AT THE
HEART OF HIRE
A P O S I T I V E S TA RT …
Our industry has made a very positive start to 2019, confirmed by the success of the Executive Hire Show in February. Some 190 exhibitors occupied every inch of available space at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, and hirers from all over the country - and beyond - turned out to be part of the industry’s major national, annual event.
This year’s Show attracted 1,872 relevant hire industry visitors, which is marginally up on 2018 and consistent with other years.
The exhibition was attended by senior executives and procurement teams from all leading national hire companies, with 71 executives from Vp plc Brandon Hire Station representing this year’s single largest hire group.
We were also delighted with the strong representation from other national hirers including A-Plant, GAP, HSS and Speedy who continue to support their industry’s major event in significant numbers.
86% of all relevant hire industry visitors were from independent operations, re-confirming the pivotal role of local and regional hirers in the on-going success of the Show. What was again striking was the upbeat mood of visitors and suppliers, and many did some very good business at the Show - in many cases taking advantage of special deals only available on the two days of the event. You can discover what a selection of hirers got out of their visit in our article beginning on page 11.
As always, exhibitors chose the Show as the ideal platform to launch their latest products for our industry. We have crammed as many as we can into our comprehensive Show Review starting on page 43, so do check them out as some could become worthy additions to your hire fleet that give your business a competitive edge in the year ahead.
And while we are looking forward, make a note of the dates of the 2020 Executive Hire Show which have been confirmed as Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 February, again at the Ricoh Arena.
… AND E X C I T ING P R O S P E C T S
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. One of the fascinating aspects of this great industry is the diversity of hire companies within it, as well as the many different personalities of the people behind them. There is no single formula for success, but various ways of achieving it.
There are a number of very positive success stories in this issue. Beginning overleaf, our news coverage includes reports on companies that are expanding their operations and suppliers that are winning significant orders. And on page 20 we highlight the industry professionals who were honoured in our 2019 Passionate Hirer Awards, announced just before the Party on the first evening of the Show.
However, two articles are worthy of particular attention. The first, starting on page 17, is our Profile of Champion Hire which is celebrating 50 years since its incorporation as a limited company. In that time, the Sheffield-based business has become established as a major regional player, with its management having been able to weather challenging economic circumstances and to successfully explore new market opportunities. As Chairman Tim Hale says
3
somewhat modestly, “The best way to grow a business is to put together a good team, and let them get on with it.” This proves once again the extent to which success depends on having the right people.
The second noteworthy article starts on page 29 with our report on Go Hire based in Hull. One of the striking characteristics of this business, which was established four years ago, is the entrepreneurial spirit of its MD Sally Wray.
Disillusioned by her job with a local authority, she sought a fresh opportunity. After re-mortgaging the family home, she acquired, re-named and relocated a tool hire business which has gone from strength to strength. As well as opening a café next door to attract tradesmen, Go Hire has established a satellite operation supplying contractors working on offshore projects, and the company’s commitment to customer service is leading it to open an additional location.
These are two quite different companies with widely varying backgrounds and histories, but sharing a common theme of hard work and success, and they are shining examples to emulate.
MOVING FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE
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