National Hirers - Executive Report


rapidly, on-line reservations increased traffic by over 45%. The ability to provide relevant data, really optimised our processes. So, buying habits clearly changed, it will be interesting to see the data over the coming months.”


Leaving the most important subject to the end, I wanted to ask the leaders about how the industry is responding to the threat of global warming. In addition, what actions are being taken to reduce emissions and the hire industries carbon footprint.


To begin, I asked Andy Wright for his viewpoint.


“I genuinely believe that the industry has a strong ethos for doing what is right, I would say that from 2018 a lot of words became actions, driven initially by legislation, then by adoption and now by instinct.


There is a rental eco system if you will, where the manufacturer, distributor, hirer and client operate, if one element is out of kilter on cost or benefit then the process fails.


There are many questions…Is hydrogen the answer, will the infrastructure for electric machines be robust enough, will batteries for motive power be able to deliver longer runtimes?”


Brian Sherlock commented, “Since 2009, Vp plc has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions year-on-year from 125 tonnes (per £1m revenue) in 2005/06 to 48 tonnes (per £1m revenue) 2020/21.”


“Our procurement and environment strategies are aligned and driven by the latest sustainable technology. Lithium-iron batteries give power tools increased performance, our hire fleet comprises 30% of Power Tools, with battery technology now


utilised in the majority of machines previously fossil fuelled.”


Brian concluded, “by the end of 2021 we will be ESOS Phase 3 compliant with all UK branches supplied with 100% renewable electricity, backed by certificates of renewable energy guarantees of origin. This will provide an annual reduction of c. 2,500 tonnes of carbon emissions.”


I next spoke with Jeremy Fish who spoke about Ardent Hire’s carbon offsetting programme.


“Customers can now offset their emissions for between £1.40 and £4 a week. These monies are used to buy carbon credits that are approved by the International Climate Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) and acquired via Climate Care, a leading profit with purpose B Corp organisation. I have been pleased with the response from the market. In what is only our second year we have worked with our customers to offset nearly 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.”


I noted the worthy projects this initiative helped to support and would recommend you visit the Ardent Hire website to find out more.


Jeremy concluded, “HVO fuel is interesting, and we are trialling with a number of customers who are reducing particulate emissions by up to 90%, stage V engines are cleaner and it is my belief that hydrogen fuel will overtake electric machines as the long- term sustainable solution…We all have a responsibility for the good of the environment and the need for change is now.”


For Boels Hire, Asif spoke about education around the impact particularly on SME contractors.


“Larger contractors mandate emissions and sustainability on their projects and in many cases, they have a dedicated resources to implement and measure. We need to get the message to the SME market, who may not have access to the same information or resources. Clearly one barrier to change is price and I encourage our associations to lobby government to enable a plan of incentives to switch from diesel to more sustainable alternatives.”


“I am as committed as my peers to move more collaboratively as an industry, to do what is right for the good of the industry.”


Asif Latief MD at Boels Rental Andy Wright CEO at Sunbelt Rentals UK


Jeremy Fish CEO of Ardent Hire Solutions


Interestingly, Russell Down from Speedy Hire started by confirming a spending figure.


“This year 50% of capex will be spent on sustainable products. We have now transferred our company car list to hybrid (bar a small number of sites where electric is not permitted). Another key factor is working with our larger clients on consolidated deliveries, thus reducing the number of trips to and from site. These examples recognise our responsibility and those of our customers who work on government projects and are committed to being net zero before 2050”.


Russell summarised “The challenge for the industry however can often be the hire rate, the acquisition price can be more expensive, and the market will not always pay the premium even where it is offset by lower running costs. Manufacturers and the industry need to help the education process, so that further progress can be made in this area.”


The leaders are clearly passionate and driven to deliver the best for their customers. What became increasing clear is they are equally keen to work even more collaboratively with the likes of the HAE, CPA and ERA for industry change for the good of the industry. n


September 2021 - Executive Hire News 37


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