January/February 2010
View a digital copy of the
January/February EHN issue
Executive Report
Executive news
“Really looking forward”
Olympian challenge
Vital energy
Forum
Show your passion
Tool Hire Top Ten 2010
Survival of the fittest
Exhibitor Profiles
Special spec mini
High on the agenda
Add-on earners
EHS Preview
Show sets the scene
Profile: KDM Hire
Benchmark hirer
Crosshire
Ready to rock and roll
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Executive Hire News › Archives › January/February 2010 › Executive Report : “Really looking forward”
Executive Report : “Really looking forward”
EHN speaks to more hirers who see their visit to the Executive Hire Show as a great opportunity to maximise success in the year ahead.
Murray Webster, MD, Webster Power Products, Wishaw
"Business has been okay over the last 12 months. We are aware that we need to maximise fleet utilisation, and we took on a salesman six months ago to win new customers in our area, which has proved successful. Gardening and landscaping equipment has been popular amongst both homeowners and contractors, who hire items ranging from Honda mowers and Stihl trimmers, to Timberwolf chippers and John Deere compact tractors.
I will be going to the Show to see the latest in grounds care equipment, as well as traffic lights and related items, for which we are receiving an increasing number of requests. Hirers must look out for new kit and ideas all the time, and the exhibition is a great way of achieving this."
I am going to the Show to look for new ideas that will generate more hire business.
Jeff Hind, MD, Tool-Time, Bishop Auckland
"2009 was challenging. I thought business would pick up after Easter, but it stayed at about the same level throughout the summer before at last beginning to recover in September and October. Hopefully we will see even more improvement from spring onwards. The housing market is the key: once it gets moving again, other things will follow.
However, you constantly have to keep abreast of new products, and the Show is invaluable in that respect. We couldn’t do without it, and all hirers really should be there because it is the launching pad for so many new products. Customer requirements change, and you cannot be sure that certain items you might have in the fleet will continue to give the same returns, so you have to check out what else is available."
I am going to the Show to see new kit that we can add to our fleet.
Joe Hemsworth (right), Director, Otley Hire Centre, with Depot Manager Steve Hughes
"Some of our customers have been very quiet, others just ticking over, while some are working flat out, so business levels have been unpredictable. Hopefully, with the year-end shutdown over, we will now see a steady upturn.
We will both be going to the Show. Last year, Steve went on the first day and I visited the next day, and we will probably do the same this time round. We took advantage of a special Show-only deal that The Hire Supply Company had on its beam lifts, and I learned a lot from the display on Seddons’ stand which demonstrated how to service a Honda engine. We also bought Belle mixers and compaction plates. Currently, we are receiving more enquiries for traffic lights and traffic management services, an activity we introduced two years ago, and so I will be looking to see what’s new for this market, amongst other innovations."
I am going to the Show to see what’s new - and to do some deals.
Tony Pilkington (left) and Alex Brownridge, Directors, TAG Tool Hire, Halifax
"We started trading last April and, despite the tough market conditions, have made positive progress. Having both attended the Executive Hire Show in previous years whilst working for other companies, we are looking forward to attending the event representing TAG Tool Hire.
We will use the Show as an opportunity to look for new products and ideas to enhance our current hire fleet and sales stock. It will also be a great chance to network and talk to other hirers in a relaxed environment where knowledge and experiences can be shared. During 2009,
we developed strong relationships with a number of suppliers and it will be good to meet face to face the people we deal with over the phone."
We are going to the Show to look for new products and to network.
Rory (left) and Michael McCarroll, Directors, McCarroll Plant Hire, Cloughmills, Ballymena
"We have visited previous Shows and always found them a great use of our time. As soon as the dates for the 2010 event were released,
we pre-registered for the Show and purchased our flight tickets.
At last year’s exhibition we bought several items, including a plasterboard lifter from Sumner Manufacturing and a rotavator from The Hire Supply Company. Following a contact made at the Show, we are now operational with the Syrinx system from Higher Concept Software, which has been a very positive addition to our business. Overall, the contacts and ideas we get from visiting the Show more than justify the travelling costs, and we are really looking forward to a very positive day next month."
We are going to the Show to make contact with new and existing suppliers, and to look for new products.
Paul (right) and William Green, Partners, Menai Tool Hire, Gwynedd
"Business was unpredictable in 2009, but overall I am pleasantly surprised by how busy we have remained, and builders and small contractors have kept busy. Being located away from the bigger cities, we may not have the same booms as, say, London, but neither do we get the extreme lows.
Our location also means we don’t see many sales reps, so the Show is great for keeping in touch with suppliers. Like many hirers,
we postponed some fleet investments last year, but we are now looking to buy items like aluminium towers, air tools such as needle guns and scalers, and other equipment for metal and concrete work that we are finding demand for."
