The Prime Minister’s Brexit Deal, with some further last-minute clarifications about the ‘backstop’ and the UK’s future relationship with the EU, has suffered a second comprehensive defeat in Parliament. 

Anglo American Oil Company Ltd are distributors of Aspen fuel in the UK. Aspen is a Swedish producer of specialist fuels for machinery which sets out to be better for man, machine and environment.

Dundalk based company Dromad Hire helps raise critical funds for Dublin’s Mater Hospital. The nationwide supplier of Access Platforms & General Tool Hire, partnered up with their employee and the company’s Sales & Business Development Manager Pierce Martin.

Leading equipment manufacturer Morris Site Machinery has been awarded ‘Trusted Supplier’ status in recognition of its quality and commitment to best practice.

A civil engineering contractor has been fined after an employee of Balfour Beatty Group Employment Limited was fatally injured when he was struck on the body by a wheeled excavator.

One of the UK's leading powered access specialists, AFI group of companies has welcomed a new report new report urging the Government and the construction industry to undertake a major review of work at height culture.

The Carbon Trust Green Business Fund is the energy efficiency support service that provides direct funded support through energy assessments, training workshops, and energy saving equipment procurement support to small and medium sized companies in England, Scotland and Wales.

From April 8^th 2019, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London will launch. The ULEZ is central to the Mayor of London’s plans improve the health of Londoners by reducing rising air pollution levels.

Independent, family run hire company Miles Hire have been recognised for their excellent customer service at a recent industry event in Coventry. The firm, run by brothers Darren and Ryan Miles, won the award for “Outstanding Customer Service” at the Executive Hire Show at the Ricoh Arena.

The UK’s leading manufacturer of access equipment, WernerCo, has announced the appointment of Access Platform Sales (APS) as its exclusive distribution partner for its BoSS^® X-SERIES in the UK & Ireland.

The AFI group of companies has been presented with an International Safety Award for protecting its employees from the risk of injury and ill health at work.

Mash Media managing director Julian Agostini has announced that the organiser’s premier exhibitions, International Confex, Event Production Show and PA Show, will move to ExCeL London in 2020.

inspHire, is excited to announce the appointment of Martin Bestwick as Sales Director. Martin’s promotion from General Manager coincides with the rental software providers recent acquisition by Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) and is geared towards inspHire further strengthening its position as market leader in the UK and strategically enhancing its global brand presence.

Morris Site Machinery will show it means business on the international stage when it debuts two new portable lighting products and showcases world-class equipment at Bauma 2019.

UK powered access platform rental company, Star Platforms, provided articulated boom lifts and scissor lifts to the site which is set to open next month.

The Forum states that only £30.24bn of the £413bn of road; rail and energy projects previously announced by government are proposed schemes, with a realistic chance of being developed.

Innovative new products and our new Managing Director took the spotlight on our stand at this year’s Executive Hire Show.

We used the event to launch our next generation SMC TL90 Evolve lighting tower and SMC TL60 Solar Trolley light. Our Managing Director Allan Binstead took to the stage on the Show’s Innovation Trail bringing to life why the sustainable Solar Tower had rightfully earned its place as a finalist.

In November 2018, GAP Group’s Learning & Development team organised and hosted an apprentice event which took place at Lake Windermere, Cumbria. A group of Fitters and Hire & Sales Coordinators approaching the end of their apprenticeships took part in challenges and activities, developed specifically for GAP by the Brathay event organisers. The focus of the event was on improving and building confidence, team building skills, efficiency, problem solving and personal development.

One of the UK's leading powered access specialists, AFI group of companies has expanded their in-house transport delivery fleet by announcing a £1m investment in premium brand Scania. 

UK powered access platform rental company, Star Platforms, has worked with Wood Street Walls CIC to provide a Skyjack 6832 Rough Terrain (RT) scissor lift for their recent project; Madge Gill mural.

This year, the European Rental Awards are being held on the 15th May in Madrid, Spain. These prestigious awards are held to celebrate the successes in the industry. 

Timed to coincide with the Executive Hire Show being held on the 6th and 7th February at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, HAE EHA's National Hire Week (commencing 4th February) aims to raise public awareness on the vital role hire plays in the UK. 

Following Hire Station's acquisition of Brandon Hire in November 2017 the two businesses have now merged to become Brandon Hire Station. 

Uni-Prop® International Ltd. today announced that UNI-PROP is now available to hire across the entire UK and has become the new hire choice of builders across the country.

GAP Hire Solutions has recently taken delivery of their first 6t Dual View Dumper from Wacker Neuson, becoming one of the first hire companies to supply the high-performance machine.

The new Pramac Industrial Gas range has been unveiled in the UK to include several models offering an alternative fuel choice for stand-by generators in the industrial market.

The initial source of inspiration to innovate comes in many different forms, but an irate office cleaning lady berating a site manager that “muddy boots were mucking up her clean floors” is the unique origin behind Trime’s brand new product - the X-BOOT.

Due to an increase in manufacturing costs, we have had to review the prices of some of our products to ensure we can continue to provide them to members. 

Nationwide Platforms has been awarded with Gold IPAF Rental+ following their annual audit in December 2018.

GAP Hire Solutions has launched the 2019 edition of their catalogue which showcases its wide range of products and services and commemorates the 50th trading year of the business on its cover.

We’ve watched the pound plummet and recover in response to Brexit. US-China trade wars shifted global markets.  And in Europe, Italy struggled to get its budget past the EU.

It is time for the annual visit to Nepal by members of the Rotary Club of Northallerton, to update the computers and training provided over the past 9 years to remote schools in the Panchemul Valley in north-west Nepal.

During the winter months, dry and sore skin is an especially common problem for outdoor workers as they are exposed to cold environments for longer periods of time.

HAE EHA is proud to announce the first designated National Hire Week commencing on 4th February  and invite you to get involved to highlight the important role the industry plays in the UK economy. 

The Executive Hire Show is marked as an important event in the MHM marketing calendar. At this year’s Show, MHM will be inviting visitors to view their complete range of power generators, mobile lighting sets and their line of welders.

At the 2019 Executive Hire Show, Trime UK will be showcasing their zero-emissions X-BATTERY and their X-CHAIN site lighting towers. The X-BATTERY was used at festivals throughout the 2018 and over two hundred X-CHAIN sets were purchased by one leading rental organisation.

UK powered access company, Star Platforms, have recently passed both ISO 4001 and FORS Silver audits, further cementing their commitment to their environmental and safety policies. 

GAP Event Services, a division of GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent rental company, has been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious Festival Supplier Awards.

Point of Rental recently hired its 150th employee, hitting another milestone as the company expands its worldwide service. Les Bunce, a former Travis Perkins operations manager, is bringing his 25+ years of experience in the industry to the team as an account manager.

PASMA, the not-for-profit organisation representing the international mobile access tower industry, is delighted to announce that the Association’s managing director, Peter Bennett, 59, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for his services to business in the access and work at height sector.

Trime UK Limited, the leading supplier of sustainable lighting towers and water-saving equipment wash bays to the UK hire markets have been awarded Trusted Supplier status by hire industry’s leading trade body, the Hire Association Europe (HAE).  The company is now a full member of Hire Industry Trusted Suppliers (HITs) scheme.

Capital expenditure on plant, tools and equipment for the first eight months of GAP Group’s trading year has surged to £58m, representing an increase of £12.1m (circa 26%) when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Point of Rental has been named a Hire Industry Trusted Supplier by Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA). Created in April 2018, HITs status shows that a hire industry supplier has exhibited quality in training, safety, environmental, R&D, production processes, data security, and other related areas.

