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CROSSHIRE: FRESH IDEAS AND INNOVATION It would appear that the traditional pattern of business that emerges during the last few weeks of the year and the first of the new one has changed significantly. The tight stranglehold on our earnings that was once brought about by the dreaded ‘construction shutdown’ over the Christmas holiday, is no longer an effective moratorium on revenue. Many sites that would once have shut completely are now kept open for most of the holiday period. A combination of tight deadlines, client flexibility and an obligation to supervise sites properly, even if only a few employees are at work, has seen a decrease in the number of demands for blanket exemption from hire charges. Indeed, many of those who still send out letters demanding such treatment are often forced to concede that certain equipment will be needed after all! Our industry is not nearly as dependent as it once was on new-build construction business, and the requirements of many industries to keep working whilst maintaining their infrastructure is opening up new markets for innovative equipment. Fresh ideas, less pollution, and greater involvement with clients to achieve goals are now essential components of our business. More and more punters are asking us about new kit, posing questions such as “Is it quiet?”, “What’s the HAV figure?”, “What about fuel economy and emissions?”,“ Do you use biodegradable oils?” These are just a few of the comments that are now voiced regularly. In addition, client questionnaires probing our policies and wanting proof of our competence are dropping through the door at an ever increasing rate. Sourcing the new equipment that we all need can be difficult and time-consuming, but help is at hand. Crosshire has been persuaded by the organisers of the Executive Hire Show, taking place once again at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 6 and 7 February, to organise a special stand at the exhibition that will feature new products or services. I have insisted that the criteria establish that all entrants must be new, or very radically modified, offering real cost saving, time saving and labour saving solutions whilst conforming to the appropriate legislation concerning issues such as noise, emissions, vibration and green regulations. I am delighted to report that there have already been some very impressive entrants. New products that do what it says on the box (or crate) will attract end users and enhance our bottom line. The judging criteria will include such vulgar matters as anticipated hire rate/return on capital and serviceability. Your input will be vital in confirming whether Crosshire and the organisers have chosen the right kit. Let us know if you think the selected hardware on display is worthy of inclusion in your fleet. Incidentally, on the grounds that all opinions matter, I am making sure that virtually all my staff gets at least one day at the Show. The omens for 2008 are good. As I write this in midwinter, there is more kit flying out of the door than I can ever remember for this time of year. Regular customers are commenting that they have plenty of orders for well into the New Year, and the shortage of skilled and knowledgeable labour is the one cloud on their horizon. The dark cloud for our industry is probably the raft of new or ‘improved’ legislation that we will have to comply with during the next few years. Compliance will cost money and we need to take advantage of the opportunities offered by new income streams to keep ahead of the game. The Executive Hire Show enables us all to save time by reviewing the latest products and ideas in a pleasant, but workman-like, environment. Enjoy the Show, and if you don’t go, you may never know what you missed. Executive Hire News › Archives › January/February 2008 › Crosshire › Fresh ideas and innovation
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