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CROSSHIRE: NEVER CUT CORNERS I am impressed by the impact that the Executive Hire Show is having on our industry. You really would have to be very preoccupied elsewhere not to notice the volume of material arriving almost daily in the post or by e-mail from the exhibitors themselves, as well as the organiser’s publicity. It seems that our suppliers have really got some genuinely new equipment to show to us and, for the first time in many years, all sides of our industry are talking about the forthcoming Show. A panel of hiremen recently chose some of the best new innovations to be featured in a “Safety Zone” at the Show. These ten products or services have been selected for their significant contribution to Health & Safety, and visitors will have an opportunity to vote for the one that they consider the most outstanding. Pressure from legislation, major purchasers and industry associations have ensured that most of our suppliers are ahead of us on the safety issue, and the kit we purchase these days invariably conforms to, or exceeds, the standards rightly demanded for safety. In pursuing this goal, the overall technical quality of most products is improved. Of course, buying the latest technical excellence is only a start; indeed, some may say it is the easy bit! In many respects, once we have invested we are on the same side of the market as the supplier, but with the added responsibility of ensuring the product continues to give safe and reliable performance long after the shine has gone from its paintwork. In my experience, and judging from comments made by other respected hire executives, there are still too many outfits around that are willing to cut corners on service and inspection. Such neglect may deny the end user many of the advantages originally built in by sound technology. However good a product might be, it is correct maintenance, inspection and competent operation that will have a greater bearing on overall safety and customer satisfaction in the long run. Perhaps where we really need another form of contest is on the contents of the ‘ready for hire’ shelves and machinery parks of hire companies up and down the land. In my quest for a replacement for Young Arnold, I have interviewed more than a few candidates who are working for, or have recently left the employment of, a variety of hirers big and small. Even if I allow for the exaggerations of disgruntled former employees, it is evident from these conversations that corners are regularly cut by some hire companies when it comes to correct repair and inspection. The most often cited scenario is the willingness to release an item for hire even if it has not been properly inspected or serviced. Such practices have no place in a forward-looking industry that now has such a prominent position in business life. We should not underestimate our importance in the supply chain. Less than 20 years ago, although we were becoming a major source of supply to construction and other industries, we did not command a dominant position. Today, there are many sectors of business that simply would not function without access to our products and expertise. This is a responsibility we must carry forward with pride and not devalue with poor performance. It
is
no
surprise
that
many
of
the
hire
companies
that
have
given
support
to
getting
our
new
industry
showcase
up
and
running
are
regarded
as
some
of
the
most
professional
in
the
business.
The
Executive
Hire
Show
will
give
all
hiremen
a
wonderful
opportunity
to
see
new
products
and
innovations,
with
many
exhibitors
offering
genuine
Show-only
deals
for
the
astute
buyer.
I
have
had
sight
of
some
of
the
new
kit
that
will
be
on
display
and
I
know
you
won’t
be
disappointed.
Executive Hire News › Archives › Jan/Feb 2007 › Crosshire › Never cut corners
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