PROFILE continued
“In some ways, I wish I had made the move earlier to start my own company, although the five years I had spent previously as Branch Manager at A-Plant’s Southwark depot gave me excellent all-round experience. In those days there was a stronger culture of having the freedom to develop your local business in an individual way, and I gained a thorough understanding of everything from machinery selection and servicing, to marketing and publicity. I also learned the necessity of being able to offer customers everything they need, not just the tools and equipment they want, but also the consumables and accessories they will require. That is why we always ask them about the type of work they are doing, and we gear up accordingly. Again, Hire4Lower’s customers know they can get everything they need from a single source.”
“Overall, business activity is continuing to increase. Recently we opened a record number of new accounts for a single calendar month - each of which we have vetted carefully, as you have to be even more vigilant about a new customer’s credit worthiness as we emerge from recession - which is another really positive sign. In fact, for some time we have been actively looking at opening depots in other locations. We had considered acquiring two existing businesses, but the deals eventually fell through, so we are now planning to establish new operations, perhaps in south west and north London. We owe nothing, have cash in the bank and the time is right for us to expand.
The fleet continues to increase to meet demand. The Lambeth premises provide 2,500ft2 of yard space.
The customer base has expanded steadily, both in terms of numbers and location. Deliveries are often made, not only throughout London, but also into the Home Counties. Typical clients comprise small to medium sized contractors and tradesmen, who have remained busy, even throughout the downturn. The delivery fleet has grown to match this increase in activity, and includes three Transit vans recently purchased from Gordons Ford, and two Nissan Cabstar trucks.
On-going fleet investment
Hire4Lower has kept investing to refresh and expand its fleet, and expects it will have spent approximately £250,000 during 2013. “We are currently negotiating a deal with Hilti that could amount to an order worth a six-figure sum,” said Colin. “Some power tool manufacturers insist we buy through dealers, but they invariably cannot guarantee the availability of equipment, spares and service support that hirers need. We are putting together a package of Hilti equipment, including breakers, rotary hammers and other tools. Other recent purchases include more Belle concrete preparation equipment, pumps from Obart, low level access equipment from Lyte Ladders, and Genie lifts.
33
“The tenth anniversary of the business was on 3 November. To celebrate, in the summer we invited some of our customers and suppliers to join us on an evening river cruise down the Thames, on The Elizabethan luxury vessel, chartered specially for the event. Looking at the London skyline as I stood on the boat, I counted 17 tower cranes on the horizon in the City alone. I had never seen so many at one time, and this shows just how much construction activity is taking place now, to be followed by more work as other stages of these projects are completed. The loyal toast on the evening was not to Hire4Lower, but to the good times that lie ahead for our industry.”
•
www.hire4lower.org
Hire4Lower staff enjoy their tenth anniversary celebrations.
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 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60