AT THE
HEART OF HIRE
M A N Y M O R E G O O D D E A L S A H E A D . . .
When we began planning this issue of EHN, we knew it would contain a historic element, as we look ahead to the UK leaving the EU at 11pm (UK time) on 29 March 2019 - little more than six months away. It will be a momentous event in our nation’s history so we wanted to record our industry’s views for posterity.
Having asked hirers and suppliers in our June 2016 issue for their opinions on the Referendum, this time round we posed the question of what key issues should be addressed to ensure their business continues smoothly post-Brexit. Our article ‘Deal or no deal?’ starting on page 11 gives their fascinating views. While there is inevitably considerable diversity, some common strands appear, with perhaps the most striking being the sense that politicians and negotiators seem to have dragged their feet in agreeing the way forward on major issues such as the ‘divorce’ settlement of how much the UK owes the EU, what happens to the Northern Ireland border, and arrangements for UK citizens living elsewhere in Europe and vice versa.
Our contributors raise several key issues, such as: future customs arrangements between the UK and Europe, or whether a no-deal Brexit will result in World Trade Organization (WTO) tariffs being applied; subsequent costs of imported products and materials; and the movement of employees serving European clients. Others see potential positives from being allowed to achieve growth in non-EU territories, and freedom from the ‘bureaucratic blancmange’ of EU regulations, as one hirer eloquently puts it. However, another supplier suggests that post-Brexit, “the Great British public will just get on with life. I doubt that the lights will go out and that businesses will cease to trade overnight.”
It is impossible to predict the future, all the more so given the various possibilities being discussed in febrile political circles, from extending the two-year transitional period after Brexit, to even holding a second Referendum. However, rather than dwelling on future uncertainties, we should focus on sound management in the present. Indeed, perhaps unpredictability has always been a fundamental element in our industry, with hirers being asked to supply unexpected items or to respond to emergencies - such as the floods last winter or the intense summer heatwave. It is also a truism that, in times of uncertainty, people are attracted to hire to reduce capital expenditure.
There is much heartening data to consider. July 2018 results from the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Survey showed housebuilding expanding at its fastest pace since December 2015 and a “robust and accelerated rise in construction activity”. Moreover, hirers and suppliers continue to explore new opportunities. A-Plant recently highlighted five particularly outstanding products from almost 40 manufacturers at its Innovation Week, including a portable plasma cutter from Hypertherm, a tool tethering system from Never Let Go, jacking load shoes from Rapid Response Solutions, Trime’s battery lighting towers and dual-view dumpers from Wacker Neuson.
There are many more positives throughout this issue, from the news items starting overleaf about hirers adding more kit to their fleets, our article on Lord Hire Centre’s investment in a new website and staff development (page 21), and details of The Hireman’s Croydon depot opening (page 31) and Flying Hire Events’ new training activity (page 35). These businesses are all enthusiastic about their future. And whether we have a deal or no-deal Brexit, hard or soft, there will still be many more deals to be done between hirers and suppliers…
. . . S O C O M E T O O U R R O A D S H O W S !
…and doing deals is what hire professionals will certainly be doing at our 2018 series of industry Road Shows. They kick off in Glasgow on 13 September with a record number of exhibitors, followed by London (Cobham) on 18 October, Haydock on 14 November and Bristol on 5 December.
At these popular events, hirers and suppliers can benefit from bargains available only on the day that could boost their business. As well as hearing presentations on key issues and trends,
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participants will network, catch up with existing contacts while making new ones, and generally get involved.
And these events are an exciting prelude to the Executive Hire Show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, on 6 and 7 February. With Brexit scheduled to happen the following month, the timing could hardly be better, enabling hirers to explore new revenue opportunities, do deals and build a positive future. Make sure you are part of it!
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