The only way


is up… It’s like some kind of perfect storm out there, what with fuel prices rising roofwards, inflation forecast to move into double figures, a cost of living crisis yet to be felt in full and manufacture still blighted as before. For all of that, new machinery is being launched and there was a palpable sense of optimism at the recent ScotPlant and Vertikal Days expos – not even the biblical deluge at the latter could dampen it. Rocketing fuel costs and lengthening lead times are driving the demand for used machinery, as Peter Haddock discovers when he speaks to auctioneers Ritchie Bros. Mindful of matters environmental, Dan Jenkins looks into the technologies promising to end our reliance on fossil fuels – let’s hope they’ll be cheaper too. Meanwhile, at least this month’s hirers seem contented, both reporting booming sales and talking about upsizing. Industry profiles include a brand new player in the powered access sector and a friendly face from many Executive Hire Shows. Speaking of which, we’ve only recently started selling EHS 2023 and it’s already over two-thirds full, with exhibitors re-booking or coming back after realising what they’d missed this year, and a significant number of new faces lining up. Read all about it in this month’s news. Much more besides, of course, so let’s get into it.


Andy 14 Contents 2 Latest news


Next year’s Executive Hire Show is already off to a flying start, we see new platforms from Pinnacle and Niftylift, and all the plant & tool hire news that’s fit to print.


14 Boss Man


Halt Hire MD Simon Whitfield has senior-level national hire experience, but decided to do his own thing. How’s it going so far?


18 Spider-woman


Starting a new business in the powered access sector is no mean feat, but Victoria Westwood of Liftech has the skills, experience and product range to pull it off.


20 Future fuels


Dan Jenkins returns with a deeper dive into the new technologies that are likely to replace traditional power sources.


22 Money doesn’t always lead


to happiness What are the options when invoices aren’t paid on time, or have to be written off entirely? Head here to find out.


24 Power to the people


Many hand-tools are already electrified. We select some of the newest and best equipment.


28 Electric Dreams


The battery-powered ‘Truxta’ minidumper is Tufftruk’s biggest seller, but the company is launching two new products this year.


30 Mighty movers


Micro plant is all well and good, but larger machinery is finding favour among hirers. We round-up new equipment between one and eight tonnes.


36 Driving demand


Peter Haddock speaks to Ritchie Bros. to find out how the market for used machinery is moving.


38 The Rooster


Northern Tool Hire MD Stephen Jones splits his time between Ashton-under-Lyne and Lanzarote. How does he manage, we enquire, and what’s with the avian nickname?


40 Offhire


Roy calls the bluff of a local firm when they start bragging about their environmental credentials.


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Publisher’s Statement:


Executive Hire News is the specialist business magazine serving the tools, equipment and plant hire industry, and this issue is mailed to 5,600 executives with management responsibilities. Every effort is made to ensure that the contents of this publication are accurate but the publisher accepts no responsibility for effects arising there from. We do not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from unsolicited contributions. Opinions expressed by the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher. This publication is protected by copyright and no part may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher.


Editor: Andy McVittie a.mcvittie@hgluk.com Publishing & Events Director: Chris Moore c.moore@hgluk.com Sales Manager: Lee Westney l.westney@hgluk.com Administration, Circulation and Marketing Coordinator: Sally O'Brien Contributors: Dan Jenkins, Adam Bernstein Graphic Design & Origination: Martin Ellis - Weblinks Advertising Ltd. Printing: Stephens & George Ltd.


Executive Hire News is published by Hemming Media, a division of Hemming Group Ltd. 32 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2SS


+44 (0)207 973 4630 www.executivehirenews.co.uk Copyright© 2022 Executive Hire News


June 2022 - Executive Hire News 1


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