With over 170 delegates attending the annual AFO Conference the event was declared a great success in its 32nd year. Held at Stratford Manor, Stratford upon Avon, 9-11 November, the Conference attracted festival organisers from all over the UK and of many styles and skills.

HAE EHA recently announced a unified campaign 'The Skills Pledge' to support members secure a skilled workforce for the hire, rental and events industry.

UK powered access company, Star Platforms, recently provided several Niftylift HR17N and HR12N cherry-pickers to Christmas decoration design & installation specialists James Glancy Design at the Intu Merry Hill shopping centre in Dudley, Warwickshire.

It has more than 1,100 apprentices and 500 NVQ learners currently on programmes. Geason's unaudited accounts for the 12 months to 31st October 2018 show revenue of £8.3m, profit before tax and amortisation of £1.7m and gross assets of £2.6m.

Morris Site Machinery has strengthened its commitment to Australia, its biggest export market, with the launch of a dedicated website to showcase its world-leading lighting towers.

The team at HAE EHA wish you the best of Season’s Greetings and a happy and prosperous New Year – it’s been a pleasure working with all our members this year and we look forward to 2019 with great expectations.

The American Rental Association (ARA) visited HAE offices this week as part of a three-day programme to learn more about HAE’s SafeHire Certification Scheme and the Hire Industry Assessment Centre. 

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK's largest independent plant, tools and equipment rental company, has successfully retained its FORS (Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme) Silver accreditation.

Dallas, Texas — Point of Rental Software has acquired RentalTrax software from WIOsoft, marking the company’s third software acquisition in the last two years. RentalTrax has offices in Denmark and the U.S. with a diverse customer base spanning Europe, North America, and Australasia.

Chris Morris, CEO of Morris Site Machinery, today announced the appointment of a new Managing Director to join his 65 strong team which manufactures and distributes site machinery across the UK and 25 countries worldwide. 

The CITB Board has three members who are retiring from the Board after their terms conclude having played an instrumental role in leading CITB’s reform process during their 4 years of service. We are exceptionally grateful for their invaluable contributions to CITB and British construction.

On 23 November, the General Assemblies of the European Standards Organizations CEN and CENELEC approved a plan that secures BSI’s full membership post-Brexit. BSI welcomes the outcome as a pragmatic solution that provides stability for the European standards system while meeting the needs of our stakeholders.

The Quarry Products Association NI who represents the majority of construction material suppliers in Northern Ireland, employing over 5000 people, has joined the majority of the Northern Ireland Business Community in welcoming the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and EU.

The British Sign Awards took place on November 8^th, at Leicester’s Athena during the annual BSGA gala event. The BSGA is the trade association that represents and supports interests of the UK signage industry, to highlight British sign makers and to provide a showcase for the ‘Best of British’.

BAM Nuttall, the UK based supplier of civil engineering services, has just completed a deal to purchase a further thirty X-ECO LED lighting towers from the Cambridgeshire supplier, Trime (UK) Limited.

HAE EHA is committed to promoting hire as an attractive career choice for new entrants to the hire sector, and in supporting our members by offering tailored training and skills development.

The Counter Terror Policing’s Winter Vigilance campaign was launched on Monday 19^th November 2018 and throughout the winter of 2018 /19 we are urged to remain alert and help us all keep events and crowded places safe by being vigilant and reporting anything suspicious to police, members of staff or security personnel.

GAP has successfully achieved certification to the first international standard for Occupational Health and Safety ISO 45001 2018, replacing its existing OHSAS 18001 certification.

Reading, U.K. — Simon Gibbons, a 30-year veteran of the hire industry, joined Point of Rental as the company’s new Business Development and Implementation Manager on November 5.

The iconic CX electric pallet truck range from Pramac will benefit from a series of updates aimed at delivering improved innovation and efficiency for companies looking for smoother, faster and space-saving pallet trucks. 

The safe and thorough cleaning of plant and equipment for construction, agricultural and similar equipment is pre-requisite operation. The environmentally safe containment and removal of mud, soil and similar contaminates can become a problem, particularly for those firms that do not have access to an outside yard.

Wolverhampton based Morris Site Machinery has won ‘Export Business of the Year’ in the 2018 Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Jaama’s industry-leading ‘MyVehicle App’ has won the Best App Award in this year’s fleet industry ‘Techies’ - the annual awards that recognise the fleet industry’s technology-specific products and services across all areas of the fleet market.

Makinex Construction Products has appointed marketing and business graduate, Faye Curley, as Operations Coordinator to support the business as it expands its UK footprint. 

East London’s Troxy hosted the 6^th Event Technology Awards, welcoming event professionals from around the globe to an exciting evening of food and celebration.

Speedy Hire (Speedy Asset Services) has recently ordered four tri-axle stepframe curtainsiders from Cartwright following their requirement for ‘a trailer that could carry anything’.

The Ladder Association is welcoming Paul Bruton of WernerCo as he takes on the role of chairman for the not-for-profit membership organisation.

AFI will be hosting a webinar entitled: The safe use of mobile access towers and low-level podiums, delivered by Brian Parker, Business Development Manager, Technical Support, from AFI.

The AJC EasyCabin team returned from the 2018 Showman’s Show exhausted but in buoyant mood after a very successful show.

Leading manufacturer and supplier Morris Site Machinery is celebrating impressive sales growth so far in 2018, with overall sales across the business up 41% on last year.

Building on its impressive training offerings to the Hire sector HAE EHA is now able to complement its range of training by offering full assessment of National Vocational Qualifications(NVQs). 

 Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) have expanded their hire fleet of Trime X-ECO LED lighting towers with the recent purchase of a further 100 sets from the Cambridgeshire based company, Trime UK Limited.

Leading specialist powered access supplier Wilson Access, part of the AFI group of companies, has launched a new website portal for the hire of their national fleet of operated truck mounted and operated & self-drive track mounted access platforms.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire solutions company, has recently completed an additional £1m investment in fast-moving tools to ensure continuing availability of the best equipment in the tool hire market.

Following the 2018 Budget statement, DeHavilland has produced a summary which includes the key announcements from the speech.

Navan Hire, Hardware and Plumb Centre the Co. Meath based hire and DIY suppliers have placed an order for thirty Trime X-ECO LED lighting towers as they build their burgeoning rental fleet.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest privately-owned plant, tools and equipment rental provider, is excited to announce the acquisition of 4Group, a Jersey-based rental, training and logistics support provider.

The company provides a range of powered access equipment including scissor lifts, cherry pickers and low-level platforms to help people work safely at height. Its branches in Luton, Leicestershire, Berkshire and Kent have been joined by a fifth depot in Thetford in Norfolk, covering the Anglian region.

It has been acknowledged by business leaders that the UK is currently suffering from a skills shortage which is holding back the UK’s economic recovery. Many employers in the construction industry have reported that it is increasingly hard to find people with the right skills, talent, ability and mindset to fill their vacancies.

vGroup International has joined the global war on plastic with the launch of a new tablet form of vehicle screen wash.

Instead of drivers typically buying five-litre bottles of screen wash or 500ml of concentrate, the UK’s leading provider of motor accessory essentials, has launched a tablet that when mixed with water makes up to five litres of the liquid.

One of the UK's leading powered access specialists, AFI group of companies has further strengthened its UK coverage by opening a flagship depot on a 2.2 acre site in Birmingham.  The new purpose-built depot which will be AFI’s largest depot in size, features hire offices, training facilities, a large workshop, a fully floodlit yard and dedicated cleaning area for over 300 machines in the depot’s fleet.

The wellbeing of the nation is a hot topic and not just in a physical sense, but the hidden menace that has contributed to over 400 construction workers taking their own lives every year – mental health, an issue that HAE EHA is determined to tackle head on.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s leading independent equipment hire company, will continue to offer its customers the latest and most sustainable mobile welfare solutions, following the announcement that AJC EasyCabin will remain their sole supplier of mobile welfare units.

