PROFILE
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Hire It! put its £500 voucher, given as part of the Award, towards this Camon LA20 aerator.
enabling further expansion. To combat the construction downturn in the 1990s, we added products for use in factories, like pipe threaders, lifting equipment, hydraulic jacks, chain blocks, welders and heavy-duty heaters.We also introduced Genie booms and scissor lifts for facilities management.
“This diversity now enables us to serve many markets. More recently we have re-focused on the DIY market to offset the decline in construction.You always have to look ahead and detect trends. Many homeowners are now almost like small contractors, tackling extensions and landscaping projects themselves. Twelve months ago we added the Kanga compact tracked loader from Red Band UK, with attachments and buckets for trenching and other tasks, and it is very popular. In fact, we have kept spending sensibly throughout the downturn. Other recent purchases have included the Arbortech dustless masonry saw, GenSet Link Tower lighting, Titan 440i airless paint sprayers distributed by Gray Campling, and Pramac’s P6000 road towable floodlight, a compact machine ideal for highways contractors and utilities.
is really easy,” says John. “It has made a huge difference. And we enjoyed doing business with the inspHire team, who share our pro-active approach.”
“You cannot compromise on service”
Today, Hire-It! Kidderminster has 12 staff and serves customers mainly within a 20-mile radius of Kidderminster. “Depots of the nationals have come and gone over the years. They can really only compete on price, but we have a loyal client base that appreciates our advice and service. Throughout the recent economic challenges, we have laid no-one off and maintained our working hours - you cannot compromise on customer service.”
Hire-It! Kidderminster’s huge enthusiasm for our industry was obvious to the Passionate Hirer Award judges. In selecting the company as the winner, they highlighted the company’s response to the economic challenges, ‘entering new markets and identifying where it can add value to its existing business,’ recognising that ‘it has evaluated and carefully entered the plant market with a selection of niche machines, many of which are not easily found anywhere else in its area.’ Based on seven specific criteria, including mystery shopper visits, customer and supplier feedback, telephone and personal manner of staff, workshop and technical feedback, Hire-It! Kidderminster achieved an impressive rating of 55 out of 70. “We were really delighted to win, and it rewards the efforts and achievements of our entire team,” says Fiona.
The eye-catching premises are on a prime site near the town centre.
“We have also bought a self-propelled Hinowa 14m tracked aerial platform from Access Platform Sales. Basically, we adapt to target new markets. It is also important to keep the fleet up-to-date. At the Executive Hire Show we bought an LA20 lawn aerator from Camon Tracmaster, and, following our visit, we have also added Camon’s BCS 360 flail mower, replacing another brand of machine with troublesome belt drives.We bought a TR 225 scaffold hoist from Imer Direct at the Show, and we stock Honda brushcutters and power equipment bought from Seddons. Two years ago we successfully introduced Timberwolf TW125PH road-tow chippers, and we are also interested in the manufacturer’s S426 shredder, designed to handle virtually all kinds of green waste.You always have to look for new ideas and improve on existing ones.”
Monitoring the extensive fleet, together with day-to-day business transactions, is facilitated by inspHire software introduced four years ago. “It integrates seamlessly with Sage, and the monthly invoice run
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For its ability to successfully develop and diversify its operation to meet changing market requirements over 30 years, Hire-It! Kidderminster fully deserves the Award winner, and is a fine example for others to emulate.
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www.thetoolhireshop.com
“We have a loyal client base that appreciates our service.”
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