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Market Report: Portable Power Generating growth Alan Guthrie visits a family-owned independent specialising in power generation equipment, which is successfully implementing plans for further expansion. The scale of Mather & Stuart’s operation has reached a size that well surpasses any expectations its founders might have had when they formed the company in 1984. Bill Mather and Fred Stuart had previously worked for a multinational construction company involved in contracts such as building power generation plants and airfields, particularly throughout Africa and the Middle East. “An opportunity arose to start up our own operation,” states Fred Stuart. “We found premises in Standish, just to the north of Wigan, and we initially hired welding equipment, an activity in which we were particularly experienced. “Business was immediately good, and then in 1987 we had an enquiry for a 125kVA generator, somewhat ironically from the Thorp power station in Cumbria. They later recommended us to other companies and contractors, and we quickly realised we were achieving better returns than we could on welding equipment. From then on, we specialised in generators and steadily won business with construction companies and in general industry. We were prepared to go virtually anywhere, seven days a week.” Covering the UK The company’s fleet today comprises equipment from several suppliers, including Atlas Copco, FG Wilson and GenSet, encompassing approximately 700 generators from 10-1250kVA. The product offering continues to expand and is expected to total 750 units by the end of the year. Mather & Stuart covers the UK, having branches in the north east and the Midlands, supported by regional service outlets. Other equipment supplied includes electrical distribution panels, transformers and bunded fuel tanks. In 2000, a programme was put in place to expand the business, as the two founders could see considerable growth potential. In that year, Fred Stuart’s son, Lee, joined the business, having already spent nearly 15 years in the hire industry, first with Thom Plant based in Bamber Bridge, which was eventually acquired by Anderson Plant (now GAP), and then with the Bolton-based tool hirer Power Supply Ltd (PSL), becoming Area Sales Manager. Lee, who is now Mather & Stuart’s General Sales Manager, was joined by his younger brother Mark two years ago, whose position as Hire Desk Manager also involves the day to day running of the company’s inspHire software system. Mark, who previously worked at Speedy Hire’s Warrington depot, states that he is “very impressed by the inspHire program, and we are working with the company to develop it even further so that it meets our future requirements as we expand.” In addition, Bill Mather’s son Tony has joined the business as Finance Manager. “Now that we have the next generation on board, we have staff we can really rely on to grow the business effectively,” states Fred Stuart. “We have received flattering offers in the past from other organisations to acquire the company, but we want to keep it an independent family concern. We are also committed to expanding the fleet steadily. If we receive an urgent enquiry, then we have to be able to supply the necessary equipment quickly. It is this dedication to service that has helped us grow.” In 2000, Mather & Stuart’s annual turnover was approximately £750,000; it is currently in the region of £5m. “We have a loyal customer base,” states Lee Stuart. “We may lose one temporarily to a hirer that puts a national hire agreement in place, but we invariably win them back because of our specialist service and support. Other hirers may compete on cost, but that can mean cutting corners.” Customers are many and varied, including national construction companies like Bovis, Tarmac and Alfred McAlpine, civil engineers and local housebuilders. Equipment is also hired to factories and other industrial clients, as well as event organisers. In the past, Mather & Stuart has supplied generators to prestigious sites like the London Eye and the Millennium Dome. The company also frequently hires out generators for use at newly built housing estates and developments like retail parks, to provide power until full connection is made permanently to the mains electricity network. Particularly popular is the company’s Volt Safe, described as a super-silenced attenuated power container, which acts as a standalone, transportable plant room for diesel generators. Demand has grown sharply following tighter Health & Safety regulations. Models are available with anti-vandal features and are fully bunded to prevent loss of fuel, oil and water. A range of colour options is available to suit individual locations or environments, and the Volt Safe’s low-noise characteristics make it suitable for use near populated areas and sensitive sites like hospitals. Fred Stuart believes that a major factor behind the company’s success is its staff. “We have exceptional people here, and staff turnover is very low. They take a pride in providing service and solutions 365 days a year.” And now that the next generation is included in the business, with plans for further expansion, Mather & Stuart’s name could be seen even more widely in the future. • T
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427398 Executive Hire News › Archives › September 2006 › Market Report › Generating growth
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