MHM Plant’s exclusive rehire service came to the rescue when one of their clients, Stuart Energy needed to install a power generator in a difficult, hard to reach area.

This October Site Equip Ltd will be celebrating 30 years of outstanding service, hiring portable toilets, luxury toilet trailers, mobile showers, fencing and trackway to the event and construction industries.

With an increasing propensity to work outside of daylight hours, safe, bright and sustainable site lighting is an important component on construction sites, highway and rail projects.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became enforceable on the 25th May 2018 and has been the single biggest change to data protection legislation for over 20 years. As of the GDPR deadline, rental management software provider, inspHire, has been working towards upgrading its customers to the latest versions of its software.

Plant tracking specialist AMI Group has been shortlisted for the ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ accolade at the London Construction Awards 2018, the most prestigious construction awards programme in the capital and part of the London Build event.

The year 2018 will be heralded as a significant milestone in the evolution of the manufacturer of environmentally biased temporary accommodation units, AJC Easy Cabin.

Four Trime X-ECO LED lighting towers have made the short trip across to the Channel Islands, following a new investment in site lighting, from the Islands’ leading rental specialists, SGB Hire.

A Wilson Access Hire Truck Mounted platform enabled a TV production company to get close up views of competitors in all four stages of the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire cycling race.

Representatives from the rapidly expanding supplier of generators, lighting and welding machinery, MHM Plant, are hailing an excellent regional Glasgow EHN regional Road Show.

The independent hire firm, Alide Hire, has invested in two, award winning, X-Splash wash bays supplied by Trime UK.

Last week, HAE EHA attended the Image of Construction 2018 Show in support of the Construction Dust Partnership (CDP); represented by Training Development Officer Stuart Tyrrell who provided visitors to the stand with Virtual Reality demonstrations of the V-Hire Dust Awareness Module.

Trime UK, a leading supplier of sustainable construction equipment, have had the environmental qualities of their X-Splash Wash Bay formally recognised by the internationally respected campaigners, The Green Organisation.

MHM Plant the fast expanding supplier of generators, lighting and welding machinery principally to the hire industry, has extended their operations with the appointment of Laois Hire as their dealer for the Republic of Ireland.

This season Generac Tower Light® expands its V20 Tower Light® range to incorporate three new compact and highly efficient mobile lighting towers to help the customers make sustainable choices in onsite lighting.

In the line with their current ambitious expansion plans, the UK supplier of generators, lighting and welding machinery, MHM Plant, has confirmed Glendun Plant Sales Limited as their distributor for Northern Ireland.

Phil Winnington, Morris Site Machinery’s International Business Director, was joined by colleagues, family members and friends in his annual charity running event. Over five consecutive days, Phil ran 25 kilometres in aid of The Halo Trust, an international charity that aims to rebuild lives in countries like Syria by clearing landmines, unexploded bombs and the deadly debris of war.

Vehicle branding can cost from £100 to £3,000 per vehicle, but poor or corrupt livery can prove to be a huge cost to business.

GAP Hire Solutions, the plant, tool and equipment rental company, has enjoyed another extremely successful year. GAP recorded an annual turnover of £186.6m, which is an increase from last year’s £175m. The rise in turnover has been achieved despite the year to 31st March 2018 having three fewer trading days than the prior financial period.

Pramac-Generac UK will be opening and moving to a new location later this year as the company announced exciting plans to move to a national hub and distribution centre.

A manufacturer of luxury bedroom furniture has been fined after an employee fell more than 2 m from a makeshift mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) that had been deemed “unacceptable” in a previous safety audit report.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is seen by many experts as the future, but for ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, it is very much the present, which is why its fourth members’ webinar will focus on ‘Mobility Today’.

Dutch rental giant Boels Rental is targeting further expansion in the UK after taking over Artisan Hire Centre and sister company Survey & Safety Equipment Hire and Sales (SAS).

HSS Hire’s interim results for the six months to 30^th June 2018 show a pre-tax loss of £7.1m, down from a £30.1m loss for the same period last year. (For the full year 2017, HSS Hire made a pre-tax loss of £85.2m.)

As well as selling and renting tower cranes, Falcon Tower Crane Services now has a power division hiring diesel generators from 45kVA up to 300kVA to support power requests on construction sites nationwide.

On Tuesday 14 August a 200 metre section of the Morandi Bridge fell 45 metres killing 39 people. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has since declared a 12-month state of emergency across the Liguria region, as Italy attempts to take stock of the situation and an extensive investigation gets underway.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK's largest independent and family-owned equipment rental company, has partnered with Hilti to kick start a tools awareness campaign called ‘Trust Our Tools’.

Lambson’s Hire, a leading South African equipment rental organisation, has strengthened their hire fleet with the purchase of eight Trime X-ECO LED lighting towers from Mayday Equipment who are the official South Africa distributors for Trime. The balance of the first container ordered will be for stock purposes to introduce the LED lighting towers to the South African market.

Phil Winnington, Morris Site Machinery’s International Business Director, was joined by colleagues, family members and friends in his annual charity running event.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s leading independent equipment hire company, will continue to offer its customers best-in-class construction machinery after announcing Kubota will be its sole supplier of mini and midi excavators for another year.

When working at height it is a legal requirement to have a rescue plan. Once a rescue plan is prepared and disseminated how many would actually work, and more importantly how many are rehearsed?

PASMA, the international not-for-profit body dedicated to the mobile access tower industry, has appointed Brian Parker, Business Development Manager, Technical Support, from AFI as new Chairman of the PASMA Training Committee.

The number of working at height safety breaches on UK construction sites has risen 13% in the past six months, according to the Building Safety Group (BSG).

The Office for National Statistics reports that construction output grew 0.9% in the second quarter of 2018, recovering from a 0.8% fall in quarter one.

Kärcher expands its range of safety vacuum cleaners and presents two new machines in the M and H class categories.

GAP Hire Solutions’ Charitable Foundation, GAP Giving, donated £80,000 to 98 charities during the financial year 2017 / 2018.

Mastercard have confirmed that from the start of October 2018, Santander will be issuing both business and consumer Debit Mastercards in the UK.

When considering what factors have the greatest impact on your business, restroom cleanliness and hand hygiene may not be the first things that come to mind. However, a U.K. study showed that over 10 percent of people don’t wash their hands, and of those who do wash, 95 percent fail to do so properly.

Two 21m Truck Mounts from the Wilson Access fleet helped industrial painting contractors repaint the prestigious Trafford Arch Digital Advertising Site in Manchester.

Following on from their victory in the UK Green Apple Awards in 2017, AJC EasyCabin has now received international honours by the Green Organisation.

HSC Machinery Spares & Consumables, competition earlier this year saw Mr Shaun Cassidy of Basically Tool Hire win our best selling pressure washer, powered by Lifan.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent equipment hirer, has achieved a prestigious award in recognition of its practices and achievements in helping its staff and customers get home safely at the end of the working day.

2 days Builders’ merchant group Travis Perkins has posted a first-half pre-tax loss of £123m because of its exposure to the consumer DIY market.

vGroup International, the UK’s leading provider of motor accessory essentials, is expanding with the launch of a new division, vPlate, coinciding with the soon-to-be-introduced first regulatory changes to vehicle number plate design for 17 years to improve legibility.

CITB today announce the three new Nation Council Chairs – one each in England, Scotland and Wales. The Councils will play a crucial role in helping to determine the future of GB construction and provide strategic advice to meet our sector skill needs.

In Parliament, the last few days before Summer Recess brings a flurry of announcements as desks are cleared across Whitehall.

