ALLMI reports surge in membership growth and training demand
ALLMI, the lorry loader association, has reported that its industry representation continues to expand, with year-to-date new member applications and registrations increasing by 200 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
One company to recently join ALLMI is Coreson Engineering, a lorry loader service and repair business based in Woodbridge, Suffolk.
Its managing director and owner, Jason Smith, said: “As an individual, I have held ALLMI training accreditation for many years, so when I established Coreson Engineering in 2023, obtaining ALLMI membership was naturally one of my goals for the business.”
He continued: “Whilst we have operated to a high standard from day one, there’s no doubt the company has benefited significantly from the demanding joining process and the guidance received as part of that.
“It’s not simply a case of applying for ALLMI membership; there’s a great deal of work involved with demonstrating the required standard and having the right to display the ALLMI logo, and I’m proud that we have achieved this.”
ALLMI CEO Tom Wakefield commented: “The industry recognises the value of dealing with an ALLMI member, and the investment in quality the company will have made to be promoted as part of the Association. Along with our numerous member services, this credibility provides us with an excellent membership model and is the reason we continually experience such strong retention and growth.”
ALLMI provides membership for manufacturers and importers, installers, service companies, ancillary equipment suppliers, fleet operators and site operators.
The association also reports growth for its instructor accreditation; following a 12 per cent increase during its last financial year, uptake continues to be strong this year.
Sibbald Ltd, one of Scotland’s largest plant training providers, recently put its crane and lifting instructor, Gary Bennie, through the ALLMI Instructor Course.
Company director John Sibbald commented: “Safety and standards are of the utmost importance to us at Sibbald. We ensure these principles are embedded in everything we do and lie at the core of our training services, which is why we have taken the necessary steps to achieve ALLMI accreditation.”
Gary Bennie added: “I have been operating and instructing on lorry loaders for many years and so I consider myself to be very skilled and experienced in this field. However, I still found the ALLMI Instructor Course to be challenging and informative, and it has no doubt increased my level of expertise, adapting my knowledge perfectly towards delivering the ALLMI scheme.
“I have also been impressed by the comprehensive training aids, materials and support provided by ALLMI, and I now look forward to delivering their programme across our customer base.”
ALLMI has emphasised the importance for lorry loader fleet owners of ensuring that they ask instructors for their credentials when planning training.
“Are they qualified in terms of teaching skills that facilitate the effective communication of course content?” asked the association.
“Do they have a recognised operator qualification and, if so, is that backed up with extensive hands-on experience?”
“Have they undertaken instructor-level training and assessment specifically for lorry loaders, and does their accrediting body provide them with detailed training material, technical support, CPD and monitoring on an ongoing basis?
“ALLMI recognises the importance of all these factors in ensuring the highest quality of training.”
The organisation also continues to underline the importance and credibility of its Crane Supervisor and Appointed Person courses, which have seen record demand during the 2024/25 financial year.
As an ALLMI member and a leading provider of equipment rental and managed solutions, Sunbelt Rentals puts its applicable lifting team personnel through both courses.
The company’s health, safety and sustainability director, Mark Keily, said: “At Sunbelt, safety is our leading company value, and so ALLMI’s Crane Supervisor and Appointed Person courses are the obvious choice.
“The training provides our staff with the highest level of technical knowledge and practical skills, and as an employer it assists us in meeting our obligations under the applicable legislation and Standards. We would certainly recommend it to other businesses involved in lorry loader lifting operations.”
ALLMI additionally reports record uptake for its Slinger / Signaller course during the 2024/25 financial year. This was the fourth consecutive year that has seen unparalleled demand for this training, it said, further demonstrating its strong industry standing.
“ALLMI has long been promoting the importance of Slinger / Signaller training, raising awareness of the problems that can occur when this is neglected,” it said.
The association continues to warn that those who believe putting staff through a lorry loader operator course will provide them with a sufficient level of skill and understanding to act as a slinger are mistaken. Specific training should be undertaken in order to be proficient in this area, it says, and this is a requirement under the Health & Safety at Work Act, PUWER and BS 7121 Part 4.
ALLMI has recently announced that its annual meetings for all members (manufacturers and importers, service companies, fleet owners, ancillary equipment suppliers and site operators) will take place on 6 November 2025 at Silverstone Museum, located at the iconic Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.
The event will provide a key networking opportunity for companies from across the lorry loader industry, it says, facilitating valuable discussion and debate on a wide range of topical issues, as well as providing updates concerning numerous projects and activities being undertaken by ALLMI throughout this year.
In addition, all delegates will be given access to the Museum, providing an immersive experience and the showcasing of legendary cars, as well as stories that shaped motorsport history.
Delegates will also have exclusive access to the ‘Sim Suite’, Silverstone’s state-of-the-art racing simulator arena; and the ‘Scalextric Room’, containing a recreation of Silverstone’s world-famous Formula 1 Circuit.
Tom Wakefield added: “We look forward to bringing all corners of the lorry loader industry together, and at an incredible trackside venue that will further enhance the experience for our members.
“We are also excited to welcome a highly accomplished and intriguing guest speaker in Karl Simons of FYLD. With the increasing prevalence and advancement of artificial intelligence, it’s an excellent time for Karl to present on the subject, to explain the impact it’s already having on the lorry loader and allied industries, and to impart his expert views on what the near future holds in this regard.”
