“


We focused on a three point plan, which in order of priority revolved around People, Finance and Technology.


TECHNOLOGY JOURNEY


The project was equal to the entire previous years turnover and would take the business on a technology journey that in the past 5 years has seen it triple its connected Caterpillar®


fleet to


over 400 units, with technology now delivering a 20% uplift in turnover.


10


A PROFITABLE


In 2010, James Ashbrook, MD of independent plant hire and contracting business J K Ashbrook, took the biggest gamble he had ever made, taking on a £2.5m earthworks and drainage contract to build the 4.4km Wrexham industrial estate access road. (W.I.E.A.R)


To find out more, Finning News met with James at his Congleton base in Cheshire, where he explained just how important the W.I.E.A.R project had been and where it had taken the business. James: “At the time we won the W.I.E.A.R job, other contractors were going out of business due to the recession and the industry was a very tough place to be.


“I knew we had to grow and fight hard for every bit of business out there, large and small, so I made the ‘make or break’ decision to tender for the W.I.E.A.R job, knowing if we got it wrong, it could potentially sink the business.


“


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