Executive Hire News › Archives › September 2009 › Executive Report : Local benefits
Executive Report : Local benefits
Alan Guthrie visits a busy independent hirer in County Durham that demonstrates how business can flourish in a very rural location.
To some, Truby Tool Hire would seem to enjoy an ideal location. Situated in the former mining village of Cornsay Colliery, approximately 10 miles west of Durham, its premises are right opposite the local pub, the Royal Oak. Both businesses are owned by Ian Truby. “My wife Sonia and I moved here in 1995. She ran the pub while I was working as a fuel pump maintenance technician, travelling all over the country. However, in 2002 I set up my own groundwork contracting business, using an old barn once used for pit ponies as an equipment store opposite the pub. One day I needed an 8mm SDS drill bit, and I could not find a local supplier. This is a very rural area and I had to travel miles to find a supplier with the item in stock.
“I realised the potential for a business hiring and selling equipment and consumables, especially as tradesmen drinking in the pub after work would often grumble about how difficult it was to obtain what they needed. I started in a small way, hiring out my own ground works machinery, and steadily built up a more varied fleet. I established Truby Tool Hire in 2005, having completely refurbished the barn with a hire desk, showroom and workshop.
“Our customer base grew by word of mouth amongst builders, tradesmen, farmers and landscapers, and they valued a local source of supply and the plain, honest advice we give. In some ways, I treat customers in the same manner as you should in the licensed industry, greeting everyone who comes through the door with a friendly welcome and creating an environment that makes both men and women feel at ease.”
Truby Tool Hire offers a wide range of equipment ranging from Stihl cut-off saws and Belle mixers, to Calor gas and New Holland mini excavators. Ian says that the last 12 months have been challenging, owing in particular to a nearby homebuilder laying off many staff. However, adding gardening equipment to the fleet has helped redress the balance. “In April 2008 we became a Jonsered outdoor power machinery dealer, and also bought equipment such as Camon rotavators, tillers and shredders, Stihl brushcutters, Honda mowers and other grounds care items.
“This has been really successful. If you look at an average new house, there probably isn’t enough space for a decent shed. I believe that, because people can’t store equipment, they are hiring it. We are even hiring wheelbarrows at £5 per week. Also, when the pit closed in the 1950s, many ex-miners formed small building and landscaping companies that need equipment, and farmers require machines to maintain outbuildings and farmhouse gardens. Additionally, we are flat out servicing and repairing lawnmowers for people who want to maximise the life of their machines.”
The business can supply customers throughout much of the north east of England. Day-to-day administration is handled by Ian’s daughter, Charlotte, with transaction details logged using Higher Concept Software’s Syrinx program. The company is also enhancing its web site and wants to introduce an e-commerce facility, so that customers can place orders over the internet.
“People prefer using local businesses if they can,” says Ian. “In the same way, our pub sources meat and vegetables from farmers and suppliers in the area, and diners appreciate this. Sunday lunchtimes are always busy, and people visiting for the first time often start talking about equipment or consumables they need when they look over at the hire shop. It is not unusual for me to open up the premises on a Sunday afternoon, or late on a weekday evening, to get what they want, but it is all part of the service.” •
0191 373 6001
www.trubytoolhire.co.uk
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