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EXECUTIVE REPORT


From horses to hire


A commitment to service has enabled Allhire Midlands to carve out a niche supplying compact plant and equipment to a busy customer base. Alan Guthrie reports.


Although she currently runs her own hire business, Allhire Midlands, which specialises in supplying mini excavators and compact dumpers, Vicky Flanagan originally planned a career in quite a different industry. She graduated with a degree in equine science in the 1990s and initially worked in the membership department of the British Showjumping Association in Warwickshire. However, seeing few opportunities for progression, she eventually looked for a job with more potential.


“My husband, Cormac, was working with a ground works company in the Midlands and he heard of a vacancy for a manager at the Bicester office of Pyramid Plant Hire (later acquired by Selwood), which had a fleet of 100 machines. I got the job and found that I really enjoyed the industry. After a year, I moved to become plant manager at Priory Plant Hire in Southam, which was more convenient as it was virtually on my doorstep. It ran approximately 40 mini excavators, plus dumpers and backhoe loaders. When the owner decided to retire and close the business in 2006, I saw an


Vicky Flanagan established the business in 2006.


opportunity to start my own operation and founded Allhire Midlands, based at the family home in Stockton, Warwickshire, and renting yard space nearby. I had built a loyal customer base at Priory Plant, many of whom said they would start using my new business because they appreciated the level of service they received.”


The operation started on a modest scale, with a 1580kg Kubota KX36-3 and an 850kg K008-3, plus a TCP tracked dumper and a Cormidi skip loading dumper. “Initially, I did all deliveries myself with a 4x4 vehicle and a trailer, but as business grew I employed a driver and took on Priory’s former workshop foreman to do servicing work.”


The current fleet comprises minis of up to 8 tonne, primarily Kubota machines. The most recent additions include a 5.5 tonne Bobcat E50 and a 1065kg Ammann Yanmar SV-08. “We also re-hire some powered access equipment from Woodford Tool & Plant Hire based near Daventry. They set up in business while I was with Priory Plant


and it is great to have


contacts with like-minded companies who can help each other.


“Most of our customers are within a 20 mile radius, and they are currently very busy. They typically take machines for several weeks at a time, for work such as maintenance contracts for the MOD and local schools, as well as house construction, in and around towns such as Leamington, Warwick, Banbury and Rugby.”


A Bobcat E50 was recently added to the fleet.


Currently, Vicky runs Allhire Midlands in tandem with looking after her three year old daughter, who starts school next year, which will give more time to expand the business. “I am considering adding Kubota compact tractors to the fleet, along with attachments like stone buriers and rotary mowers. There are many people in our area who have large gardens and paddocks to maintain, but who cannot justify the outright purchase of such equipment.


“There are several national hirers covering our region who try to compete purely on price, but our customers appreciate the service and backup we provide. They know they can contact me directly at any time, that we will deliver and collect equipment when we say we will, and that we will support them out of hours if the unexpected should arise. In fact, that is what is so fascinating about working in this industry. Every day brings new customers and challenges, and I get a real sense of satisfaction in providing a reliable hire service.”


Allhire Midlands offers excavators of up to 8 tonne. • www.allhiremidlands.com


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