Steve Whiteway takes the reins as CPT President and sets out what he hopes to achieve in 2020
It is good to be back as President of CPT, a position I have been honoured to hold on two previous occasions, starting back in 2010.
It is a particular pleasure to be once again writing in routeone, as this column was introduced at my instigation, 10 years ago with the then Editor, Mike Morgan. It was a way of ensuring the industry, CPT members or not, could be kept up to date with not only the President’s travels, but also allowing an insight into the grass roots of our great industry.
So far, my travels have not amounted to much, but that is just the lull before the storm, as I have over 45 engagements already in the diary, seeing me travelling across the four corners of the UK and further afield – so a busy time ahead. Given that, what do I intend to achieve?
I see the President’s role as the link between members of CPT, both operators and suppliers, and the executive officers of the organisation.
Like all trade associations, it must satisfy a wide range of members’ views, particularly given the diversity of businesses we operate, whether coach or bus.
In fact, coach and bus have many of today’s issues in common, for example road congestion and the environment. There are other similarities, but both are equally important within CPT and I have experience of all kinds of operation, so I aim to ensure everyone has a voice.
My role is also to support the staff of CPT, who, as I pointed out in my inaugural speech in London at the annual CPT Dinner, are a small but highly talented group of people, who know our industry backwards.
Their experience and skill set, along with a passion to achieve our mutual aims, are vital in ensuring our members and by default, the wider industry, are supported. I look forward to visiting each of the regions to learn what CPT does well and what it can do better.
CPT has recently refocussed, with the voice of the industry considerably louder, under the direction of CEO Graham Vidler.
This is already raising the profile of our industry, which we all know could go a long way to providing solutions for the government in achieving net zero emissions and reducing congestion.
In return, we are seeking a commitment and indeed, recognition of the strength of our offer from the government, with just a little help. A point that I made to Baroness Vere, the Buses Minister, (she equally looks after coaches) as my guest at the dinner.
I am following in the footsteps of my predecessor as President, Martin Dean, who did a great job in steering CPT through its review and we owe him our thanks. I look forward to continuing Martin’s good work and meeting as many members and potential members in the year ahead as I can.
