|
|
|
     
           
|
|
25/01/08 - West Skelston Services, Dumfries
“We will be attending. There will be so many of our suppliers there - in fact, looking at the floor plan, all the major companies are exhibiting. It is a great opportunity to catch up with everything new.” West Skelston serves a significant area from its Dumfries headquarters, regularly supplying equipment as far afield as Stranraer, Oban and over the border well south of Carlisle. “We also crosshired a substantial number of dehumidifiers to a hirer in Gloucestershire last summer, to help with the flood damage restoration work,” says Stan. “They were on hire for several months.” 24/01/08 - Kingsbridge Hire Centre, Kingsbridge, Devon
From left to right on the photograph the team are Paul Smith, Tim Wyatt, Paul Adams, Dave Dabbs and Ray Smith. Business partners Tim Wyatt and Dave Dabbs commented "Last years Executive Hire Show was so good, we are definitely going again this year!" We look forward to welcoming some of the Kingsbridge Hire team to EHS 08 and know they will get a great deal out of the day. 22/01/08 - Swan Plant Hire (Dublin) Ltd., Dublin
I visited the company's Dublin head office and spent some time with Richard Connolly whose passion and commitment to the business was clear to see. Richard gave me a guided tour of the depot and I was amazed at the the range of equipment that the company has in it's hire fleet. Ranging from small tools up to mini excavators, compressors, rollers and dumpers, the company services a large cross section of construction and civil engineering contractors. To complement the hire side of the business, Swan Plant Hire are main agents for a number of leading manufacturers (several of whom are exhibiting at EHS 2008) and have a very proactive approach to sales. Richard explained "Sales accounts for a similar level of our turnover to hire and we carry extensive stocks to ensure we don't let our customers down! We also carry a vast range of spare parts for the equipment we sell enabling us to offer full back up and support." Richard has already pre-registered for EHS 2008 and will be visiting with his father and one of their Technical Sales team. It is the attendance of forward thinking and professional companies such as Swan Plant Hire that will help make this years show a success! 21/01/08 - Balloo Hire, Belfast
I visited their Belfast depot on a rainy Monday morning after a turbulence filled flight and was made to feel very welcome by the depot staff. I spoke to John Rennie, the company's Senior Hire Controller who told me all about the company's very diverse product offering to a large and loyal customer base. In addition to plant, tools and equipment for both professional and DIY users, the company has a division which offers a supply and erect scaffolding service on anything up to large scale commercial developments. To support the large number of agricultural customers that Balloo Hire service, they also have a hire fleet of tractors, slurry tankers, silage trailers, muck spreaders and specialist equipment. John and some of his colleagues have already booked their flights to visit EHS 08 and since my visit, they have completed their show registration. Their willingness and enthusiasm to visit the show demonstrates their passion and commitment to the hire industry and we look forward to welcoming them to the Ricoh arena. 10/01/08 - Ermin Plant, Gloucester
Martin attended EHS 07 and was very impressed with the range of exhibitors and facilities at the Ricoh Arena. The company placed orders on a number of stands at EHS 07 and added new equipment to their hire fleet. Martin has already pre-registered for EHS 08, along with one of the company's Directors and Hire Managers. In addition to this, Ermin Plant's Senior Health & Safety Manager and Health and Safety Manager will be at the show to attend the seminar programme. We look forward to welcoming Martin and his colleagues to the show as they are the sort of forward thinking company that exhibitors look forward to meeting. 08/01/08 - Hartley Hire, Morecambe
During the 2 days of EHS 07, Andy and his Managing Director took two cars full of their personnel to the show. Andy stated that "We all really enjoyed the show and it was a good opportunity for our depot staff to look at new equipment that they may be asked for in the future. We had a good look around the show, which we were really impressed with and also sat in on some of the health & safety seminars." Andy has already pre-registered for EHS 08 and is looking forward to visiting the show with his colleagues again! 18/12/07 - Pecks Hire & Sales Ltd., Barking, Essex
I visited the depot in the week leading up to Christmas and spent around 45 minutes with the company's owner, Paul King. Paul and his team have 99 years of experience in the hire industry and it was clear to see the rapport they shared with their customers. During my discussions with Paul, he pointed out that he has become disillusioned with trade shows and has not attended one for over 3 years. He stated that the last show he attended was full of exhibitors showing similar products and nothing new that caught his eye. Paul had a look at the EHS 08 floor plan and was impressed with both the companies that were exhibiting and the fact that there are a number of companies he was not familiar with. I am hoping that Paul will attend EHS 08 as he is just the sort of passionate and knowledgeable hirer that our exhibitors want to welcome onto their stands. 11/12/07 - Miles Hire Ltd., Swansea
The company won a highly commended award in the 2007 HAE Hire Company of the year (up to 5 depots) category and take great pride in the high levels of service they offer their customers. During my visit I spoke to Ryan Miles who commented "My brother Darren attended the 2007 EHS and was very impressed, I'm sure he will be attending the 2008 show." 10/12/07 - Mather & Stuart, Standish, Lancashire
