Martin Hamer, national sales manager for Fendt has become the latest president of the Agricultural Engineers Association - taking over from Iseki's David Withers, whose year at the helm has come to an end.

Martin Hamer

Speaking at the Association's conference that took place in Westminster on Tuesday this week, in posing the question of what he can do in terms of guiding the AEA for the coming year, he invoked one of JFK’s great quotes – ‘ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country’.

"So what can I do for our organisation?," asked Martin to the assembled manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and guests in attendance. "Well to start with, I’m confident the AEA can continue to supply our members with accurate and up-to-date business information and statistics - so you can measure and plan your business performance, based on solid data. And you can see immediately industry trends and plan accordingly."

Martin continued, "The AEA will also make sure manufacturers and importers are armed with the latest information that will allow them to make sure the products they sell are compliant with the latest UK, EU or rest of the world standards, regulations and obligation requirements. We will ensure this information is supplied in plain English and easy to understand – which I believe to our members is a massive bonus."

Martin also confirmed that the AEA will continue to use its position to lobby government and to make sure the rules and regulations passed are appropriate, " . .and that where possible, they enhance business, rather than tie it up in ever tighter red-tape."

Martin also pointed out, "Lobbying is also an excellent example of our synergy with BAGMA. And the AEA will continue to develop and support BAGMA so it can grow to its full potential and offer first-class support to its dealer members."