As I look back over more than ten years as Secretary of SAEMA, I am reminded daily of just how important the role of the secretariat is to a trade association’s success. The work might not always be the most visible, but it is the foundation that allows everything else to function – from setting standards and running events to ensuring our members are informed, supported and represented at the highest levels.
When Seddon Management Services first began working with SAEMA, I knew the association had a vital role to play in our sector. Over the years, that belief has only grown stronger. SAEMA’s mission – to promote safety, technical excellence and compliance in the façade access industry – is one I have always been proud to champion. Our work keeps people safe, ensures our industry meets and exceeds its obligations and helps members navigate a fast-changing technical and regulatory landscape.
During my ten years+, I have been fortunate to witness, and play a part in, some great achievements. Membership has grown steadily, with more companies recognising the value of being part of a professional body that speaks with authority. Our training and guidance have become more accessible and modern as well as comprehensive and widely used, helping to raise standards not just among members but across the industry. We have forged stronger relationships with regulatory bodies and other industry organisations, giving SAEMA a respected voice in key conversations.
The secretariat’s role in all of this has been to provide the steady, consistent support that allows the association to thrive. That means managing governance, ensuring compliance with our own constitution, supporting the Chair and Committee, delivering communications and helping to plan and deliver initiatives that benefit members directly. It’s about creating the conditions in which good ideas can become real, practical outcomes.
I am proud of the progress we’ve made, but I’m equally excited about what lies ahead. The industry is evolving quickly, with new technologies, changing safety requirements and increasing expectations from clients and regulators. This creates both challenges and opportunities and I believe SAEMA is well-placed to lead the way.
To those not yet involved with SAEMA, I would encourage you to take a closer look at what we offer. Membership is far more than a badge of credibility – it’s an investment in your company’s future. It provides access to expert guidance, industry intelligence, networking opportunities and a platform to influence the standards and practices that affect us all.
As I look to the future, I remain committed to supporting SAEMA’s mission and ensuring that, as an association, we continue to adapt, grow and serve our members effectively. The past decade has been a privilege; the next chapter promises to be just as rewarding.