IPAF Champions Powered Access Rental During European Rental Week
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is proud to take part in European Rental Week (ERW), an annual initiative that highlights the critical role of equipment rental across Europe.
To celebrate this year’s theme, Empowering the Future: Transitions, Sustainability, People, we're spotlighting how we and our rental members are leading in digital transformation, sustainability, and workforce development in the powered access sector.
“European Rental Week is a powerful reminder of how essential rental companies are to modern construction and maintenance projects,” said Martin Wraith, IPAF Rental+ Scheme Manager. “We’re proud to work alongside our rental members to advance safety standards, support innovation, and equip the workforce of tomorrow.”
“When looking at suppliers that we can work with, we align ourselves with companies that have the most stringent standards of training, advice, equipment and customer satisfaction, with LTC holding IPAF Rental+ this ensures these are met. It’s great to see that LTC Powered Access continue to set high levels within the industry and strive to be the best at what they do!”
Kevin Hendy, Classic Builders Ltd (customer of LTC Powered Access)
Digital Transformation — ePAL leading the way
IPAF’s ePAL app is fully digital, replacing the need to keep a physical PAL card. The app allows operators instant access to their digital PAL Card, training history, and equipment familiarisation logs, while enabling employers and rental companies to verify credentials quickly and reliably. Increased adoption across Europe underscores its value as a sustainability tool, reducing paper usage and administrative burden.
Rental companies embracing ePAL are among those setting the standard in how safety training and compliance are managed in the digital age.
Sustainability through Rental Business Models
The equipment rental model is inherently sustainable: it maximises the utilisation of machinery, reduces waste, and supports a circular economy. IPAF continues to assist its rental members in pursuing greener operations – from adoption of electric MEWPs to optimised fleet use and lifecycle management. To further help our members to meet evolving environmental goals, we have launched a new member benefit – Sustainability Pathways – designed to help IPAF members build sustainability skills to improve their operations and stay competitive in a greener marketplace.
In support of the UK government’s Build Back Greener strategy and the national goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, this free, online training - delivered in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School - offers bite-sized learning pathways tailored to the powered access sector. The courses aim to equip IPAF members with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to embed sustainability into their operations and stand out in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace.
“Sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s becoming a core part of how our members operate,” said Martin Wraith, IPAF’s Rental+ Scheme Manager. “Rental companies are investing in greener fleets, electric MEWPs, and smarter logistics. IPAF is here to help them measure and share those achievements.”
“IPAF Rental+ has brought a lot of structure to the way we work, setting a high minimum standard in health and safety. It’s paramount our staff work within the health and safety standards to ensure the highest standard of machinery is provided to our customers at all times.”
Ele Ioannou – Powered Access Division Manager, Mr Plant Hire PLC (IPAF Rental+ certified company)
Building the next generation of talent
With apprenticeships and training pathways expanding across Europe, IPAF continues to champion new talent entering the powered access sector.
“Apprenticeships give young people a structured, supported entry into a vital industry,” said Richard Whiting, IPAF's UK & Ireland Market General Manager. “We’re proud to see members offering exciting career routes that combine technical knowledge, safety awareness, and practical experience.”
Find out more about IPAF’s industry training here: https://www.ipaf.org/en-gb/industry-training
