000731 - Penrith Tool Hire 23/1/09 18:23 Page 1
EXECUTIVE
REPORT
Dave Taylor relishes working in a hire environment.
Next-door opportunity
Just over a year ago, Dave Taylor knew little about hire. Now he
owns and runs a successful independent business in Penrith. Alan Guthrie reports.
Having started in paid employment 20 years ago at the age of 13, problem, we’ll sort it and retain their future business.” Popular fleet
Dave Taylor has always been a ‘hands-on’ person, training as a items include Belle mixers, Makita disc cutters, Birchwood lighting
mechanic and working in the rail, transport and construction and site electrical products, and Nilfisk-Alto pressure washers,
industries. However, two years ago he tired of working for others and amongst others. Rover lawnmowers, marketed through Midland
explored opportunities to work for himself in his local Penrith area. Power Products, are in demand owing to their durability. “They can be
fitted with Honda or Briggs & Stratton petrol engines, and contractors
“I considered various franchising ideas, but I really wanted something love them. We also do good sales business including Toolbank tools,
that related to my mechanical background,” says Dave. “One day I and consumables such as DTAS-Duro diamond blades and Dronco
mentioned grinding wheels.”
this to my
next door
Fully computerised
neighbour, Penrith Tool Hire is shortly to go live with a Syrinx program from
Ian Higher Concept Software, replacing a manual system, to handle
Simpson, day-to-day transactions, invoicing and management reports.
and he “We learned about Syrinx through the NTC UK training consultancy,
seemed who initially came to give us PAT test training and advice on Health
impressed & Safety policies. Its Director, Craig Normington has helped us move
by my from a manual accounting system to a fully computerised one using
commitment Sage Line 50, and allowing us to track all aspects of the business.”
and
enthusiasm. Just over a year since starting on his new career path, Dave has no
The company successfully sells a wide range of tools and consumables.
We talked regrets. “It’s been a steep learning curve, but I’ve been like a sponge
more, then two weeks later, in February 2007, he asked me if I might soaking up information about hire. We are looking to expand the fleet
be interested in buying his business, Penrith Tool Hire. with micro diggers, skip-loading dumpers and chippers, as well as
investing more in staff training. Above all, I and the rest of the team
“Ian founded the company in 1981 and had built up a loyal customer get a real buzz from helping people, from getting the right equipment
base. He did not want to sell out to a national hire group, and I was for a task, to taking a few minutes to fit a new chainsaw chain. It puts
flattered that he believed it would be in good hands with me. a smile on the customer’s face and gives us a great sense of
The more I saw of Penrith Tool Hire, which occupies an industrial achievement.”
•
estate unit in the town, the more I was excited by hire, and I could
relate to a lot of the equipment in the fleet.”
01768 864557 www.penrithtoolhire.co.uk
The deal was eventually completed in December 2007. “I hit the
ground running, having just a two-day handover working alongside
Ian, and then I was left to it, supported by a great team of staff.
We have a high proportion of account customers including small
tradesmen, and we serve a lot of landscapers who are constantly
coming to us to hire the next machine they require for the seasonal
work associated with on-going maintenance contracts. I aim to
appoint a sales rep shortly to develop more business.”
Customers cover a wide area. “We supply as far as Carlisle,
Cockermouth, Keswick, and over the border into Scotland,” says
Dave. “People prefer our more personal, flexible approach. If there’s a The premises are located on an industrial estate in Penrith.
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