Chris Blantern, 54, is the new chairman of the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ And Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA), the trade body representing the mobile access tower industry.

He takes over from Roger Verallo, who steps down after a period of four years in office.

Managing director of Sheffield-based Hi-Point Access, Mr Blantern has spent virtually all his working life in the access industry. Originally serving South Yorkshire, Hi-Point Access was one of the first Hire Assembly companies specialising in mobile access towers to appoint a health and safety director to its board. It now operates nationally, employing 60 people, and remains family-owned and managed.

Mr Blantern first joined PASMA in 1995. He joined the Training Committee in 1997 and became chairman of the inaugural Hire Assembly Committee in 2008, a position he held until 2012.

Of his new appointment, he said: “In taking over, I must first pay tribute to Roger Verallo who has done an exceptional job as chairman. I intend to follow his example and build on his legacy.

“Over the next two years my aim is to promote safety and best practice across the industry. I want tower users to know that when they specify a PASMA member organisation, they can do so confident in the knowledge that they are dealing with a competent, professional company that satisfies industry-recognised standards.

“In other words, a specialist that knows and understands towers and speaks the language.”

Peter Bennett, PASMA’s managing director, was delighted to welcome Mr Blantern to the role. He said: “Chris brings with him a lifetime of knowledge and expertise which can only benefit PASMA and its members. He will be a great asset as we continue to develop the reach and influence of the association going forward.”