Jaama has introduced new functionality to its multi award-winning Key2 vehicle management system that enables users to utilise the data available following introduction of the vehicle emissions and MPG protocol, the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

Phoenix Hire and Sales, the South Wales based hire company have expanded their hire fleet of generators with the purchase of two 33kVA super-silenced sets from MHM Plant.

BOMAG, the leader in compaction technology, has stepped-up its security marking on its ever-popular range of asphalt tandem and single drum soil rollers in response to consistently high rates of theft.

Murphy Plant, part of the infrastructure company J. Murphy & Sons, has expanded its rental fleet, with a significant investment in lighting towers from Trime UK Limited.

The Preparation Group, specialists in surface preparation, removal and finishing, has achieved ‘Hire Industry Trusted Supplier’ status or HITS, the hallmark of quality, competence and safety across the UK hire industry.

Ulster Giants is an eight-part series all about ICE 200 and Northern Ireland's civil engineers. There will be lots of familiar sites and faces in the series, as many ICE Members featured as contributors to the show. 

AFI’s successful Training team (UTN Training and Integrated Training Solutions) were one of the first training providers to achieve CITB Approved Training Organisation status in May 2018.

The 20% price rise increase applies to all cards administered directly by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed to FTA that from 14 July 2018 it is introducing printed test certificates (MOT) for HGVs and trailers. These printed certificates will replace current handwritten test certificates and will look similar to car MOT certificates.

AFI-Uplift and Wilson Access, both part of the AFI group of companies, deliver the height required for Swindon Town FC at their ground The Energy Check County Ground Stadium.

After the Chequer's Cabinet 'awayday' last Friday, when the Prime Minister asked her colleagues to back her amended plan for negotiating trade matters with the EU, several ministers resigned, including both the Brexit and Foreign Secretaries. A mini-reshuffle has replaced them but the lingering antagonism between those who support the new plan and those wanting something else has come to the surface.

The Treasury and the Environment Department (Defra) have launched a further Call for Evidence about Non-Road Mobile Machinery and Red Diesel (a previous request was made in 2017). This excludes use for agriculture, fishing vessels, home heating and static generators. This exercise will help inform the Budget process. We urge members with relevant knowledge and use of red diesel to take part.

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has confirmed that it is moving its headquarters at the end of next year from the outer reaches of north Norfolk to the more centrally located Peterborough.

The IET Wiring Regulations sets the standards for electrical installation in the UK has published an overview of the main changes within the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations (published on Monday 2nd July 2018).

Rental Essentials’ new updates are all about the user experience, making our cloud-based software more accessible, easier to use, and overall a more delightful part of your workday.

Cambridge based conference technology provider, Brähler ICS UK, has re-branded as bukSolutions as it celebrates its 30th year of trading. The new name and corporate identity also marks the company’s next stage in its development as a pioneering provider of conference and event technology.

ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, has met for the first time with leaders of the Global Fleet Consortium Network to discuss how they work together to promote fleet management best practice worldwide.

UK based distributor of access equipment AJ Access Platforms has appointed Greg Moore as its new Northern Territory Sales Manager.  Greg joins the company following four years as UK National Accounts Manager with JLG UK Ltd and brings over 20 years experience in the Material Handling sector.

Work has begun on a 350,000 sq ft facility for JCB Cab Systems in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, next to two existing JCB plants.

Thanks to manufacturing efficiencies and technologies, moving cab production from Rugeley, also in Staffordshire, to the new plant in Uttoxeter will double production capacity with only a 50% increase in staffing.

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The government has recently announced details of additional two funds for towns and villages along the HS2 route totalling £35 million.

The funds, which are separate to the CEF and BLEF Funds, will help to boost road and cycle safety and create and restore woodlands. 

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is taking the next step towards ensuring that all CSCS cardholders achieve a qualification, by withdrawing the Construction Site Visitor card.

The £22 million Construction Skills Fund will bring training to construction sites, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in a real workplace, and helping their transition into their new career. The fund is designed to meet the needs of employers and people seeking to join the construction industry, particularly adult learners.

Watercress farmers from the award-winning Watercress Company in Hampshire carrying out seasonal ground clearing and preparation works hired an 8 Ton Doosan excavator from Hampshire Plant & Access (HPA).

New equipment has been arriving throughout June, primarily from Skyjack and Niftylift.

The £90m development includes a 1,200-seat theatre as well as a 20,000 sq ft office building, an underground car park and a public square in Tunbridge Wells town centre.

These are some of the comments received by Liam Chaney, the Boels Rental Regional Sales Manager (North East), following the completion of a factory shut-down project illuminated by fifty-five Trime X-CHAIN LED lighting sets.

The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect on 25th May 2018.  The general tone from the UK’s supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is that of “don’t panic,” as long as a business is taking steps to demonstrate your company’s effort in becoming compliant.

HIMOINSA Power Solutions Ltd., the HIMOINSA subsidiary in the United Kingdom, has been recognised by Hire Association Europe as a “Hire Industry Trusted Supplier” (HITS) for its environmental, quality and safety policies.

Fish farmers from the Test Valley Trout Group in Romsey carrying out vital ecological works hired the first Manitou 220J stick boom in the UK from Hampshire Plant & Access (HPA).

Business is booming for Jaama, the provider of the UK’s most sophisticated and requested vehicle and driver management software system, which is moving into its 14^th year.

BOMAG (GB) has today announced, with immediate effect, the appointment of Lloyd Ltd as its dealer for light compaction equipment for a territory covering the counties of Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear.

Plant, tool and equipment hire specialists, Balloo Hire, are creating 20 new jobs as part of a £10m investment across the firm’s five sites throughout Northern Ireland.

Previously only those who had passed their test could do so, but lessons are now allowed in a dual-control car with an approved driving instructor. The government says the move will help learners gain experience to drive safely. The law change has been welcomed by the AA and RAC Foundation, among other motoring groups.

The Swansea branch of Brandon Hire have hired six lighting towers to the BBC’s ‘Biggest Weekend’ music festival held at Singleton Park, just outside the City centre.

MPs are set to explore how systemic and cultural changes recommended as part of the Hackitt Review can be applied to the the construction industry as a whole.

International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself.  During 2018, it will run from Monday 11th until Sunday 17th June.

Rental software specialist, MCS, has taken home the Thames Valley Tech Award for ‘International Rental Company’. With fierce competition with other outstanding technology companies, MCS is delighted to have been selected as the winner of this prestigious award.

For over 25 years Top Service have helped thousands of your fellow traders in the construction industry avoid problem payers and reduce their bad debt. All our members benefit from access to our unique and invaluable credit information and our effective recovery services.

An audience of 320 rental industry professionals saw Nordic companies Naboen and Byggmaskiner-Gruppen win the two Rental Company of the Year categories at the 2018 European Rental Awards. The ceremony was held on 23 May in Vienna, Austria, during the European Rental Association’s annual convention.

Leading manufacturer Morris Site Machinery has created two new versions of its revolutionary Halo, the powerful anti-glare next generation lamp head, to provide more choice for the market.

AFI’s successful Training team has reached £1m in revenue from online bookings since it launched the booking system on its website in 2013.

Major fraud with many companies affected in Essex. 8 machines lost, 2 of their own machines were located still at the drop off site in Colchester using tracking units to get a landlord to unlock the unit.

Top Service would be interested to hear from any members who have recently been approached by or who are currently dealing with the following companies...

Boels’ purchase of Already Hire Ltd follows on from its acquisition of Supply UK Hire Shops Ltd in April 2017. It now has a depot network of 29 locations in the UK, including five in Greater London.

GAP Hire Solutions will be showcasing their innovative range of market-leading hire equipment at Hillhead 2018 in June.

