Brabners partner appointed RHA company secretary

A partner at leading independent law firm Brabners has been appointed as company secretary of the Road Haulage Association, his second term in the position.

Brett Cooper is a partner in Brabners’ corporate team, working primarily from the firm’s Lancashire office. He joined the firm in May 2025 and is an expert in the road transport sector, with around 20 years’ experience.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is the UK’s largest dedicated trade association representing HGV, coach and van operators.

It provides a strong, authoritative voice for members, working with government, policymakers and local authorities across the UK on the issues that matter most to the road transport sector.

Brett’s appointment as company secretary is his second term in the role, having previously served until May last year.

Brett Cooper, partner at Brabners, said: “Brabners’ ethos as a firm is making the difference to our clients, as well as the communities and sectors we operate within.

“My legal expertise as well as the experience I’ve gained over the past two decades means I’m in a unique position to help the road transport sector and this appointment gives me a real opportunity to do that.

“A strong Road Haulage Association means a stronger industry as a whole and I’m looking forward to helping the organisation operate as effectively as it can for the benefit of road transport operators across the UK.”

Brett’s responsibilities will involve ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance across the organisation.

This includes advising the board on statutory obligations and governance best practices, ensuring compliance and acting as a liaison between the board, management, and stakeholders.

Richard Smith, the RHA’s managing director, said: “We’re delighted to appoint Brett as our company secretary. He brings vast experience to this vital role that ensures we get our governance right so that we comply with all our obligations.”

Brabners’ corporate team is one of the largest in the UK and was recognised among the UK’s most active dealmaking firms in 2025, advising on 168 transactions with a combined value of over £900m.