AT THE
HEART OF HIRE
T R U L Y W O N D E R F U L I N D U S T R Y
You won’t be surprised to see that this issue is dominated by our coverage of the Executive Hire Show. Once again, we can reflect on another hugely successful event. For the record, 1,878 relevant hire industry visitors attended the exhibition, which is fifty more than in 2019.
Each of our industry’s Top Ten national hirers was well represented, and this year 89% of visitors were from independent companies. This yet again demonstrates the Show’s unrivalled ability to mobilise, enthuse and attract hire professionals to come to the most important exhibition in the industry’s calendar. We thank all who attended.
The most striking aspect of the Show was the positive and optimistic mood - a massive contrast to the preceding months of political uncertainty. Orders were taken and hirers took advantage of the special Show-only deals available from many exhibitors. One key industry supplier which has exhibited at all 14 Shows to date, told EHN that this was the best-ever in terms of sales made on their stand. Another significant manufacturer reported an astonishing 40% increase in business compared against last year.
ENTHUSIASTIC PROFESSIONALS
Feedback from hirers in our post-Show article beginning on page 10 was equally upbeat. One enthusiastic hire professional said, “You can see all the new products from the major suppliers, play with it and see how it all works. It is fantastic.” Another said, “We believe that 2020 will be a year of opportunity and we are well placed to take advantage of the positive mood. The feel of the Show was ‘cautious optimism’ which we perceive to be just right.”
This last point should be emphasised. As is this issue goes to press, there is global concern about potential disruption that could be caused by the spread of the Covid-19 virus. However, this industry has proved resilient against other challenges, including Brexit prevarications and unpredictable economic cycles. So we should all keep calm and take a long-term view. Hire will survive and flourish.
The last opinion we will highlight is from a hire visitor who told us that “meeting so many supportive suppliers and like-minded professional hirers in one place outlines what a wonderful industry we work in.”
And, on a personal note, that comment neatly sums up my view of this industry, which I have served for 20 years as EHN Editor. As many of you know, I have decided to step down, and so this issue of the magazine is the last that I will be involved with. I am pleased to be
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leaving at a time when EHN and the Executive Hire Show are displaying such strength, with a new team to drive them forward, and the industry itself is showing such optimism. This issue contains our typically varied selection of articles. Taken together, they provide a cross-section of the type of hirers that EHN has covered over the past two decades.
On page 8 we talk to GAP about its steady expansion over this period and, having achieved national coverage, they successfully opened a series of specialist divisions. What is its management team’s secret for success? Read it and find out!
By contrast, the article beginning on page 20 focuses on a more recent player’s entry into the market: Boels Rental’s UK business, and its plans to develop its operation. At the other end of the spectrum, we visit a brand new company, MD Tool & Hire Sales UK in Warrington, which has got off to a flying start, as we report on page 15, showing that there are still opportunities for new businesses. And on page 26, we call into Award-winning Y.E.S. (Your Equipment Solutions) in Falkirk, which has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to customer service.
These articles reflect many of the important themes that EHN has regularly covered, such as the need for flexible and focused management, a willingness to explore new markets and opportunities, the importance of having a modern hire fleet, and dedication to the highest standards of service.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE
Above all, they demonstrate the importance of people, and helping them to reach their full potential. This is at the heart of any business, but particularly so in hire, which is in the middle of the supply chain between the supplier and end user, and companies must to be able to offer advice, support and rapid response in a trusted relationship.
So, as I write my penultimate paragraph for EHN, I want to thank everyone who has made the last 20 years so fascinating and enjoyable. I have met so many innovative, entrepreneurial, dedicated and good-humoured hirers and suppliers during that time, and I have tried to give every business, large or small, an equal platform.
Right. That’s quite enough of looking back! Turn the page to start reading about all the latest developments in this dynamic and truly wonderful industry.
Alan Guthrie
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