Knowles has been at Crown Lift Trucks for 20 years and was appointed operations director in 2012. He currently oversees the business’s UK customer service, parts and rental services.
He joins CFTS a decade after it was established by the BITA (British Industrial Truck Association) in collaboration with the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association). Its aim is to ensure all forklift safety training maintains a consistently high standard through its kite safety mark. Currently more than 400 British businesses are accredited through the central body.
Commenting on Knowles’s appointment, CFTS chairman Mike Mathias said: “We are very pleased to welcome Mike to the Board. With his wealth of knowledge and expertise, gained through 20 years of experience of the materials handling industry, he will be a strong addition to our team.”
Knowles himself added it was a “real privilege” to sit on the CFTS board.
“CFTS plays a pivotal role in the materials handling industry. It sets out the standards for Thorough Examination and is instrumental in ensuring that lift trucks are safe to operate,” he said.