I spent an hour with Tony Mather, Finance Director, Lee Stuart, Sales Director and Mark Stuart, Marketing Director and was made to feel very welcome. The company has an impressive list of blue chip customers and has a fleet of in excess of 750 super silenced generators ranging from 10 kva to 1250 kva. Tony and Lee attended EHS 07 and Lee commented "The 2007 show was excellent and gave us a great opportunity to meet all our major suppliers in one day. It was also great to catch up with a lot of our friends from within the hire industry!" 07/12/07 - Astley Hire, Leigh, Lancashire
I called in to the depot late on Friday afternoon and spoke to Michael Dorricott, one of the company's Directors. Astley Hire have a very good reputation in the industry and in addition to the hire of tools and equipment the company has an extensive fleet of air conditioning equipment, heating equipment, access platforms and alloy towers. During my visit, Michael was training a small group on the use of access platforms. Astley Hire carry out training on Alto scaffolding, training on the erection of alloy towers and IPAF approved training on the use of mobile elevated work platforms. Stephen Dorricott attended EHS 07 and commented "The show is definitely worth attending and I was impressed with the range of new equipment on display and the opportunity to network. EHS is the only truly dedicated hire show and I firmly believe that you get as much out of visiting a show as you are prepared to put into it!" 06/12/07 - Hirelink, West Bromwich, Birmingham
I spent some time with Jason and it was clear to see his enthusiasm and passion for both the company and the hire industry. The company has two depots and they are intending work towards five depots around the Midlands. Unfortunately Jason and Dave could not attend EHS 07 as they were in the process of opening the West Bromwich depot and were working around the clock. Jason commented " We have already pre-registered for EHS 08 as we have been encouraged to do so by The Hire Supply Company. We heard a lot of positive things about EHS 07 and are looking forward to seeing what new products are on offer." 06/12/07 - ACD Plant Ltd., Coventry
I spoke to Mark Richings, one of the company's Directors and we discussed EHS 07 which Mark attended with some of his colleagues. Mark commented that "Obviously the show is on our doorstep so it was very easy for us to go, we were very impressed with the venue, mix of exhibitors and general atmosphere at the show. We will definitely be attending EHS 08 and would recommend doing so to other hirers." 26/11/07 - Smiths Equipment Hire, Blackpool, Lancashire
I spent around 40 minutes with Thomas Smith who I used to deal with during the late 80's and early 90's and it was clear to see how much the business has grown over the years. Both Thomas and his brother David visited EHS 07 and enjoyed the show, although Thomas commented "One of our main reasons for visiting the show was to look for new air conditioning equipment and we did not find anything suitable." However, both Thomas and David were impressed with the mix of exhibitors and will definitely be attending EHS 08. I spoke to Thomas at the company's head office which is also where all the larger plant is based. Thomas suggested that I visit their new 6,000 sq ft purpose built small tools and equipment depot a few miles away to take a picture. I'm sure you will agree that it looks very impressive! 23/11/07 - IBS Equipment Ltd., Kirkby, Merseyside
Run by Ian MacFie and his team the company is based in a purpose built depot with a modern showroom well stocked with power tools, consumables, fixings and PPE. It was great to see Ian again after all this time and we discussed EHS 08 in depth. Ian commented "we have not visited a show since the last Hirex, but I think I will give EHS 08 a go!" Ian is keen to see what is new from both existing and potential suppliers and filled in a registration form while I was with him! 20/11/07 - Tool-Time, Bishop Auckland, County Durham
As an exhibitor at EHS 07, I remember Mark and Jeff visiting our stand, so I purposely visited them to get their feedback on the show. I was made to feel very welcome during my visit and it was clear to see the rapport they have with the customers who were in the depot. Mark commented that "We were both very impressed with the show and got a lot out of the day. We view exhibitions as a great opportunity to look for new products and new suppliers." Jeff added, "Our one issue with last years show was the fact that it fell right on our month end. Next years show date fits in much better with our schedules which must be the same for all independent hirers." Mark and Jeff are intending to pre-register and visit EHS 08 and this is another example of independent hirers passionate about their business making the time to support our annual industry event. 19/11/07 - Menai Tool Hire, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Gwynedd
Situated near to the Menai Bridge, the main road link between the mainland of North Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, Menai Tool Hire offers a wide range of small tools and equipment and has a loyal local customer base. My job was easy as Paul and William have already pre-registered for EHS 2008 and are both looking forward to the show! We look forward to welcoming them both and know that will have a positive day meeting the best manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. 16/11/07 - P.E.T Hire, Crewe, Cheshire
P.E.T Hire is run by Carl Banks and his team with six separate sections, Tool Hire, Scaffolding Hire, Tool Sales, Tool Repairs, Powered Access and Catering Hire. I spoke to Carl recently about EHS 2008 and we discussed the exhibitors who will be at the show along with the health and safety seminar program. Carl has made a diary note and is intending to visit the show to catch up with existing suppliers and look out for new innovative products.
