The HAE' Hire Awards of Excellence took place on Saturday April 18th at Grosvenor House in London, and was attended by 344 guests. Not only that, but EHN sponsored one of the awards too!
The evening's finalists were made up of 79 outstanding individuals, companies and products, across 17 award categories. From the group of finalists, the judges recognised the high set of standards and personal achievements, awarding a record 26 High Commendations in recognition of their efforts.
HAE EHA Chair Phil Leahy spoke at the close of dinner, presenting three special awards. The first, was for Special Recognition, new for this year and presented with the help of HAE EHA CEO Paul Gaze, Viki Bell, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association, and Paul Mabey, Association Board Member and Major Account Manager at JCB. The prize, a unique case containing a silver excavator, was handed to Andrew Huddleston KPM, Head of the National Construction and Agriculture Theft (NCATT) Team, and presented in recognition of his dedication to fighting tool and equipment theft. Andy Huddlestone does some great work, of course - find out more in our 2025 July/August edition.
This year’s Outstanding Contribution to Hire Award was presented to Michel Petitjean, founder and former Secretary General of the European Rental Association, for his efforts with ERA, his extensive expertise from a long, varied and successful career in construction.
The Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence was presented to John Nixon of Nixon Hire. John opened his business in 1967 and continued its development over the years embracing new technologies, becoming a market leader in portable buildings, welfare facilities, renewable power and more. John was unable to be present however a video was made and shared with the room, covering his career and showing his appreciation for being recognised in this way. The trophy was collected on his behalf by Nixon Hire Chair, Gerard Murray.
Of course, the real news from the event was EHN's sponsorship of Hire Product of the Year award - the keenly contested accolade going to JCB, with their clever ai/camera-enabled 'INTELLISENSE' safety system. Representing the company was Paul Mabey - plainly agog at both the award and meeting our very own EHN/EHS MD Chris Moore (left). A double honour, indeed, and we're given to understand that a man-hug was also involved...
“The Hire Awards of Excellence 2026 was a fantastic celebration of the excellence within the hire and rental sector, " said HAE EHA CEO Paul Gaze. We had some inspiring finalists across the business and various product and service categories. In addition, the unprecedented three Special Achievement Awards, combined with the outstanding individual award finalists and winners, made it a night to remember.”