Based in the Borders of Scotland, Redpath Tool Hire is currently expanding their range of generators due to increasing demand from clients throughout Scotland and the Border region.

The EU's proposed Eco-Design Working Plan 2016-2019 will require ALL stage lighting to meet new efficiency targets in line with domestic and office lighting. As we understand it, the new regulation will affect just about every lighting fixture used for entertainment lighting, including LED and Tungsten.

Building UK and DWP are working together to change young people’s perceptions of the construction industry and inspire a career in the industry by launching a Guide to Successful Work Experience.

BoSS, the market-leading brand for access solutions, has launched a new range of configured access equipment, designed to make working over obstacles easier and safer.

Boels entered the UK market in 2017 with the acquisition of Supply UK and then took over Already Hire earlier this year. These two acquisitions gave it 28 locations around the UK.

The letter from Terex Cranes president Steve Filipov admits to several problems since outsourcing parts supply management last year to a third party logistics provider.

Frank Key Tool Hire, the equipment rental division of the Frank Key Group, has taken delivery of their first X-Splash Wash Bay supplied by the Cambridgeshire company Trime UK.

The AJC EasyCabin sales team have travelled back ‘South of the Border’ in great spirts having just returned from a most successful Scot Plant Exhibition.

The Executive Hire Show’s underwritten slogan reads; “Where passionate hirers meet passionate suppliers.” This motto was aptly evidenced when one such hirer, YHC Hire Solutions encountered an equally enthusiastic supplier in MHM Plant, at this year’s show.

ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, is launching a new ‘Digital Brief’ service for members providing ‘snapshot updates’ on key industry issues.

GAP Hire Solutions has kicked off their financial year with a bang, investing £10 million in excavators, dumpers and tandem rollers.

One of the country’s leading experts in skills and apprenticeships has been appointed the new Chair of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Nixon Plant Hire have invested in a large fleet of eco-static welfare units manufactured by the Luton based company, AJC Trailers Limited.

On 21^st March 2018 the arm of an excavator on a BAM Nuttall site failed due to undetected metal fatigue. A riddling bucket was segregating material prior to backfilling when the cylinder brackets, fixed to the upper dipper arm, failed. The brackets and cylinders separated from the dipper arm, resulting in the arm dropping uncontrollably.

Leading light and power supplier Morris Site Machinery will light up ScotPlant with innovation taking centre stage. The company has launched six new products in just six months, in a bid to take the industry forward in 2018.

Trime UK, the market leading supplier of environmentally conscious site lighting equipment have recently completed a series of on-site training and tool box talks for A-Plant, the UK’s leading equipment rental company.

As part of its commitment to bring to market sustainable onsite solutions, Generac^® Mobile Products has today unveiled the latest addition to the iconic DF Ecology range, which reduces dust and consumes less water.

Until HAE applied to CITB’s Flexible Fund, approximately 70% of HAE’s 850 members had struggled to find training specific to plant mechanics and fitters.

As a result of receiving funding the sector’s training and qualification needs have been rejuvenated.

Dundalk based company Dromad Hire has recently invested in two more specialised purpose built trucks from local Scania dealer Granco Ltd. The new trucks which have been designed and built specifically for the company, will improve Dromad’s nationwide distribution of plant and powered access equipment. 

Hire Industry Trusted Suppliers (HITs), designed by HAE and Event Hire Association (EHA), will be formally launched on April 1 2018 with the long-term goal for all supply chain members passing the online assessment and due diligence process needed to achieve ‘Trusted Supplier’ status.

The Events Industry Forum has appointed Bournemouth University to undertake a comprehensive review of the outdoor event industry, from festivals to agricultural shows.

Boels Rental (Sittard) recently acquired three companies in the rental sector, allowing the company to further expand its services for its customers. They are the machine rental company Already Hire Limited (UK) and specialist rental companies Delta Rent and Amdyte (The Netherlands).

Dundalk Based Hire Company Dromad Hire has recently been named ‘Best Managed Rental Firm in Ireland’ at the Machinery Movers & Construction Awards 2018.

An innovative manufacturer and supplier of on-site equipment is branching out to launch a special tattoo so staff and customers can show their allegiance to the brand.

Paul joined Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA) team in the role of Commercial Manager where his responsibilities will centre on providing training courses suitable to the hire industry.

GAP Sales Solutions offers customers the opportunity to purchase from a range of fencing and crowd control barriers, which can be delivered quickly to anywhere in the UK.

MHM, one of the UK’s leading rehire and resale specialists of new and quality used engine driven welders is celebrating after being nominated as a finalist in the influential Welding World Awards 2018.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry is an independent public inquiry, set up to examine the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017 and to establish facts before making recommendations for action needed to prevent a similar tragedy happening again.

Company car drivers resident in Scotland face larger increases in benefit-in-kind tax rates than those in the rest of the UK from April 6 as they are also hit by a rise in income tax.

HAE welcomed the opportunity to attend the Working Well Together event held in Dorchester recently.

During national science week, HSE want to share a case study about how Crossrail’s commitment to its workforce uses a science and innovation approach to provide a safe and healthy working environment for drill operatives.

The Government have launched a consultation on emissions from non-road machinery such as construction machinery to implement an EU Regulation governing the European type-approval rules for gaseous and particulate emissions from engines for non-road mobile machinery.

London based Advanced Access Platforms has opened a new depot located just across the Thames from the Millennium Dome in Central London. The depot is ideally situated to allow Advanced Access to continue to build its customer base in the busy capital, and with a new fleet of Niftylift Hybrid and Electric booms, the only way is up, with blue skies ahead!

Discover Pramac-Generac UK at Scotplant 2018 as it unveils a selection of products under the theme of Onsite Innovation, on Stand C14.

Jaama, the UK’s leading fleet industry asset management software system provider, will be showcasing new functionality introduced to its smartphone ‘MyVehicle App’ - a genuine fleet and transport industry game-changer - at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show.

Highways England is taking part in ‘Open Doors’ and giving members of the public a unique chance to go behind the scenes of five ‘live’ construction sites to see how the roads and structures are built or maintained.

Scunthorpe based Lincs Lifts Ltd enjoyed a busy 2017, offering a range of platform options to customers across the Centre and East of England, and their choice of manufacturer has definitely played a pivotal role.

The Chancellor has given his first Spring Statement on the health of the economy and progress since the last Budget (now held in the autumn each year). He also unveiled some consultation exercises.

Excitement is building ahead of the prestigious 2018 Hire Awards of Excellence with the announcement by the Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) of the candidates short-listed for the Apprentice of the Year.

Makita has added two further pressure washers to the range which spans the 100 to 140 bar capacities. The new Makita HW1200 model has a regular operating pressure of 100 bar with a maximum pressure capacity of 120 bar, and a maximum delivery rate of 420 litres per hour, whilst the Makita HW1300 with electrical 2-pressure settings, has regular operating pressure settings of 110 bar on Hi and 80 bar on Lo.

GAP Hire Solutions is already reaping the rewards of their new depot in South Bridgwater, Somerset. The strategically placed location which opened for business in October 2017, is ideally situated just off junction 24 on the M5 providing access to Somerset and the ongoing construction at Hinkley Point.

The UK’s largest supplier of hire equipment will be sharing insights from its current team of apprentices as well as inspiring the next generation.

Leading manufacturer and supplier of site equipment, Morris Site Machinery, has been ‘Highly Commended’ at the Midlands Business Awards for its commitment to export.

Following the UK Government losing its third court case after being told it must tackle illegal levels of pollution due to its “seriously flawed” approach, Matthew Pencharz highlights the role that construction sites are playing in pollution

HAE is proud to be supporting a Working Well Together event being held at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester on the 15 March 2018

BTE Plant Sales Limited, a leading independent distributor of construction equipment, opened their fourth depot today in Droitwich. The large, modern facility is located just minutes from the M42 and M5 motorways.

