Elevation UK 2026: Programme Announcement

IPAF is pleased to announce the 2026 programme for Elevation UK. 

Taking place on 1 July at the iconic Hilton St George’s Park, this year’s event will explore the theme: Real Risks, Real Consequences: Protecting IPAF Members in the Field. 

The programme will focus on the real-world threats facing those working in the powered access sector, delivering practical insight to help improve safety and protect teams on site. 

PROGRAMME

09:00 – 12:00: Access Alliance Meeting (For Access Alliance members only). 

12:00 – 13:00: Networking Lunch  

13:00 – 13:10: Introduction  

• Host: Richard Whiting, UK Market General Manager (IPAF)  

13:10 – 13:40: IPAF Update  

This session will cover the latest updates from IPAF. 

• Peter Douglas, CEO & Managing Director (IPAF). 

13:40 – 14:05: Cyber Security  

Delegates will learn about the increasing threat and risks associated with cyber attacks. 

• Liz Murray, Chief of Staff (The SASIG)  

14:05 – 14:30: National Police Construction and Agri Theft Team 

This session will explore the damage that serious organised crime is having on the construction and agricultural industries. 

• Andrew Huddleston KPM, National Police Chiefs Council Lead for Theft of Construction and Agri Machinery 
• Chris Piggott, Detective Sergeant & Supervisor on the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT)  

 14:30 – 15:15: Networking Coffee Break  

15:15 – 15:20: Welcome Back  

• Host: Richard Whiting, UK Market General Manager (IPAF)  

15:20 – 15:55: Rental Fraud  

This session will cover lessons learned from a real-life rental fraud: 

• How the incidents happened 
• The role of trackers – their benefits and how thieves identify them  
• How self-help investigation measures, alongside a stretched national rural police force, achieved partial success  
• Where banks and insurance companies fell short in their support 
• The systems and procedures we’ve since implemented to strengthen our protection (including successfully defending against further attempted fraud) 
• The policies required to safeguard a rental business against fraud – and why “Plant All Risks” is not as fully comprehensive as it sounds 
   
• James Haigh, Chairman (Eagle Platforms & Training Ltd)  
• David Simmonite, Managing Director (Eagle Platforms & Training Ltd)  

15:55 – 16:35: Panel – The Dos and Don’ts of Rental Fraud  

This panel session will explore the growing issue of rental fraud in the powered access sector, covering real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and practical steps businesses can take to safeguard their equipment and operations. 

• Panel Host: Euan Youdale, Editor (Access & Rental International)   
• Andrew Huddleston KPM, National Police Chiefs Council Lead for Theft of Construction and Agri Machinery 
• Chris Piggott, Detective Sergeant & Supervisor on the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT)  
• James Haigh, Chairman (Eagle Platforms & Training Ltd)  
• David Simmonite, Managing Director (Eagle Platforms & Training Ltd)  

16:35 – 16:50: Closing Remarks  

• Host: Richard Whiting, UK Market General Manager (IPAF)  

17:00: World Cup Game  

18:30 – 19:30: Evening Drinks Reception  

19:30 – 21:15: BBQ & Neil Ruddock as After-Dinner Speaker 

21:00: World Cup Game  

Over 50% of tickets have already sold and we’d love to see you there – book your tickets today! 

With special thanks to our event sponsors:

Headline Sponsor

Platinum Plus Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor