and Freemans of Telford. Representatives of Clee Hill Plant, Welch's Crane Hire, D Morgan plc and Freemans of Telford collected their awards in person.

Mulholland said: "CPA is 85 years old. What a pleasure and what an honour it is to lead such an organisation. This has been our busiest year yet".

Peter Haddock acted as Master of Ceremonies, with entertainment from Martin Johnson and Mick Miller. CPA President Brian Jones also addressed guests.

Wellbeing fundraising

The CPA gave special mention to the Construction Sport team of Steve Kerslake, Geoff Vincent and Ross Noakes, who cycled 240 miles over three days from the association's London headquarters to the dinner in Liverpool to raise funds for health and wellbeing in the industry.

Guests were also shown a trailer for The Truth Behind Mental Health in Construction, a documentary being produced by The Build Network in partnership with the CPA.

Sponsors

CPCS/NOCN Group was Headline Sponsor of the 2026 dinner and Plant Planet was Media Partner. Gold Sponsors were Compass Business Finance, JCB Insurance, RSP, Safety Shield, SmartEquip, Merlo and UK Plant Expo.

According to the Construction Equipment Association, the inaugural dinner in 2025 was sponsored by NOCN Group as Headline Sponsor, NPORS as Drinks Reception Sponsor and Plant Planet as Media Partner.

The CPA said the coalition is now open for membership at constructiongrowth.co.