I am going to the Show to see the latest products and to meet new suppliers.
Lee Cavey, Area Manager, Hodgson Tool Hire & Sales, Ormskirk and Ainsdale
"Director Mike Hodgson and I were amongst the first hirers to arrive at 8am on the first day of last year’s event, and were virtually the last to leave at the end of the day. We spent the morning looking around all the stands, then at lunchtime we sat down for something to eat, planning the specific stands we wanted to take a closer look at in the afternoon.
We purchased two Timberwolf chippers and, as a result of the contact we made with Gordons Ford, subsequently bought two Ford Ranger pickups. We also caught up with a number of our current suppliers including Duro and Higher Concept Software, along with several power tool manufacturers. The timing of the 2010 Show is just right, as we all look forward to a better year."
I am going to the Show to keep in touch with suppliers, see the latest products and, hopefully, find a bargain on the day.
Asif Latief, Marketing Director, A-Plant
"I have visited previous Executive Hire Shows with a number of my colleagues and we have been impressed by what we have seen. It is a really positive opportunity for the hire industry to come together to network and keep abreast of new products and developments.
2009 was a challenging year for all of us and I firmly believe there are two ways we can approach 2010. Having enjoyed the Christmas break, we can either return to work refreshed with a list of goals and positive plans for the year, or we can just think, here comes more of the same. I am already looking forward to 2010 in a positive manner. I am intending to visit the Show and will be encouraging colleagues to do the same."
I am going to the Show as it will be a great opportunity for us all to come together and look ahead.
Peter Houldridge, MD, Complete Hire Services, Hull
"We have appointed two additional staff members in the last three months, reflecting growth in both our hire business and our sister contracting business, Complete Diamond Drilling Services. We also have plans for further expansion in 2010.
We add to the hire fleet as necessary, having just taken delivery of a large order of aluminium towers from Euro Towers, with more to be delivered early next year, simply to meet demand. We first made contact with the company at the Show last February, where we also looked at equipment to address Health & Safety issues. We bought some Dustcontrol vacuums and also assessed the push-around compact scissor lifts from several suppliers, as interest in these from contractors is still growing."
I am going to the Show because it is specific to our industry, and I can see so many suppliers in one place.
Richard Hayden, Director, (left) and Simon Boultby, Depot Manager, Express Tool Hire, Nottingham
"Trading conditions were tough in 2009, but we have won business through sheer hard work, knocking on doors and visiting new work sites. We have also been successfully promoting our hire services through several local independent builders’ merchants that we have good contacts with.
Fellow Director, David Meenan, and I keep in close contact with our main suppliers, and we are going to the Show to check out the latest materials lifts, hoists and contractors’ kit like breakers and power tools that we will need to add to the fleet."
I am going to the Show to see what’s new.
John Davies, MD (left) and staff, Hire-It! Kidderminster
"Last year, nine out of our team of 11 staff went to the Show over the two days. We all work hard through the year and getting away for a day enables us to do something different that is still industry related. More importantly, it lets us keep in touch with the latest equipment and trends - and having nine pairs of eyes is better than relying on one, because you can’t miss anything.
The Executive Hire Show is excellent because it is targeted specifically at our industry. Hirex just got too big and lost its focus, but this Show is far better because it is geared towards hirers like us."
I am going to the Show to see the latest products - and I say to other hirers: use it, or lose it.
Geoff Hamlen, MD, Skidsteer Hire Solutions, Monmouth
"We specialise in hiring Bobcat skid steer and tracked loaders, and demand has been steady across a broad range of markets, from forestry to construction. I am certainly not pessimistic. We have just added a Boxer 532 mini skid steer to the fleet, from UK distributor, GreenMech, and it soon went out on long-term hire to a customer in London. There are many opportunities in this kind of niche market, and we do not have to cut rates.
I am really looking forward to the Show, and to seeing all the latest products and machine attachments. It’s also great to meet other hirers and just chew the cud. We may live in a world of e-mails and web sites, but there is no substitute for meeting people face-to-face and shaking hands."
I am going to the Show to get a feel for what’s happening in our industry.
Malcolm Evans, Director, Duxford Hire and Supply, Whittlesford
"Last year, the business celebrated its 40th anniversary. Over the years we have diversified our operation to include the sale and servicing of garden machinery, and the supply of chainsaws and specialist equipment like Timberwolf chippers to professional foresters. We are main dealers for Stihl and Husqvarna. Our general hire activity chiefly serves domestic and DIY customers, supplying items such as mixers, carpet cleaners, hedge trimmers and rotavators.
