Executive Hire News › Archives › November 2008 › Executive Report : Hire-specific expertise

Executive Report : Hire-specific expertise

EHN reports on two companies which believe that relevant training and focused management expertise can help hire companies to flourish.

As a business grows, it needs to develop its staff, systems and management procedures in order to ensure it maximises both current and future opportunities. This is, obviously, no less relevant to hire companies, whether single-outlet independents or larger multi-branch operations.

The need for staff training tailored specifically to the hire industry’s requirements was something that struck Craig Normington, Managing Director of Halifax-based Pennine Tool Hire, when the business was founded in 2005. He came into hire from a career in accountancy, and a Yorkshire-based tool and equipment hirer had been one of his clients. Following its acquisition by a national group, Craig and staff of the original hire business decided to establish Pennine Tool Hire.

“I saw huge long-term potential in this industry for a business with skilled staff and good accountancy disciplines,” says Craig. “However, I was surprised at the lack of hire-specific training available. There seemed to be no clear career path. Furthermore, many courses in areas like safety are aimed at full-time Health & Safety officers, which most independents simply do not have.

Dedicated training

“This view was shared by Tony Pilkington, member of the Pennine Tool Hire team and a former trainer delivering AMIT construction industry courses, and we decided to develop a range of dedicated training for tool and equipment hirers. Earlier this year we formed a separate company, National Training & Consultancy UK (NTC), with headquarters in Sutton Coldfield, and we were delighted when David Pierre and Liz James, both formerly with HAE, joined us.”

NTC’s (www.ntcuk.co.uk) list is certainly comprehensive, including hire-specific courses on petrol and diesel engine maintenance, power tool servicing and fault finding, generators and lighting equipment, pressure washers, PAT testing, abrasive wheels, HAV, dehumidifiers and LPG compact heaters. Training is offered for vehicle drivers and operators of access platforms, and the company can source IPAF and PASMA training. Hire shop management disciplines and Health & Safety issues are also covered. Craig Normington is particularly proud of the workshop courses, which “can be regarded as proof of practical training towards a relevant NVQ.

“We aim to present courses at the client’s premises, saving them time and travelling. Already we have been as afar afield as Jersey, Cornwall and Scotland. If hire staff have greater knowledge they give better service, which is good for business and generates more revenue. Staff turnover will also be reduced.”

Given his accountancy background, Craig knows how common Sage software is amongst businesses. He has made a reciprocal arrangement with Higher Concept Software (HCS) whereby he can offer advice to users of its Syrinx software who need assistance with Sage, and NTC will refer to HCS any hire-related software enquiries. The two companies will promote the initiative on their stands at the Executive Hire Show in February.

Management expertise

The fact that, as the hire industry matures, more companies need a greater spread of staff training and management expertise is reflected by the development of the Will Leftwich Associates (WLA) consultancy, established by Will Leftwich, whose previous industry experience includes having been Director of Health & Safety, Quality and Environment at HSS.

“WLA grew out of my original business, Synchronised Business Solutions, launched in February 2007. SBS offers a consultancy service to companies outside hire such as manufacturers, drawing on my management experience. Later, I met other former HSS staff, and we realised we could offer a wider range of services to other hire companies. WLA (www.wlassociates.co.uk) was formed and was launched publicly at the Executive Hire Show 2008.”

The team has since expanded and now includes finance expert Peter Thomas, IT professional David Fisher, supply chain management professional Robin Notley, technical author Marc Bashford, and business development manager Steve Sutch. Also in the line-up is marketing consultant, Geoff Abbott. Work undertaken includes the provision of safety information for customers of a national hirer, Health & Safety consultancy for an independent in Merseyside, and appraising back office systems and customer service operations for a Yorkshire powered access hirer.

“When organisations get bigger, they need to cope better and think clearly,” says Will Leftwich. “It can become difficult to keep control but a consultancy can provide appropriate support and manpower. Our advice comes only from people with hire experience.” Services are generally tailored to a client’s needs, offering an outside perspective on issues like operations management, human resources, Health & Safety, the environment, fleet management and quality. “The need for sound management is particularly great, given the challenging economic climate. Some companies will seek to expand through acquisition, others might want to sell their business. We can provide expert advice backed up by our first hand experience.”

New initiatives include WLA Recruitment, a hire industry job search and recruitment agency, and wlahireweb, which designs web sites for hirers complete with a bespoke on-line catalogue and price list, plus information such as Health & Safety advice.

Like NTC’s Craig Normington, Will Leftwich says another key to a successful consultancy is flexibility. “We can support hirers’ businesses in whatever way best suits them. If they need a finance director or a human resources manager for a day a month, a Health & Safety manager for a certain period, or advice on issues like arbitration, we can supply whatever is required. We can provide the information they have neither the time nor resources to find themselves, and the management support they need.” •