UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
An academic from Birmingham City University has been elected National Chairman of the Contractors Mechanical Plant Engineers (CMPE).
Professor David Edwards, Head of Research and Director of the Centre for Business Innovation & Enterprise at Birmingham City Business School, was recognised by CMPE for his involvement and personal affiliation with the professional body.
CMPE celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and is one of the largest and oldest professional bodies for plant and machinery professionals. Professor Edwards said: “I have been a proud member of the CMPE at the Staffs and Midlands Branch for almost 20 years. During this time, I have participated in many initiatives both as a member and branch Chairman with the aim of developing and expanding CMPE membership and the services provided to members.
“The CMPE has a critically important role to play in the development and education of plant professionals and operators within the UK. Its membership is largely made up of small to medium enterprises across the breadth of the country, many of whom depend upon branch activities and presentations to keep abreast of the latest developments within the industry.”
Mr Nev Rowell, Branch Secretary for CMPE (Staffordshire & the Midlands) added: “David is well respected within the industry and within our branch - you cannot fault the extensive and influential linkages he has throughout industry and government. I have confidence in David that he is the man to push the CMPE forward into a new exciting era.”
Professor Edwards is one of the foremost internationally leading academics in the field of plant and machinery management and nationally leading in the wider fields of plant hire, construction, civil engineering and quarry management. In a career spanning 10 years within industry and a further 15 years within academia, Professor Edwards' work has been funded through engineering councils, government bodies and industrial collaborations with various multinational blue chip companies (such as A-Plant, Tarmac, Costain and Lafarge).
He has attracted several millions of pounds of research funding, published over 150 scientific research papers in leading international journals as well as numerous conference contributions and textbooks. He is a peer referee for over 30 scientific journal publications and an editorial board member of various journals and conference events and he currently holds Visiting Professorships at Curtin University, Western Australia and KNUST in Kumasi, Ghana.