EXECUTIVE REPORT
Powerful performance
Strong levels of construction activity within its region are creating more business for One Stop Hire. Alan Guthrie reports from its Chorley head office.
For several years, the Government has talked of creating a so-called Northern Powerhouse, attracting investment into towns and cities to create a strong economic platform in the region. While much discussion remains on-going concerning long-term plans for devolving powers to local government organisations and making infrastructure improvements, there is already rapid growth in this part of the country, according to One Stop Hire.
“From our experience, the Northern Powerhouse started about two-and-a-half years ago as a result of the many construction projects getting under way,” MD Steve Hitchen told EHN. “Although some larger contractors are suggesting a slight slowdown in some areas following the Brexit result, we believe there will be on-going activity in the areas we serve for several years to come. Many current projects are valued in billions of pounds, rather than millions. Such large-scale initiatives include phase two of Media City in Salford, and significant development will start this year to enhance the facilities at Manchester Airport over a nine-year period. In particular, our Wythenshawe depot, which opened in July 2015, is benefiting from the work taking place in the city.
The company has introduced a branded selection of PPE items.
“In addition, Peel Group’s Ocean Gateway projects are building a strategic corridor linking Liverpool and Manchester, as well as adjacent areas in Warrington and Cheshire, which will lead to more container traffic being transported through our region. This is resulting in significant investment and construction activity, and the future for the north west of England looks very good.”
Not surprisingly, One Stop Hire has been expanding most of its locations, which currently comprise Blackpool, Bolton, Greenodd (Cumbria), Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester Central, Manchester South, Preston, Widnes, Wigan and Wrightington. It currently employs 115 people, up by 27 compared with a year ago. “We do consider opening in other areas. Invariably, as soon as we launch a new depot it leads to requests from further afield. However, at the moment, the pace of business is such that the capex is best put towards serving our current customer base.
One Stop Hire continues to invest in its equipment fleet. 45
“Also, one difficulty you face when opening a new depot is attracting personnel of a suitable calibre. This proves once again the value of developing your own people and it is something we put great emphasis on. We already have seven employees who started working with us as apprentices, and two are now depot managers. We recently
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