170 representatives attended the NFDC Convention 2016

The NFDC Annual Convention took place at the end of August, running from the 26th-28th. It was a huge success and we've included the NFDC write-up below:


More than 170 representatives from 50 member companies of the NFDC came together this weekend (26-28 August) to enjoy the networking, social and business opportunities of the NFDC Annual Convention.

Held this year at the Hotel Villa Padierna Palace in Marbella and sponsored by Finning CAT, the convention included the annual half yearly business meeting. This saw Finning CAT give members a sneak preview into new demolition specific products it will be launching in October and January that will include new safety specific features unique to Caterpillar.

The business meeting also saw NFDC President Martin Wilson and Chief Executive Howard Button reveal the latest developments in training, industry guidance notes and the launch of a new NFDC supported National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) CCDO Smart Card Scheme – which it is hoped will also be extended to include demolition plant.


Marketing updates included an increased profile for the NFDC through magazine advertising and awards sponsorship in conjunction with Construction News, as well as the launch of a new corporate brochure which was also previewed at the business meeting.

Dates were confirmed for both Demolition Expo 2017, which will next year extend to be a three-day show held from 22-24 June and the 2017 annual convention which will be held 2-5 September in Malta – make sure you put the dates for both in your diaries!

With networking a key focus of the annual convention, the various drinks receptions, dinners (including the gala dinner) and simply chatting by the pool also proved popular with guests. The Gala dinner saw a staggering £20,000 raised by guests through the charity raffle and associated donations with all proceeds going to the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal.


The annual golf tournament meanwhile saw David Darsey, Managing Director of Erith Contractors’ Demolition Division, take the Claude Brown Trophy. Lawrence Kehoe, representing C&D Consultancy was the overall winner whilst the team prize went to Andrew Verity, director of Tyne Tees Crushing & Screening and Mike Allen representing Lawson Demolition.

President Martin Wilson said the annual Convention played a vital role in creating “a feeling of unity” for those in the industry as well as being an important source of feedback and discussion for members. He thanked all those involved, both those organising and attending, as well as Finning CAT as sponsors of the event and Rammer Hammer who, according to tradition sponsored the Gala Dinner wines this year.