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14 Autumn/Winter 2021 PEOPLE G raham Arundell, the former CEO of Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA), has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 European Rental Association Awards. Graham was at the association’s helm for 13 years until he recently retired. He had delayed his retirement to support the association during the pandemic. The award recognises his “remarkable” impact on the association and the wider industry. The judges said: “Graham’s impact since he joined HAE in 2007 has been remarkable. He strengthened the association, added services and launched a dedicated events association. He also remained committed to an open and international approach, embracing the Global Rental Alliance and supporting the ERA’s activities.” Graham has been instrumental role in helping the industry gain recognition and respect. HAE EHA’s board of directors said: “Graham has made a significant contribution during his career within the equipment and event hire industry. He has played an active role in the European Rental Alliance over many years, and supported the sector through the Global Rental Alliance. “When he joined, he began the process of restructuring the association. His first major challenge was to steady the business through the global financial recession in 2008. Working with the board and a range of stakeholders he put members first, developing key relationships within the industry. Through his inclusive leadership he’s increased membership, driven more commerciality within the association, through supporting the development of businesses within the equipment and event hire, and given the sector a voice within the Government and market as a whole.” Graham worked with members, agencies and the British Standards Institute, to lead the development of the industry specific accreditation ‘SafeHire’. He helped to widen the safety guidance materials for equipment and increase the number of Best Practice Guides to support members, from multi outlet businesses to one location independents. He was instrumental in launching the Hire Awards of Excellence and establishing the Event Hire Association and also led the programme to develop HAE EHA’s V-Hire virtual reality product. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR FORMER CEO KELLY AND KATIE JOIN CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM T he HAE EHA team is growing once again with the addition of Kelly Raven as Customer Services Administrator and Katie Mulvey as Customer Services Administrator Assistant. Kelly first joined the HAE EHA team in 2019, leaving in December 2020 on maternity leave. She has now returned after having her baby boy, Hugo. Kelly’s role includes engaging with and supporting existing members and helping recruit new ones. Katie was born and raised in Birmingham, near HAE EHA’s offices, but moved away to study in Northampton, before coming back to find employment. She joined the team in June 2021 as part of the Government’s kickstart scheme, which aims to provide new jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds. Katie has previously volunteered at a care home and a university. Kelly Raven Katie Mulvey