EXECUTIVE REPORT continued
consumables from Hilti, Makita, Duro, Fairport, Altrad Belle, Husqvarna, Euro Towers, Stihl, Wacker Neuson, Hire Supply Co and Camon, amongst other suppliers.
“We made a lot of great contacts at the Executive Hire Show,” said Jonathan Charles. “There is something of a learning curve, since virtually all of Rocket Rentals’ business has traditionally been with account clients. Now we are obviously attracting cash customers, and we have adapted our Syrinx/Point of Rental software accordingly. We aroused much interest with a special radio advertisement to announce our opening in February, and we have become a Calor Gas dealer, which is also attracting more people.
Significant expansion
The Rocket Rentals plant fleet continues to grow, now comprising more than 400 machines and including 120 Kubota excavators of up to 8 tonnes, Thwaites dumpers, JCB telescopic handlers and Bomag rollers. “All our rollers have Bomag’s Economizer system for optimum compaction, which costs more but gives the customer better results,” said Simon Tomblin. “Bigger excavators of up to 25 tonnes are sourced from Hitachi and Caterpillar, the latter being fitted with automatic grade controls. We also offer lighting towers from MHM Plant on a re-hire basis, to meet seasonal demand. We plan to significantly expand our Rocket Platforms fleet, and we will eventually add the entire range of JCB scissor lifts and boom lifts that were unveiled at the Executive Hire Show. This is simply to meet customer demand. We also offer Niftylift machines, including HR12 bi-energy booms. Looking longer term, we plan to introduce Rocket Vehicles, offering vans and other transport solutions.”
The delivery fleet was expanded with the purchase of four new Scania trucks comprising 32-tonne and 44-tonne models. As well as being equipped to FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) specifications with side and reverse cameras and other safety
The large service area has five separate work bays.
measures, they have upgraded V8 engines, leather upholstery, microwaves, and fridge/freezers. “It is important that drivers have a good working environment like everyone else. They do an amazing job, starting at 6am every morning and often negotiating some very challenging sites. They are the public face of the business, probably seeing more customers day-to-day than I do. And, like the high- specification machines we have in the plant fleet, we will get a better return on the trucks when we change them.”
Certainly, the business seems to be living up to its name in terms of fast progress. “February was one of our busiest ever months, and we have an enthusiastic team of 16, which has doubled in two years, with two more to be recruited shortly. We are passionate about what we do, often working 12-hour days and we enjoy the hire industry. It is all about having the right kit, delivering it efficiently and collecting it promptly. We are not run by an accountant chasing every penny in the short term. We may not be the cheapest, but our high- specification machines get the job done effectively, which users appreciate. We basically put ourselves in the position of the customer and ask ourselves what we would expect from the equipment.
“We recently supplied equipment to a customer working in Wokingham, outside our normal area, but he knew us and wanted to hire from us. He said it gave him reassurance that the kit would be of good quality, and delivered exactly when he needed it to get the job done. As he told us, you cannot put a price on that.”
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www.rocketrentals.co.uk
Lighting towers from MHM Plant have been added to the fleet. 18
The company recently invested in new delivery trucks.
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