NFDC, the leading trade body for the demolition industry, officially announces the appointment of Derby-based Cawarden’s Managing Director, William Crooks, as President following the 80th Annual General Meeting of the Federation.
Presidential roles within NFDC are appointed biennially, typically via a traditional ceremonial handover of the Chain of Office at AGM events hosted by NFDC for members and special guests of the demolition industry. The ceremonial handover this morning was instead witnessed virtually by 100+ members via an online AGM, due to the current Coronavirus restrictions on mass gatherings. NFDC shared tentative plans for a member event to celebrate and commemorate the 80-year anniversary since the Federation’s foundation later this year where members will be able to raise a toast to the new President in person, assuming the Covid-19 roadmap back to normality remains on course.
The President’s role at NFDC is a significant undertaking and includes leading the NFDC National Council – a steering committee made up of representatives from all NFDC regions who help to define the agenda for key Federation activity which ultimately benefits the wider demolition industry.
On his appointment to the role, William Crooks said “30 years ago I was one of a two-man band and now I’m NFDC President. The day Cawarden became members of the NFDC was a massive source of pride for me and the entire Cawarden workforce and my appointment today evokes the same feelings of pride for all of us. The Federation itself, many fellow demolition contractors and the demolition industry as a whole have come from humble beginnings, yet we’re all going from strength to strength. I understand that the role of NFDC President is both a privilege and a responsibility and I look forward to helping shape and further improve the NFDC for the benefit of members and the demolition industry over my term.”
William Crooks, former Vice President of the NFDC, former Chairman for NFDC Midlands & Welsh region and current Chair of the NFDC Finance Committee, will be supported during his 2021 – 2023 term in office by Gary Bishop, of Bromley Demolition and immediate past President of the IDE, in the role of Vice President and the newly elected 2nd Vice President, John Lynch of Midlands & Welsh region member company, Newline Demolition.
On handing the Presidential baton over, Keltbray’s Holly Price passed on her thanks to William for his support as Vice President during her challenging two-year term in office, along with good wishes for success in the role. Despite the impact of Covid-19 on the Federation’s strategic plans and the absence of renowned member events during the past year, Holly brought some of the softer issues in demolition to the forefront, particularly Mental Health and Wellbeing and Diversity in demolition. With energy and commitment to Federation business throughout her tenure, Holly’s Presidency was valued by the wider NFDC leadership team and the membership of some 140 demolition contractors and 90 industry service providers.
NFDC CEO, Howard Button, added “On behalf of everyone at NFDC, we thank Holly Price for her dedication to the Federation from 2019 to 2021 and congratulate William on his new appointment. We trust he will enjoy a positive and productive term in office.”