12/11/07 - Andara Tools & Plant Hire, Eltham, London
The depot is run by Paul Grainger and his team and during our discussions, it was clear to see that Paul has vast experience and knowledge of the hire industry. His insight into the way the industry is evolving was fascinating. We discussed EHS 2008 in depth and I pointed out to Paul all that the show has to offer. Unfortunately due to volume of business and time constraints Paul will probably not be able to attend the show, however, he is a keen reader of the EHN and clearly a passionate hirer that we will definitely keep in touch with. 6/11/07 - Akro Multihire, Livingston, Scotland
The first thing that struck me during my visit was the sheer size of the depot, yard and various buildings. Akro Multihire offer a full range of equipment ranging from small tools to compact plant and have a large purpose built showroom full of consumables and PPE etc. During my discussions with Richard he pointed out that "realistically it is too far to travel from Livingston to Coventry for an exhibition." He was impressed with the range of exhibitors and indeed deals with many of them. Having checked out the availability of flights from Edinburgh to Birmingham, we are pleased to confirm that Flybe operate 3 flights a day to Birmingham at 06.45, 08.50 and 12.35 with return flights at 16.50, 18.30 and 20.15. For those travelling from Glasgow to Birmingham, Flybe offer 2 morning flights at 08.50 and 10.50 with return flights at 17.00 and 20.35. Please check on www.expedia.co.uk for further information as BA also operate flights from both airports to Birmingham. We are hopeful that Richard will be able to visit the show and look forward to welcoming him! 5/11/07 - Eagle Plant Hire Ltd. Glasgow
The range of equipment offered by Eagle Plant was extensive and all the plant on display was very well maintained. It was clear to see that Colin and Alan take great pride in their business which was confirmed by a number of suppliers who had suggested we visit the company to discuss the forthcoming show. Both Colin and Alan visited EHS 2007 and by and large they were impressed although Alan stated that "the show was not as big as we thought it would be." However we discussed the fact that the number of stands for the 2008 event has been increased from 107 to 124 which makes the show in excess of 15% bigger. Colin and Alan are intending to visit the 2008 show and we look forward to welcoming them and hearing their comments on EHS 2008. 31/10/07 - Floorquip Tool Hire Limited, Leigh, Lancashire
The company was formed in January 2006 in and is run and part owned by Steve Davies who has 20 years experience and knowledge within this market sector. Floorquip has gone from strength to strength since its formation and Steve comments that "the fact that we offer something very different from most conventional tool hirers means that we have not been dragged into some of the price wars that are currently going on for mainstream hire equipment." Steve visited EHS 2007 and is intending to visit the 2008 show with some of his major clients so he can get their feedback on any new equipment that he may be able to add to his hire fleet for them. Steve states that " the 2007 show was very impressive and I am looking forward to what will be an even bigger event in 2008." 23/10/07 - Walton Hire, Buckley, Clwyd
Mike and his team are totally committed to the family business and they have a varied and loyal customer base. Although Mike did not attend EHS 2007, he is intending to visit the 2008 show as an opportunity to catch up with existing suppliers and look for new ideas. Mike commented "the fact that the show is in Coventry will enable me to travel there and back in a day comfortably." 22/10/07 - Alpine Hire, Warrington, Cheshire
During my visit, it was clear to see Matt's passion for the business. As a company their forward thinking and progressive attitude is a breath of fresh air. Matt commented that "unfortunately we could not attend Executive Hire Show 2007 because it fell right on our January month end. The date of the 2008 show will make it much easier for either me or my business partner to attend. Our main motivation to go to the show is that it is a great opportunity to meet new suppliers and look for new innovative equipment. We are striving to set ourselves apart from our peers and will give any new equipment launched at the show serious consideration." |
West
Skelston Services runs a busy hire operation - which was confirmed
by the sheer number of phone calls that punctuated our conversation
with Hire Manager, Stan Adamson. “It’s always like this,
and it’s good to be so busy. But with so many customers ringing
in, it can make it difficult when suppliers’ reps visit to
talk about their products. That is the beauty of the Executive Hire
Show: you can discuss and try out the latest equipment in a dedicated,
business-like environment.
