In his first address as president of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) at the association’s annual conference, Mark Earles highlighted the importance of information and expertise, and emphasised the knowledge and importance found with the AEA.
He discussed the work done by the AEA, including specialist staff covering statistics, technical and market information, as well as working with stakeholders and government departments. He also highlighted its role in promoting the sector and attracting a skilled workforce, including the We Are Land-Based campaign.
Mark is well-placed to comment, having started his career as an apprentice aircraft engineer – completing two apprenticeships before going on to study for degrees in Computer Aided Design and Management.
He joined Makita 29 years ago and has progressed through the business to now have responsibility for market surveillance and business development. He also chairs and vice chairs technical committees at the European Garden Machinery Federation (EGMF), and has previously chaired the AEA’s Outdoor Power Equipment Council and its Training & Education Committee.
“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,” he said.