It is very important to continually look forward and grow your business. Going to the Show gives you the chance to see something new that you can add to the fleet to win more business, as well as finding new supplier contacts."
I am going to the Show because it is an excellent opportunity to catch up on the hire industry and to see what’s new.
Sean Mills, Owner, Harwich Tool Hire
"In some years I have found it difficult to attend the Show because of personnel levels, but we have recently added an extra member of staff, which will enable me to take the time to visit. It will be a two to three hour drive to Coventry, but that’s the same time it can take just to get into London!
The hire side of the business has picked up recently, with strong demand for our Youngman Boss towers, for example, which shows work is going on. We also sell and repair equipment, as well as offering work and safety wear, and this diversity has helped us win more business."
I am going to the Show to have a general look round and to see what is going on in the industry.
Chris Edwards, Director, Essex Hire & Sales, Brentwood
"Essex Hire & Sales was established last February, when I acquired the assets of the former Twolyn Hire-branded depot, and the business is trading from the same location near the centre of Brentwood. We have had a good first year. The core customer base comprises small jobbing builders and cash customers. We have steadily refreshed and expanded the fleet, buying popular items like Belle mixers, and Camon equipment such as turf cutters and shredders.
I wasn’t able to attend the Show in 2009, but I’ll definitely be there next month to see the latest equipment, particularly aluminium towers and hoists. I am looking forward to the coming year, and I’ll be seeing what we might add to the fleet."
I am going to the Show to check out new products and to make contacts with suppliers old and new.
Paul Grainger, Depot Manager, Andara Tool & Plant Hire, Eltham
"We have remained busy over the past year. The business was formed 25 years ago as an in-house supplier of equipment for Bryen & Langley, a construction company, which gives us steady business in addition to the external client base we have subsequently built up.
My colleagues, Kevin Gilbert and Martin Spetch, will certainly join me in attending the Show, to see all the latest products in one go, in one place. It is easy to make comparisons, and if you need further information or you need to check something, you can just go back and ask people on the stand while you are there."
I am going to the Show to see new ideas and to see new products that we need to keep our fleet fresh.
Andy and Rachael Horsnell, Directors, South Molton Tool Hire, Devon
"We are a traditional tool hire business, located between Barnstaple and Tiverton, basically supplying any tools and equipment that will fit onto a trailer. We offer compact plant up to 1.5 tonne, including Volvo EC15 minis and Ausa dumpers.
I would describe the last 12 months as ‘okay’. Customers split into three segments, namely builders, DIY clients and farmers, and last year, unusually, all three were down on normal levels. As well as uneconomic uncertainty, a lot has to do with the weather - in summer, the ground was so wet for so long that people eventually abandoned a lot of projects. However, business will come back: a lot of new housing sites in our area have been mothballed and will eventually re-open.
It is easy for local independents like us to feel isolated, especially when business is difficult. The value of the Show is that you can go and see other positive hirers, all talking business and looking at new products. You also see the major suppliers and can compare everything in one place."
I am going to the Show because it will be reassuring to see other busy hirers in positive mood.
Craig Howells, Partner, Tavistock Hire Centre
"Since my fellow Partner, Craig Smith, and I established our own operation in March 2007, having previously worked for Brandon, we have been really busy and going from strength to strength - all the more so after Speedy closed its Tavistock depot. Smaller local builders are busy doing home extensions, and our DIY customer business is steady.
We supply a wide range of tools and equipment, as well as mini excavators up to 1.5t and dumpers up to 1t, and we crosshire more specialist items - we have just sourced a 16t excavator for a client. We plan to attend the Show to see what we can add to the fleet. We will drive up on the Tuesday evening and stay overnight near Coventry, ready for when the exhibition opens the following day."
I am going to the Show to meet suppliers and to see if we can do some deals.
Mark Emes (left) with Mark Williams, Underwild Tool Hire & Sales, Hayle, Cornwall
"Business has been slower than, say, a year ago, but overall it is constant. Many customers, who would previously hire equipment for a week, are now hiring it only for the number of days they think they’ll need it, as they try to reduce costs.
Nevertheless, we continue to expand our customer base, because of our commitment to service. People often come to us having been let down by another company but, like any good independent, we go the extra mile. We also sell building materials from a separate shop on our site, so customers can buy what they need as they hire equipment. They also can’t fail to notice our giant gorilla mascot, Little Jack, in his hi-viz jacket!
We’ll be going to the Show, and will leave Hayle at 5.30 in the morning to get to the Ricoh Arena in good time to make a day of it. We are really looking forward to our visit."
We are going to the Show to see what product advances have been made in the last 12 months, and to see how our industry is shaping up for the year ahead. |