After completing a £1 million investment programme in 2017, Hampshire Plant & Access (HPA) is investing another £1 million this year to further update and expand its powered access and plant hire fleet.

Trime UK, the Cambridgeshire based manufacturer and supplier of sustainable lighting towers have shipped a fleet of their X-ECO LED lighting sets to the West Lothian plant hire firm, MPS (Mulholland Plant Services.)

GAP Hire Solutions has added to its extensive fleet of site dumpers with the recent purchase of 13 1.5 tonne swivel skip dumpers from Wacker Neuson.

GAP Hire Solutions has signed a 4-year extension with HAMM for the sole supply of tandem rollers. The new deal means HAMM will continue to supply its range of double drum ride-on rollers until April 2022.

Leading light and power supplier Morris Site Machinery lit up the 2018 Executive Hire Show this year with innovation taking centre stage. The company has launched six new products in just six months, in a bid to take the hire industry forward in 2018.

Graham Hawkins has been appointed to the newly-created position of Sales Director at Hampshire Plant & Access (HPA) in a move which highlights the continued expansion of the company.

vGroup International has restructured its business into five divisions and made a series of new appointments to further strengthen customer service levels and communications with clients.

A truck mount platform from the Wilson Access fleet helped to put Hull City Council branding in place at the KCOM Stadium – the home of Hull City Football Club and Hull FC Rugby League Club.

Graham Hawkins has been appointed to the newly-created position of Sales Director at Hampshire Plant & Access (HPA) in a move which highlights the continued expansion of the company.

GAP Hire Solutions has added to its extensive fleet of site dumpers with the recent purchase of 13 1.5 tonne swivel skip dumpers from Wacker Neuson.

The new Makita DJR188Z 18v Brushless LXT Reciprocating Saw will run up to 3,000spm, and with a maximum stroke of 20mm, provides a substantial cutting capacity of 255mm in wood and 130mm in pipe.  This new compact and lightweight reciprocating saw (just 2.9 kg) has a tool-less blade clamp, fixed shoe, variable speed trigger, constant speed control dial and convenient LED job light.

The Hereford based and family owned hire firm, John Hill and Sons, has just completed an order for four Trime X-ECO LED lighting sets – their first venture into LED site lighting.

The dates and details for the first three ‘open to all’ Social Media Workshops of 2018 have been announced! These public workshops follow a format and content developed for NWM clients.

INTERMAT, the international trade show for construction and infrastructure, announced the winners of the INTERMAT Innovation Awards on Thursday 18 January in Paris (Maison de la Mutualité). In its role as a springboard for worldwide innovation in the building and public works sector, the competition designated 13 prize winners from the 90 competing entries.

As the economy continues to come to terms with the collapse of Carillion, the latest figures suggest that on the day of liquidation, the industry giant was the main contractor on 57 construction projects worth a total of £5.7 billion, including a £1.3 billion HS2 contract.

Hire Association Europe (HAE) is delighted to be showcasing the latest in virtual reality training software on stand C60 at the Executive Hire Show, Ricoh Arena, Coventry from 7^th – 8^th February 2018. 

MCS has been selected as a finalist for the Executive Hire Show 2018 Innovation Awards. The finalists on the Innovation Trail at the Show are selected according to several key industry criteria but must show genuine innovation.

Morris Site Machinery will provide world-class machinery solutions to the hire industry as it debuts new products and lighting innovations at the 2018 Executive Hire Show.

MCS, the rental solution provider, will launch its latest RM Mobile ‘app’, which is set to become the Depot Manager’s perfect pocket companion.

Boels Rental, the UK division of the leading Dutch organisation has continued to upgrade and strengthen their hire fleet, following the purchase of 150 X-ECO LED lighting sets from the Cambridgeshire based company, Trime UK.

Makita has launched a 36v cordless multi-tool system for landscape maintenance operations together with a range of quick-fit attachments including the newly introduced Brush Cutter and Linetrimmer in addition to the Cultivator, Pole Saw, Hedge Trimmer and lawn Edging Tool.  The pole extension allows even greater reach for the Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer.

CITB has issued the following advice about the work they are doing with the government and industry to support those affected by the collapse of Carillion PLC.

It seems another impact of the collapse of Carillion has been a postponement to the Government's £170m construction sector deal announced in the Budget.

Nearly one in five building sites have no drinking water or separate gender bathrooms, a survey of 3,500 Unite members has found.

GAP Hire Solutions, one of the world’s largest fleet customers for Kubota mini excavators, has shown its intent to continue to offer its customers market leading machinery innovation by purchasing over 100 new Kubota KX027-4 excavators in 2017. 

CITB is looking for relevant employers who are interested in supporting any of the Carillion apprentices and wider workforce who are at risk of redundancy.  It is with these workers, and the wider industry in mind, that CITB is taking steps to secure the future of the 1400 Carillion apprentices. The skills and experience of these apprentices are invaluable to the British economy and crucial to the delivery of new homes and vital infrastructure.

CD Auction Group has become the latest company to sign-up to ICFM’s rapidly expanding Corporate Investor Programme and the first from the vehicle remarketing sector.

Employees should be provided with individual Mobility Cards by their employers that could be used to access all forms of travel, fed from an app that could plan and charge costs accordingly.

AFI’s decision to make mental health a key theme of an innovation day event it held for construction industry delegates has resulted in a number of companies implementing their own initiatives to combat the problem.

Leading light and power supplier Morris Site Machinery has developed a static eight-metre lighting tower that offers a neat and highly transportable new option for the industry.

Fleet decision-makers require encouragement to introduce plug-in vehicles with powerful financial arguments essential to drive environmental policy changes.

An industrial equipment hire firm is on the road to helping create a greener planet, by helping to plant more than 3,342 acres of new woodland. Family firm Astley Hire, based in Leigh, is among the signatories to a pioneering scheme set up to help businesses offset the carbon emissions from their vehicles.

The North East Autism Society is fitting sophisticated in-vehicle driver behaviour technology to its vehicle fleet on the recommendation of supplier Activa Contracts.

A Niftylift boom lift from the Rapid Platforms fleet has helped to safeguard the future of a 700-year-old monument for generations to come.

Small businesses are generally defined as those with fewer than 50 employees. The latest set of government business population estimates shows that the number of construction companies with fewer than 50 employees has increased to 1,005,290 – up from 972,475 in 2016.

ACFO will continue to reinvent itself in 2018 as the role of the fleet decision-maker evolves into that of the professional travel mobility manager.

GAP Giving is the GAP Group’s Charitable Foundation which was set up in April 2015 with the primary aim of donating around 0.5% of the company’s profits to charities nominated by staff. So far in the financial year 2017 / 2018, GAP has donated a total of £61,042 to 70 charities.

Morris Site Machinery will provide world-class machinery solutions to the hire industry as it debuts new products and lighting innovations at the 2018 Executive Hire Show.

GAP Hire Solutions has successfully retained its FORS (Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme) Silver accreditation.

A stolen JCB 2CX Backhoe Loader worth £25,000 has been found and safely recovered in Bentley, Hampshire, within a matter of hours of first being reported as stolen thanks to the installation of a battery operated tracking device from AMI Group, plus back-up drone footage which aided the plant recovery efforts.

When it comes to keeping you and your customers safe, we know how important it is that you provide the most up to date help and information. It’s normal to offer short kit demonstrations at the point of hire, as well as providing some written instructions or guidance; often a HAE EHA Safety Guidance Leaflet tied to the kit in a plastic wallet, or printed and handed to the customer together with the hire contract.

