PROFILE continued
their work takes them into the former Jacksons hire region. Each branch also has access to the same product range, although even before the re-branding, the fleets were very similar. Some Jacksons sites offered items to suit local demand - Lincoln, for example, supplied 8 tonne mini excavators and 14m telehandlers, while Grimsby’s fleet includes specialist welding equipment, and these will be retained to serve local customers.
“Overall, however, Hirebase is now very much a unified national business, with a total of 74 depots extending as far as the Shetland Islands, Exeter, Bristol and Scunthorpe.We also plan to open ten new sites this year.”
As we noted in our comments concerning Hirebase in the Tool Hire Top Ten 2012 analysis in our January/February issue, the operation sees strong growth opportunities through expanding further to meet the needs of Buildbase customers. “Obviously, our target market is the Buildbase customer base, chiefly comprising smaller builders and tradesmen, and they have proved a resilient market even during the downturn,” says Adrian Watts.
“Our hire depots follow a basic model with a similar selection of products for hire and re-sale, with a dedicated counter within the merchant branch. The operation is initially staffed by a hire manager and a driver/fitter, and, when business levels dictate, a hire technician is added. A dedicated Hirebase vehicle is provided, and we are now standardising on 12 tonne beaver tail DAF trucks instead of our previous 7.5 tonne vehicles. Amongst our most popular hires is the combination of a 2.8 tonne Takeuchi mini excavator and a 3 tonne Thwaites dumper, and this enables both to be delivered to site efficiently. Larger branches also have a Mitsubishi pickup with a tail lift.
“Decisions as to where to open a new Hirebase site take account of local merchant customers’ buying habits and, therefore, what they
Hirebase believes it offers a ‘one stop shop’ for builders’ merchant customers.
might hire, as well as footfall, site facilities and layout. Core products can be augmented if hire managers detect demand and, indeed, they are encouraged to do so. Our Aylesbury branch, for example, has a selection of more specialised grounds care equipment, which can then be supplied to other depots nearby. Calne operates a 26 tonne beaver tail vehicle for supplying telehandlers, and our outlet serving the NEC has a fleet of Genie materials lifts and related machines.”
Management development programme
Hirebase has also devised an in-house hire management development programme. This covers aspects such as operational areas, finance, Health & Safety and human resource management, with training being carried out at Lincoln and at Hirebase’s Oxford headquarters. Participants also undertake coursework and business related projects, and the programme is validated by the Chartered Management Institute at Level 4.
“We see huge potential,” says Adrian Watts. “We have grown our network by 50% in three years and have plans for more sites. If an independent builders’ merchant approached us we might consider opening a Hirebase depot there, and we are also exploring opportunities in Europe. Currently, Hirebase is the most profitable activity within Grafton Merchanting GB, and operational directors within other Group divisions are interested in adding Hirebase outlets.We have already had a presence at two sites within the Civils & Lintels operation, which typically takes heavier and larger equipment, and, by May, we expect to have opened a Hirebase presence within other Grafton businesses.
“Despite the doom and gloom in the national media, we have remained positive and continue to grow. The Jacksons re-branding is another key step in our expansion.We have shown how offering a ‘one stop shop’ for builders’ merchant customers can be successful, enabling them to hire what they need along with their materials, and it is a straightforward, profitable concept.”
•
Adrian Watts (left) and Mark Shepherd check out the latest Takeuchi developments at the Executive Hire Show.
23
www.hirebase.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52