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Market Report: Heating & Lighting Season of opportunity Changes in climate patterns mean that manufacturers and hirers of heating and lighting equipment need to react accordingly. The British weather has always been unpredictable but it seems to have become even more so in recent years. While debate is on-going as to whether this is due to serious long-term global warming or just a random statistical ‘blip’, hirers and their suppliers are only too aware of the changes, and of the effect they are having on demand for certain kinds of equipment. “There is no doubt that, for the last several years now, our winters have been shorter,” contends Gary McWilliam, Managing Director of the Hire Supply Company (HSC). “The really long, cold spells of weather seem to come later and later, and our best sales month for heaters is now typically January. Because of the generally milder weather, hire companies are less willing than they used to be to order in advance, but they then run the risk of being caught out when the wintry weather does arrive, usually with a sudden cold snap that no-one was expecting. However, we are committed to holding good stock levels so that when it does get cold, we can quickly meet the needs of hirers and their customers.” Changes in demand As well as seasonal variations, Gary McWilliam states that there are changes in the type of heating products that are being demanded. “Infrared heating is growing in popularity, as it provides warmth without fumes and flames, making it attractive from a Health & Safety perspective for use in many locations. It also gives instant spot heating that can be directed to the exact position required. The most important consideration for hirers is the quality of the elements: the market is now being flooded with cheaper ones that are much less reliable.” HSC has joined forces with Toshiba to develop the new Parys lamp, designed to offer a heat output equivalent to that of a standard quartz halogen element, but at less cost. Heaters incorporating the lamp have two 1400watt elements and are available in a 110V version fitted with a 32A plug, or in 230V with a 13A plug. The portable heavy-duty units feature lockable casters and feature an integral tilt switch, which cuts the electricity supply should the heater be knocked over. HSC has redesigned the frame of its Elite Heat Swivel, which features a spring-loaded element holder to prevent damage caused by on-site movement and handling. The new version, available from next month, is more compact for easier storage and transportation. Also available in the HSC range are propane, convector and oil-filled radiator-style heaters. A new Catalytic LPG Butane Heater offers constant heat distribution with three temperature settings. It provides a maximum power output of 3400watts and features an automatic carbon dioxide cut-out switch. It is claimed to produce no fumes, making it suitable for environments such as schools, offices, hospitals and shops. Extending working times One factor unaffected by climate change is that the nights continue to get longer as winter approaches, bringing a need for lighting products that extend working times on site. However, HSC (www.thehiresupplycompany.co.uk) reports a trend amongst hirers to keep stock holdings low, meaning that they are reliant on suppliers who can deliver products rapidly. It also finds growing demand for energy-saving equipment, and has just launched a compact fluorescent lamp (CLF) to replace standard GLS (general lighting service) festoon bulbs. The 13watt CLF is said to offer a light output equivalent to that of a 60watt GLS bulb, meaning reduced power consumption. It gives a clear white light, has a longer lifespan and operates at a lower temperature. “Climate change, coupled with government targets, means that more organisations are seeking energy efficient alternatives,” contends Kevin Lever, HSC’s Operations Director. “Site lighting uses significantly more power than domestic lamps, and we were surprised to find that there were no low energy bulbs available for festoon lighting.” HSC also reports success with its E-Lite professional site lighting launched last year. The range includes single and double-headed retractable and swing leg models, together with floor-standing and magnetic units. One E-lite is said to offer a light output equivalent to a traditional 125watt lamp, while using only 27watts. They have a typical 8,000-hour life under normal operating conditions and feature a large reflector for even light distribution. For 2006, HSC, which offers a range of other fluorescent and tungsten halogen lights, has introduced a battery back-up for all fluorescent lights, available in 2ft and 5ft versions. It charges whilst the lights are in use and, should the power supply fail, it runs at a reduced rate for up to three hours. Also new is the Powerman range of professional site lighting, targeted at hire companies for re-sale to end-users. The line-up includes single and double headed halogen units with 500watt tungsten halogen bulbs, in 110V or 240V. The lights extend to a maximum height of 2.1m and feature a powder coated steel tripod frame, with folding legs. A 2ft contractors’ light is offered, with two 18watt fluorescent tubes. It can be used free-standing or hung from any sturdy structure using its integral hook. The range also includes minipod floor-standing lights in either black or yellow, and a four-way splitter box that features a heavy-duty outer casing and four 16Aamp, 110V sockets. Winter campaign Birchwood Products (www.birchwoodproducts.com) is another supplier that is urging hirers to stock up earlier on heating and lighting products to avoid losing business opportunities. Its Winter Survival campaign kicks off this month and continues to the end of November. More than 15,000 promotional kits will be mailed out comprising posters, leaflets and counter dispensers to promote the need for this equipment to customers. Products available include Defender site distribution and lighting equipment, Rhino heaters and Scruffs workwear. The company claims to hold £4m worth of stock and offers free next-day delivery on orders above £250. Popular products include the Rhino TQ3 infrared quartz halogen heater, designed from impact resistant materials. Birchwood says that, as it provides spot heating and warms objects and people rather than the surrounding atmosphere, it gives lower running costs as heat is not lost through draughts. Amongst new launches is the Spider Pod, designed to enable three different items of 16A equipment to be connected simultaneously. It is rated to the IP44 standard and the company believes its innovative design will heighten hire interest. There are other factors influencing the lighting market besides the longer evenings, as Paul Hay, Lighting Products Champion with the manufacturer GenSet, explains. “Health & Safety is now very important in terms of ensuring there is adequate illumination on construction sites, car parks and public facilities. In addition, we have noticed an increase in demand for lighting products for security purposes, and not simply to protect premises from break-ins or to reduce the risk of machinery theft on sites. Given the increased state of awareness of the threat from terrorist activity, there are growing requests for temporary power and lighting equipment that could be used if mains power or street lighting failed. “GenSet (www.genset.co.uk) has seen sales of its equipment into hire rise by a double-digit percentage this year, which has to be pleasing for the whole industry. And while there is still a peak in demand throughout the winter months, there are other factors strongly driving the market to provide year-round hire opportunities.” • Executive Hire News › Archives › October 2006 › Market Report › Season of opportunity
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