The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) is a UK trade association which focuses on the rights and responsibilities of those who use, build and distribute construction equipment in the United Kingdom. The CEA also supports those who are seeking to build and export construction equipment for use abroad.

Although the CEA acts independently in some matters, the organisation is a part of the British Materials Handling Federation (BMHF), alongside with the Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers (ALEM), the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA), the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA).

The construction equipment industry is worth around £8.5 billion to the United Kingdom, and construction equipment from the UK is exported to over 150 different global export markets. It is therefore very important that the interests of the industry are protected. Products and services which may be covered by the CEA or represented by the CEA include; concrete equipment, drilling and tunnelling devices, foundation equipment, cranes and lifting tools, earthmovers, materials handling machines, road construction equipment, site equipment and safety/security devices.

The CEA is recognised by the Government of the UK as a leading voice in the industry and the association is regularly consulted by ministers and civil servants on relevant matters. The CEA also actively participates in the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE), meaning that the CEA is able to give a voice to UK interests in Europe and around the world.

Although there is no regulation that states that construction equipment workers or organisations must a member of the Construction Equipment Association to work in the United Kingdom; there are certain benefits for members. As a trade body, the CEA regularly runs meetings, seminars and trade shows for members. Members are able to network with one another and build stronger trade links. Some of these networking events include overseas members, allowing participants to have the opportunity to build global trade links for their business. Trade shows and exhibitions allow members to keep up-to-date with all of the latest industry developments, so that they can keep abreast of developments. A quarterly magazine is produced for members.

Being a member of the CEA also allows members to have the opportunity to influence national (and international) policy in relation to the construction equipment industry. Because the government and civil service regularly consults with the CEA on industry matters, the CEA are able to help to translate industry opinion into actual working policy. Once new policy is introduced, the CEA is able to create factsheets and run seminars to ensure that members understand and comply with the parts of the legislation which affect them.

The CEA is also strongly engaged in research, development and training. This helps to ensure that the industry in the UK continues to innovate whilst members maintain their own standards. The CEA can help members to ensure that all employees have had sufficient training to allow them to thrive in their work environment.