The new Makita twin 18v cordless plunge saw, with 36v brushless motor, generates as much power as the AC mains machine that can drive the 165mm blade up to 6,300rpm, and provide a maximum cutting depth of 56mm with the vertical blade setting.

Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court heard how Charter Housing Association reported six cases of HAVS after launching a health surveillance programme in June 2015. The affected employees were all part of its maintenance team.

When Steve Ashmore joined HSS as chief executive in June 2017 he initiated an extensive review of the business, analysing the profitability of each customer, product and branch.

Makita has introduced two heavy duty cordless angle grinders to its industrial range powered by twin 18v batteries to give 36v power to the brushless, high performance motor. These new cordless grinders deliver remarkable mains machine type performance with the added benefit of total manoeuvrability.

Welfare 4 Hire Limited, the specialist site welfare rental company has taken delivery of their one hundredth mobile welfare unit from the award winning, Luton based manufacturer, AJC Trailers Limited.

Whatever the outcome of the Brexit deal, the UK is going to fully adopt the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) by May 25^th next year and there is a risk of major fines for those companies who do not comply. 

On Thursday the 2^nd of November, Powered Access manufacturer Niftylift Ltd, held a ‘Women in Engineering’ event at its world headquarters in Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes.

Contractors carrying out electrical fit out work in a new distribution centre in Southampton have hired scissor lifts and a boom lift from Hampshire Plant & Access (HPA).

The UK’s leading provider of motor accessory essentials, vGroup International, has restructured following rapid growth as the company moves into the next phase of expansion.

Generac Mobile products has supplied its market leading Dust Fighter range to the high-profile rail platform upgrade at Waterloo and due to performance has also been added to the preferred product listing by Skanska for future rail and infrastructure upgrades.

The bulk of the order is for 350 Loadall telescopic handlers. The deal also includes site dumpers, mini excavators and tandem rollers. The machines will be supplied by JCB dealer Gunn JCB.

AFI has made further significant investments in its MEWP fleet by purchasing 24 Dingli scissor lifts and two JLG large boom lifts.

Balloo Hire Centres have been named as Plant Hire Company of the Year 2017 at the annual Plant & Civil Engineer Plant, Construction & Quarry Awards.

Following another record-breaking year, GAP Hire Solutions has climbed 28 places in this year’s 13th annual Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table, ranking 142nd.

Speedy has acquired the entire issued share capital of both Prolift Access and Platform Sales & Hire, both of which are established players in the nether regions of the Top 20.

Point of Rental’s Inspection App took home top honours in the Access Rental Innovation category of Access, Lift & Handlers’ 2017 Access, Lift & Handlers (ALH) Awards on 12^th October.

We’ve been keeping a watch on recent announcements concerning CITB following the Levy Consensus. Earlier in November, the government published the final report into Industry Training Boards.

The Prime Minister has just announced extra funding for R&D and city transport in advance of the Budget and also publication of the Industrial Strategy White Paper next week.

Delivering the Autumn Budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond opened by saying that his Government’s stewardship of the economy would prepare the UK for life outside of the European Union.

GAP Hire Solutions has been selected by the judges as a finalist in the Equipment Supplier of the Year category of the 2018 Construction News Specialists Awards, the only national awards that recognises the best specialist contractors from across the UK.

Skoda and Licence Bureau were the new company names on the winners’ rostrum when the annual awards from ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, were presented for the 34^th year.

Julie Summerell has been elected as ACFO’s first regional chairman following the restructuring of the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation.

AFI has been shortlisted in a prestigious award scheme run by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) to recognise organisations that have implemented successful customer service strategies.

The Showman’s Show is always an important date in the EHA calendar and this year’s event was no exception. The team headed to Newbury Showground on Wednesday 18th –  Thursday 19th October to meet with exhibitors and visitors from across the event sector.

The Government has published the Industry Training Board review reaffirming support for the continuation of CITB but setting out actions required to support construction.

EHA has been invited to a special wedding fair event being hosted by Buckinghamshire County Council at the Council Offices in Aylesbury on 30 November.

The new Generac V20 tower light has been launched this year to celebrate the company’s long-standing reputation as the leading lighting tower manufacturer since 1997. 

GAP Hire Solutions has been shortlisted for the Business Innovation Award at The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards 2017.

Independent plant and tool hire firm M & J Engineers, who trade under the name M & J Hire Centres have purchased an initial ten X-ECO LED site lighting towers from the leading manufacturer, Trime UK Limited.

Global fleet safety and mobility management leader Geotab has become the latest company to sign-up to ICFM’s Corporate Investor Programme.

HAE EHA is pleased to announce the appointment of Rupert Douglas-Jones who will be joining the Association on 22 January 2018.

Working well with towers is the theme of this year’s PASMA Tower Safety Week which runs from 12 - 17 November 2017. Now in its fifth year, the campaign will again promote tower safety and good practice internationally via a series of events and activities designed to keep people safe.

GAP Hire Solutions is delighted to announce the opening of a new depot in Bridgwater, Somerset. The 0.6-acre site comprises a fully operational Plant & Tool Hire depot with storage, repair and maintenance facilities.

We have received correspondence from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) in relation to a group claim being brought by the RHA for compensation against the EU Truck Cartel.  Truck operators who have purchased or leased trucks since 1997 stand to receive over £5,500 per truck back in compensation depending on the size of the truck and when it was purchased or leased.

Family firm Astley Hire is helping Olympic hopefuls reach new heights after donating a scissor lift to help build the GB Climbing Team’s first ever dedicated training wall.

HSE are holding a Workplace Healthy Lung Summit on the 22nd November at the QEII centre in London. 

Boom lifts from the AFI fleet helped structural steelwork specialists Evadx to complete a steelwork contract on time at a luxury hotel in Cumbria, despite a spate of bad weather.

After recently investing over £1 million in 24 new powered access machines and two delivery vehicles, Rapid Platforms has followed this up by substantially expanding its hire range of goods and passenger hoists.

Birchwood Price Tools is pleased to announce the arrival of Gary Hutchins as its new Sales Director.

Lord Prior of Brampton, son of former cabinet minister Jim Prior, was given the construction brief as parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in December 2016. He has now left office.

Ridgeway are supporting Construction Safety Week in a drive towards safety while working at height. Construction Safety Week is being held by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) (www.cif.ie) from 23 – 27 October 2017.

Ogilvie Fleet, one of the UK’s fastest growing vehicle leasing and fleet management companies, is celebrating 10 years of providing a multi award-winning service to companies from its base in Sheffield.

Dromad Hire takes delivery of Skyjack’s largest articulated boom, which was launched to the UK earlier this year at Vertikal days, with an impressive outreach of 17.07m or 56ft, this 85ft articulated boom provides ample up & over positioning, making it ideal for larger building repairs.

The recovery of a stolen roller protected with a wireless, battery operated tracking device from AMI Group has led West Yorkshire Police to a haul of other stolen plant and equipment worth £250,000 in Scarborough.

GAP Welfare Services, a division within the GAP Group that specialises in the hire of environmentally sustainable welfare units, are celebrating the delivery of their 1,000th mobile welfare unit supplied by the leading manufacturer, AJC Trailers.

Trime (UK) Limited, the market leading manufacturer and supplier of advanced engine driven LED lighting towers have appointed the highly experienced sales expert, Andrew Owen, as their new sales manager.

Trime (UK) Limited, the market leading manufacturer and supplier of advanced engine driven LED lighting towers have announced that Ashleigh Webb has joined their sales and marketing team as marketing executive.

We have received correspondence from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) in relation to a group claim being brought by the RHA for compensation against the EU Truck Cartel.

The worlds of fleet management and travel management are colliding at a rapid rate driven by technology and ‘big data’ that will underpin Business Mobility-as-a-Service (BMaaS).

