As the industry looks ahead to the 2025 International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs), three of this year’s winners reflect on their success at the event and share top tips for creating an award-winning entry
Shaikha Ben Mahfoudh, head of training, Dayim Equipment Rental
Tell us about your project and what set it apart from other entries in the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) category?
Dayim’s EDI efforts are truly standout, with three key initiatives that set us apart.
Firstly, empowering women in a male-centric industry. Dayim has been promoting and advocating women empowerment by employing them in senior management and operational roles, and providing equal training opportunities to challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes.
This progressive stance not only fosters inclusivity and diversity within the company but also positions Dayim as a leader in promoting gender equality in the workplace, contributing significantly to societal advancement in Saudi Arabia.
Supporting employees with special needs is another key initiative. Dayim is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for individuals with special needs.
The company’s policies and practices are designed to ensure accessibility and support for these employees.
This commitment was exemplified by the support provided to an employee who excelled and won medals at the Asian Para Games 2023.
By recognising and fostering the talents of all employees, Dayim demonstrates its dedication to inclusivity and the value it places on the diverse abilities of its workforce. All our facilities are also disability friendly.
Our third initiative is creating a diverse work environment. Dayim Equipment Rental proactively promotes diversity through equitable hiring practices.
Also, Dayim’s hiring strategy encompasses a wide range of nationalities, with employees from 24 different countries, fostering a multicultural and diverse workplace.
This approach not only enriches the company culture but also brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas, strengthening the company’s innovation and problem-solving capabilities.
How did it feel to win the award?
Winning the award was a really proud moment for our team. It shows that the work we’ve done to create an inclusive workplace is making a difference.
We’re honoured to be recognised for our efforts to support diverse talent and drive positive change. This award just makes us even more determined to keep improving and doing more.
We’re excited to say that we have even more impressive diversity and inclusion initiatives in the works. You can expect to see some real surprises from us in next year’s awards.
Our team has been working hard to take our efforts to the next level and really push the boundaries of what’s possible.
By showcasing Dayim Equipment Rentals’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, how do you hope to influence others across the industry?
We hope this award shows other companies in our industry that diversity and inclusion matter. We want to inspire them to also create programmes that support people from all backgrounds.
When more businesses focus on being inclusive, it makes the whole industry better. Our goal is to lead the way and get others to do the same.
What are your top three tips for submitting an award-winning entry?
Firstly, highlight your best initiatives. Focus on the programmes or efforts that really make your company stand out.
Secondly, use clear, compelling examples. Provide specific details about how your initiatives have made a positive impact.
Finally, show your passion. Let your enthusiasm come through in your writing.
Simon Maher, marketing manager, Niftylift
Tell us about the HR15 H2E and what sets it apart from other entries in the Self-Propelled Booms & Atrium Lifts category
The HR15 H2E stands out due to its innovative hydrogen-electric design, which combines the efficiency of Niftylift’s All-Electric drive technology with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology.
This unique combination allows the HR15 H2E to offer continuous zero-emission operation, even in environments where charging facilities are unavailable.
The HR15 H2E, with its hydrogen fuel cell, offers emission-free charging by converting hydrogen into electricity, with water vapour being the only by-product. This unique feature not only doubles its operational range but also supports users in meeting net-zero targets.
It’s not just the zero-emission operation that’s impressive, the HR15 H2E also boasts industry-leading specifications.
With a 15.7m working height and a 9.4m outreach, all packed into a compact and lightweight chassis weighing just 4,680kg, it outperforms its competitors in both outreach and performance.
How did it feel to win the award?
Winning the IAPA Product of the Year award for the HR15 H2E was an incredible honour for the Niftylift team.
It validated the hard work and innovation that went into developing this machine, and it reinforced our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the powered access industry.
We are particularly proud that the HR15 H2E’s focus on sustainability, through its hydrogen fuel cell and all-electric drive, was recognised as setting a new standard for zero-emission operation.
This award has encouraged us to continue innovating and finding new ways to meet the needs of our customers while supporting global sustainability efforts.
How has the accolade helped Niftylift showcase its commitment to innovation and excellence in powered access solutions?
The IAPA award has significantly enhanced Niftylift’s reputation as a leader in innovation within the powered access industry.
By recognising the HR15 H2E, the award highlights our focus on developing solutions that not only meet the highest standards of performance but also contribute to sustainability and zero-emission goals.
This accolade showcases our ability to produce advanced machines that are both environmentally friendly and highly efficient, proving that we can meet the industry’s operational needs while reducing its environmental impact.
What advice would you give to anyone considering entering the 2025 IAPAs?
My advice would be to focus on your product’s unique aspects and emphasise how it innovatively meets the market’s needs.
The judges are looking for entries that push boundaries, so ensure your submission clearly highlights the key features that set your product apart from the competition.
It also helps if you have a world-class MEWP to talk about!
Alessandra Mainini, marketing manager, CTE
Tell us about the CTE MP 20 Ev platform and why it won the Sustainability category
CTE MP 20 Ev is the first truck-mounted platform with 20m of working height on 3.5t chassis 100% electric, 100% made in Italy.
The platform has been conceived to respond to the contingent needs of the market for aerial platforms capable of carrying out activities for urban maintenance by reducing polluting gas emissions and noise pollution.
CTE MP 20 Ev offers a working height of up to 20m and a basket load capacity of 250kg, providing a balance between performance and sustainability.
It is equipped with the state-of-the-art control system CTE S3 EVO, the smart and safe management system of CTE aerial platforms – winner of the IAPA 2022 Technological Innovation award – which allows end users a work experience in complete safety with maximum performance and, for fleet managers, easy, direct and optimised vehicle control.
The vehicle’s range is up to 70km (WLTP) and 25 work cycles [however, transfer performance and work cycles vary depending on the mode of use].
The power supply system offers the advantage of being able to work entirely on battery or in ‘plugged-in’ mode connected to the mains with the supplied charging device (220V/380V).
The CTE MP 20 Ev won the IAPA 2024 Sustainability category because it exemplifies the industry’s shift towards cleaner, greener technologies.
It demonstrates that high performance can be achieved with low environmental impact, setting a benchmark for the powered access industry.
Why is the Sustainability Award so important to you and the team?
Winning this award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovative spirit of our team. It validates our efforts in pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology in our industry.
For CTE SpA, acting in an ethical and responsible way, aware that our activities and choices have an impact on the environment, the people and the society in which we operate, is an essential mission.
Sustainability is one of our core values. Receiving the IAPA award strengthens us to continue developing sustainable solutions for aerial work. It’s not just about one product; it’s about creating a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.
How is CTE’s approach to sustainability and innovation embedded throughout the business?
We created an internal company project called ‘Green Innovation’,which includes all corporate activities related to the area of sustainability.
The project includes the actions that the company carries out to reduce the impact of our carbon footprint. It involves all departments from the supply chain to human resources and marketing by selecting, for example, suppliers who share our sensitivity to environmental protection.
What advice would you give to any teams inspired by your success at the IAPAs?
We would suggest that they should believe in their vision: sustainability is a journey, and it’s important to stay committed to your vision. We believed in the potential of electric-powered MEWPs, and we pursued that vision relentlessly.
Moreover, we would suggest that innovation often comes from exploring new territories. Be prepared to iterate and improve your designs based on feedback and testing.
Find out more about entering the 2025 IAPAs here.