Mark Earles of Makita UK, was appointed President of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) at their AGM in central London this week.

Mark Earles

In his address to the conference Mark discussed the importance of information and expertise, “in times which are fluid, and where our industry is seeing big changes.” He emphasised that the knowledge and experience found within the AEA is vital for businesses and their performance. 

He went on to discuss the work of the AEA, from specialist staff covering statistics, technical and market information, to working with key stakeholders and Government departments who deliver key policies which have a great impact on business. He emphasised the importance of consultation and finding amicable solutions. 

He also highlighted the AEA’s key role in promoting the sector and ensuring it is able to attract the skilled workforce needed to work on the exciting and rapidly changing technology in machinery. The We Are Land-based Engineering campaign, launched just over a year ago, has been a “phenomenal success” and is already starting to make a difference, he said.

Joining Makita 29 years ago, Mark's current role within the company is market surveillance and business development, with responsibilities in Europe, where he chairs and vice chairs market-based and technical committees at the European Garden Machinery Federation (EGMF). The AEA says his wealth of industry knowledge covers some of the most critical areas of development for the sector, including the rise of new technologies and the implications of national regulation on the global manufacturing process. 

After chairing the AEA’s Outdoor Power Equipment Council for two years and its Training & Education Committee for four, Mark was elected President by fellow members of the AEA Board of Directors.

“Being asked to be President of the AEA has to be one of the proudest moments in my career. My first meeting with the AEA was in 2015 and latterly serving as chair of the Outdoor Power Equipment Council and Board member for the last 2 years has truly been a delight.”

His speech considered some of the significant issues facing the sector as a whole and he stressed how critical it is for members to engage and be involved. He cited examples of how, under his direction, Makita has been a great supporter of the We Are Land-based Engineering campaign. As President over the next 12 months, he looks forward to developing this initiative even further, along with the two newly reviewed Land based Engineering apprenticeships.

He also emphasised how the AEA is working with BAGMA, which he said was presenting a more attractive offer to their members. This included securing a partnership with TROY as a Global Buying Group service provider for BAGMA.