newsdesk in depth l Bibby Leasing celebrates


This year marks the fifth anniversary of the setting up of Bibby Leasing, which launched officially at IMHX in March 2007.


Carol Roberts made the decision to enter the market as a totally new player with experienced staff and described IMHX 2007 as “a busy, buoyant show”. “Nobody could have then foreseen the events we have experienced since,” says Carol Roberts, “but despite the ups and downs of both the finance and materials handling industry, we are still as committed as ever.”


Although forklifts are a necessity for many businesses, the last three years in particular have seen a much reduced demand in companies acquiring trucks – especially new. This has created some new challenges for both suppliers and funders alike, as in the past materials handling was always seen as a good, steady market. As a result, according to Bibby Leasing, the whole market has seen a number of developments of late and funders themselves have witnessed a ‘sea of change’.


Some funders have totally pulled out of the market, whereas others have become more selective in how and where they acquire their business. Bibby Leasing says this, alongside some new funders entering the market, must give suppliers at times a very confusing picture as to what is actually happening in the finance world – suppliers who, until of late, have often enjoyed, long stable working business relationships with a chosen funder, over many years. Carol Roberts feels Bibby Leasing has ridden the storm of the past three years extremely well and, as such, is now able to capitalise on Bibby’s position. “Things can now only get better,” she says.


RIP John Chalkwright


We were extremely saddened to hear just before Christmas of the death of John Chalkwright, who worked in sales for ShD for many years. More recently, he has been working with Warehouse & Logistics News, so he is well known to companies within our industry.


By all accounts, John fought his cancer with great fortitude. John was a lively and enthusiastic member of the UK materials handling media. The large turnout at his funeral bore testament to his popularity.


To his family, friends and colleagues ShD extends its deepest sympathy.


Ivor retires


“As the market now appears to be picking up - warehouse equipment up 17%, counterbalanced up 23% - suppliers need to have in place funders that understand the market with the right attitude to do business,” continues Carol Roberts. “That means good staff and systems to support them, correct documentation and, of course, flexibility. “Although minimum term contracts are often now in demand by end users to give greater flexibility – which it does - it could also be argued the flexibility of the minimum term contract has deferred some of the new truck sales that suppliers have desperately needed of late. Therefore, the flexibility of which contract should be used, by a supplier


(subject to the supplier’s customer’s approval) should not be influenced by the funder as the circumstances of one customer differs to the circumstances of another.”


Carol Roberts is committed to moving the Materials Handling division to the next stage by appointing additional external representation, as the need for expertise and support to customers (dealers/suppliers) is key. This, alongside the move of its HQ to a state- of-the-art complex adjacent to Leeds/Bradford Airport, demonstrates a further commitment to the future. Bibby Leasing will celebrate its sixth birthday with a stand at IMHX 2011. www.bibbyfinancialservices.com


APC Overnight has announced that Ivor Skinner will retire from his position of managing director, a position he has held for the last three years. Under his leadership, APC has grown into a £58 million turnover company with pre-tax profits of £3.4 million. Each month APC delivers 1.4 million parcels nationwide – and the company is on course for another record year in 2012. Though retiring, he will continue to be very much involved in the company as a main Board Director.


Specialists to the Material Handling Industry Member


Fork Lift Truck Association


Working alongside manufactures and suppliers in financing all material handling requirements and industrial cleaning equipment Call us today on: 0113 391 9100


Bibby Leasing Limited. 7 Airport West, Lancaster Way, Warren House Lane, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7ZA Email: leasing@bibbyfinancialservices.com Web: www.bibbyfinancialservices.com 12 ShD January 2012 www.PressOnShD.com


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