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Executive Hire Forum: HARNESS THE PASSION FOR HIRE We predict that 2006 will be a defining year for hire. Our industry is likely to change more this year than in any previous year. Consolidation will gather pace again – predominantly, we believe, within the Top Ten hirers, as Brandon is already ‘in play’ and there has to be question marks against the long term viability of a couple of the other national players. This was the consensus view expressed by passionate suppliers and hirers alike at the recent Hire Show. Turning first to the Show itself, the current organisers have done a good job to get it to this present level, particularly after the demise of Hirex. However, there is surely further to go. people with passion must now create the hire industry’s principal event and drive it forward - with more innovative suppliers, into Europe and generally, into a ‘must see’ event for everyone involved in our industry. As the Passionate Voice of the Hire industry, we want to hear from suppliers and hirers that would help us achieve this. PASSIONATE MERCHANTS REALISING THEIR HIRE POTENTIAL This issue profiles, on page 11, Hire Center, the tool hire division of the UK’s largest plumbing and building merchant, Wolseley. Hire Center plans to double its outlets to 250 in the next five years and, according to Brand Director David Himsworth, “the clear strategy is to pursue organic expansion through the Wolseley network.” Don’t take too literally the line in the article about Hire Center becoming the McDonalds of hire. However, when you are told that Wolseley UK - with 1,600 - has more outlets than this fast food chain, you realise what can be achieved within the builders merchant market if passionate hire people can harness the potential. David Himsworth believes “there are huge opportunities to develop our core tool hire operations as our customers become more professional and focused. We are all re-defining the concept of tool hire. Are flue gas analysers for heating engineers a tool hire item? The perception is that contractors buy them, but this equipment needs to be maintained, serviced and calibrated. As a result, there is hassle for companies owning tools and equipment. This presents increased opportunity for hire. “Increasing legislation that requires risk assessment to protect company employees and the public is driving people not to own equipment. The Hand Arm Vibration issue, for example, is leading contractors to want to pass the problem to hirers. This is fine for us because we deal with the problems every day – it is our job. Legislative issues are an opportunity to get the message across to our customers about what we are trying to do.” The other significant merchant news in this issue is the appointment of Richard Dey as Group Tool Hire Director at Travis Perkins. Richard has already demonstrated his passion for hire and, if these two merchant hirers can demonstrate their hire offerings to their captive audiences of building and plumbing customers, then they can realise their hire revenue like never before. If our 2006 predictions are anywhere near accurate, then you need to ask whether you, your company or your boss are ready for change? There will certainly be opportunities for new entrepreneurs to start their own hire companies in the post-consolidated world. Re-generation is crucial to the future health of our industry. Do you have a passion for hire? If you are passionate and prepared for the hard work ahead, then you will play a part in the industry’s future. If you aren’t, you should probably get out now. Executive Hire News › Archives › Feb/March 2006 › Executive Hire Forum › Harness the passion for hire
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