Street Cranexpress is delighted to announce the promotion of James Eastwood to the role of Managing Director, marking a new chapter for the third-generation family business.
Having joined the company in 2010, James progressed through a variety of roles across the business, building extensive experience in sales, operations and leadership. His appointment reflects years of hard work, commitment and dedication, as well as his passion for driving the business forward. James joined Street Cranexpress after completing a five-and-a-half-year apprenticeship in a steelworks…
“The business first offered me a role in sales, which was a significant change from the path I was on at the time. Rather than being based in one factory every day, it offered variety, and the chance to develop a broader set of skills.
Looking back, it was a pivotal decision. It opened doors that I never would have imagined and provided the foundation for the experience, knowledge, and relationships that have helped prepare me for where I am today.”
Progressing Through the Business
Over the past 15 years, James has held several key positions within Street Cranexpress:
- National Contract Sales
- Sales Engineer
- Operations Manager
- General Manager
- Operations Director
Speaking about his promotion to Managing Director, James said:
“For me, this is something I’ve been working towards for many years. Some may say I’ve been groomed for this position but in my own mind, I always knew I needed to earn it. I wanted to put in the hard work, gain experience and build the respect of those around me by demonstrating what I’m capable of.
For the company, I hope this marks the continuation of our success, growth and long-term sustainability.”
James was quick to recognise the people around him:
“Most importantly, I have an incredible team around me. Their support, coaching, dedication and expertise have played a significant part in helping me reach this point and I’m grateful for everything they contribute.”
Overcoming Challenges
Joining a family business brought its own unique challenges.
“As a family member entering the company, I was conscious that there could be a stigma attached and that some people might question whether opportunities were being earned or simply given.”
Rather than allowing that to define him, he used it as motivation.
“I wanted to earn respect through my actions, performance and commitment rather than rely on my surname.”
Proud of the Team
When asked what he’s most proud of, James pointed to the company’s collective achievements rather than a single milestone.
“For me, the biggest source of pride isn’t a single standout moment, but what we’ve achieved as a team over a sustained period of time.
Seeing the strength of the team we’ve built and the reputation we’ve earned through our collective efforts is probably the achievement that stands out most to me.”
Looking to the Future
As Managing Director, James is focused on balancing growth with the values that have made Street Cranexpress successful.
“The future is incredibly exciting. We have several strategic objectives that we are looking to deliver over the short to medium term. This will help shape the future direction of the business and create new opportunities for growth.
We’ll continue to evolve and embrace new opportunities but without taking our eye off the fundamentals of what we’re good at and what our customers value most about us.”
Investing in People
One of James’ biggest priorities in his new role is developing the people within the business.
“A key focus for me will be continuing to invest in and develop our people. We have a fantastic team and there is huge potential across the business. I enjoy seeing individuals grow in confidence, take on new challenges and achieve things they may not have thought possible.
Ultimately, seeing our people and the business grow together is what excites me most about the role.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For anyone starting their career in the industry, James keeps his advice simple:
“Turn up, work hard, push yourself and treat others how you want to be treated.
Being dependable, willing to learn and treating people with respect will take you a long way. Put the effort in, embrace challenges and never stop looking for opportunities to improve. Do those things consistently and you’ll be surprised how far you can go.”
Looking Ahead
James’ appointment as Managing Director represents both continuity and ambition for Street Cranexpress. His experience across every aspect of the business, combined with his commitment to developing people and maintaining the company’s strong reputation, positions Street Cranexpress for continued growth and success in the years ahead.