EXECUTIVE REPORT continued
“
Chris Archer, MD, BGG UK We’re always busy and
currently it’s absolutely manic. It’s due to the introduction of the EU Stage V emissions regulations. And the actions of the Extinction Rebellion activists in London have put the environmental agenda firmly on the agenda - the Mayor and other city administrators don’t have an option but to ensure suppliers comply. The market is strong and
I don’t think Brexit is really having an impact. We have no supply chain issues and we don’t foresee any - we always commit to having large stocks available for quick delivery.
”
Douglas Anderson, Joint MD, GAP
“ The trading environment is
challenging. There are always pressures on margins but our profits are up because of good management practices (in October, GAP announced record annual results, achieving a pre-tax profit of £18.7m in the year to 31 March 2019, an increase from £16.7m in the preceding 12 months, as annual turnover rose by 8.8% to £203m). There is uncertainty among some customers, yet they have healthy order books; many aren’t pressing the ‘go’ button simply because of Brexit. The whole world economy is driven
by confidence, but too many people seem to lack the backbone to make decisions. Even central and local government contracts that have
already been approved and funded are being delayed for no apparent reason except, perhaps, Brexit. But the problem isn’t Brexit, it’s the uncertainty around it. Some people just seem to look for excuses not to do things, or to blame someone or something else.
” “ 14
“
Paul Hay, MD Trime UK By the end of
September, we had already sold the same number of lighting towers as we did in 2018 and we estimate we will end 2019 32% up on last year. This has been driven by demand for eco-friendly equipment, including battery powered and hybrid machines, and there’s no reason why that should slow down in 2020. Customers want to be eco-friendly and we are backing that up not just with appropriate products, but also with technical information and support.
”
Josh Llewellyn, Chairman, MHM Plant
“ We are
buoyant and hugely optimistic because we serve a market where there is an increasing awareness of the need for carbon reduction in construction sites, events and other markets. Here at the Showman’s Show we showed our latest solar, battery and hybrid options and the positive reaction reflects the market’s interest. When we first launched this kind of equipment five years ago, the appetite wasn’t as strong and we put them on the back burner; now the demand is growing and the technology is constantly advancing.
”
Greg Bennett, VP, Point of Rental Software There is growing interest in the circular economy as an environmentally
sound way of procuring equipment. In the US, for example, we see sporting goods retailers starting to hire items like tents and camping goods, and using our software to manage that. The younger generation value sustainability: why buy equipment and clutter up your house when you can hire it, return it and let someone else use it? Similarly, we have introduced our Rental Locker software for people to hire on
a self-service basis. Residents in apartment blocks can hire equipment like a vacuum cleaner for, say, an hour by paying for it, taking it from a locker to use it and then return it. General tool hirers are also looking at this for self-service selection of things like spares and consumables.
”
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