Kingsbridge
Hire has been in business since 1977 and has developed a very strong
reputation with it's local customer base. The depot was clean and
well laid out with a large well equipped workshop that is used to
service garden machinery along with the company's own hire fleet.
The whole team at Kingsbridge Hire was very enthusiastic about the
visit as they had just been discussing the fact that no one from
the EHS team would bother travelling all the way to Devon to visit
them them for the show blog and invite them personally to the show! 
Swan
Plant Hire (Dublin) Ltd. have two depots based in Dublin and Cloghran.
Balloo
Hire was formed in 1988 and has four depots based in Belfast, Ballyclare,
Bangor and Lisburn.
Ermin
Plant are a well established and respected independent hirer with
6 well placed depots. I visited the company's head office in Gloucester
late on Thursday afternoon and spoke to their Plant Manager, Martin
Watts. Martin gave me a guided tour of the depot and the range and
quality of equipment on display was impressive. The depot has a
large, well stocked showroom full of equipment, consumables and
PPE etc. which offers customers a one stop shop.
Hartley
Hire is probably one of the longest standing independent tool hirers
in the UK. The company was founded around 40 years ago and now has
5 depots in and around the Cumbria area. The company has got a very
good reputation with it's customer base and offers a full range
of tools and equipment up to 6 tonne dumpers and 3 tonne excavators.
I visited their head office in Morecambe and spent some
time with Andy Newton, the company's Sales Manager to discuss EHS 08.
Pecks
Plant Hire & Sales (Barking Hire Centre) is a well respected
single depot independent hirer that has been established for
over 26 years.
Miles
Hire is a well established independent hirer based in Swansea run
by brothers Darren and Ryan Miles.
Mather
Stuart are a well established family business that specialises
in the hire of generators.
Astley
Hire is a well established single depot independent hirer based
in Leigh, Lancashire.
Hirelink
was started two years ago by Jason Leeney and his business partner
Dave Green.
ACD
Plant Ltd. are a well established independent hirer based in Coventry.
In addition to hire, the company manufactures diamond drilling equipment
which is sold throughout the UK.
Smiths
Equipment Hire is a well established family run independent hirer
with 8 depots based throughout Lancashire.
BS
Equipment is a single depot independent hirer that I used to deal
with in the late 80's and early 90's.
Tool-Time
is a well established single depot independent tool hirer run by
Mark Hatton and Jeff Hind.
Menai
Tool Hire is a single depot independent hirer run by father and
son team Paul and William Green.
Having
already visited P.E.T Hire in mid October, I called back to take
a picture of what is one of the most modern and well stocked depots
I have ever visited.
Andara
Tools & Plant Hire is a large single depot independent hirer
that has been established for 22 years.
Akro
Multihire is a large one depot independent hirer run by Richards
Robertson and his team.
Eagle
Plant Hire is a well established and respected independent hirer
run by brothers Colin and Alan Ingles.
Floorquip
Tool Hire specialise in the hire of specialist floor preparations
equipment and sales of the relevant consumables.
Walton
Hire is a long standing family run independent hirer run by Mike
Walton. I first came into contact with them in 1989 when I worked
for Hilti and here they are 18 years later still going strong.
Alpine
Hire is a strong one depot independent hirer run by Matt Dolan and
his business partner Jem Butler. In addition to general tool hire
and sales, they specialise in air conditioning hire in the summer
months and gas sales in the colder months.