The new Makita VC3211HX1 dust extractor is fully approved for use with Dust Class H, the highest safety standard of EU site safety regulations.  Dust extraction is a legal requirement in all working environments with L Class being the lowest filtration standard; M Class filtration the minimum standard required in commercial work environments, and H Class being the current highest standard of filtration for operator safety.  It is not however suitable for processes involving asbestos particulates.

The Hire Supply Company are to reveal 2 new LED Rechargeable battery work lights with a working time of up to 24hours and excellent illumination to suit a variety of applications. With no trailing leads and a full 8hours working time on full power Hsc have battery powered lights easily able to last a full shift.

Arcotherm will be exhibiting its brand new RT110 Road Tow Heater at the Convention. Designed to be the ultimate in “rapid deployment” heating, it boasts a thermostatically controlled 100Kw indirect oil fired Arcotherm heater and includes a dedicated 3.5Kva Kubota generator, a 407 litre bunded fuel tank, 2 x 360° LED lights, along with a “Deepsea” control panel and internal set-up lighting.

"The most extensive review and update since standards for ladders were first established." That is how the Ladder Association, the not-for-profit industry body dedicated to ladder safety, is describing the revision of BS EN 131 - the single British and European product standard covering all types of portable ladders.

It has published an 8-page guide explaining the changes and, importantly, the implications for specifiers, users and health and safety professionals.

Makita introduces two brand new heavy duty SDS+ rotary hammer drills in either 110v or 240v mains configuration.  Both feature an 800 watt motor that with 2.4 joules of impact energy, and up to 4,600 blows per minute, will punch a 26mm hole in concrete using a normal TCT bit.  The powerful HR2650 and HR2651 will drive a 68mm TCT core or an 80mm Diamond core through concrete with ease. Both models feature the one-touch sliding SDS+ chuck.

Dustcontrol UK has developed a series of mobile dust extractors for on-tool extraction and general cleaning as well as air cleaners specifically designed for the construction and hire industries and will be bringing a selection of their most popular machines to this year’s HAE Convention.

HAE Business Guard is delighted to be attending this year’s Trade Fair & Convention and we are looking forward to seeing everyone. This year they will be demonstrating the updated Business Guard website and app so that you are fully aware of these great benefits that you receive for both Health & Safety and Employment Law as a HAE EHA member.

ALTRAD BELLE will showcase British manufacturing at its best, as it continues to reinforce its position as ‘No.1 For Light Construction Equipment’ with products specially designed for the rental and construction industry at this year’.

Power & Pyro is proud to be launching its range of power packages at this year’s HAE trade fair and convention at the Ricoh Arena, 11th and 12th October.

As an established and well-known brand for supplying top flight power, including power generation, distribution units and lighting equipment to UK events, broadcasting corporations and blue-chip manufacturers, Power & Pyro is enhancing its range of core services as part of the company’s commitment to offer contemporary power solutions for its customers.

Snorkel UK, the sales and service provider for Snorkel lifts in the UK, will be returning to HAE EHA’s Trade Fair & Convention for the second year in succession. In 2016, Snorkel displayed an S3219E scissor lift and a TM12 scissor lift.

With a selection of low-level access machines planned for this year’s stand, the display will include the Snorkel S3010E mini scissor lift. This self-propelled lift is built to the same high standards as a Snorkel’s electric slab scissor lifts, including saloon-door style entry gates, and proportional joystick controls.

Groundscare will be displaying its TurfTeq™ Surface Preparation Rake, it offers the quickest, most profitable way to prepare soil for turf, grass seed or wild flower meadows.

The final fleet decision-maker places are available to attend the autumn 2017 workshop hosted by the Fleet Industry Advisory Group (FIAG), which, during round table discussions, will investigate the future composition and fuel of choice of Britain’s company car fleets as well as how to more effectively manage drivers and journeys.

Robust management of fleet maintenance costs across the van fleet operated by Stannah has delivered a saving of more than £100,000 despite a 32% increase in the number of vehicles operated.

A powerful, anti-glare next generation lamp head from the innovative design team at Morris Site Machinery has been hailed as a game changer for the industry.

A continuing boom in short-term hire business has led to Ogilvie Fleet launching Ogilvie Rental as a standalone division within the multi award-winning contract hire and leasing company.

Keep on Track at convention with Generac | Mobile Products

As part of its 2017/18 lighting season, Generac Tower Light will further strengthen its lighting tower portfolio for rail and infrastructure teams with the development of three new compact mobile lighting towers, ideal for track side maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Details of all products will be available with show demo models at this year’s convention, at the Ricoh Arena, 11th and 12th October.

IPS Ireland, the access platform parts specialists is expanding its team in their Dundalk based office, to further enhance their support network to customers.

Probst Handling showcases new products

The 2017 convention sees Probst Handling release a number of new products

Fleet decision-makers are grappling with an unprecedented volume of marketplace change, coupled with political turmoil and industry innovation in a time of national hesitation with Brexit looming large, according to ACFO chairman John Pryor.

MCS, the leading hire software expert, will be exhibiting again at the HAE Hire Convention. This year Guy van der Knaap, the Managing Director for MCS, will be giving a keynote speech on productivity gains from using mobile devices in the hire industry.

Innovation will be in the spotlight when Morris Site Machinery launches a top secret, next generation lamp head at Showman’s Show 2017, alongside its new compact but powerful TL60 Trolley Light.

BAM Nuttall, the UK based supplier of civil engineering services, has opted to purchase twenty X-ECO lighting towers from the Cambridgeshire supplier, Trime (UK) Limited.

Murphy Plant, the plant hire company within the J. Murphy & Sons Group, has expanded their rental fleet with an investment in thirty eco mobile welfare units from the Luton based manufacturer, AJC Trailers Limited.

Ogilvie Fleet has cemented its position as Britain’s best contract hire and leasing provider scooping two trophies in the annual awards from trade publication BusinessCar.

Fleet innovation-focused Jaama has launched a game-changing smartphone app delivering benefits to fleet managers thanks to ‘auto-triggering’, as well as simplifying tasks for drivers.

Innovation will be in the spotlight when Morris Site Machinery launches a top secret, next generation lamp head at Showman’s Show 2017, alongside its new compact but powerful TL60 Trolley Light.

Point of Rental Software customers using Syrinx to manage their hire business can now tackle their maintenance process on any mobile device with Syrinx Workshop, an app now available to download on iTunes and Google Play.

ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, is evolving with a series of changes designed to better inform existing members and recruit newcomers, while taking advantage of 21^st century technology.

AFI has added two JLG 1850SJs – the world’s largest boom lift – to its Super-Set large machine hire fleet.

GAP Hire Solutions has continued to invest in X ECO Lighting Towers by purchasing another 60 units from Trime (UK) for the upcoming lighting season.

Fleet decision-makers have been urged to book their places for the forthcoming ACFO ‘The State of the Nation’ autumn seminar where expert speakers will separate fact from fiction and myth from reality on a range of key legislative and regulatory developments.

Bagnell UK have made us aware of fraudulent activity taking place in their name. A Michael Smith or Michael Jones is attempting to hire excavators as Bagnall UK.

Trime (UK) Limited, the Cambridgeshire based manufacturer and supplier of advanced LED lighting towers, are preparing to exhibit at the forthcoming Hire Association Europe Trade Fair and Convention.

With just over a month until the Hire Association Europe Event Hire Association’s (HAE EHA) Trade Fair & Convention opens its doors on 11th- 12th October at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, a number of sessions, including two keynotes for the first day, have been announced. With the conference programme’s theme of Connect-Discover-Learn set to shape all content, there will be a strong focus on self-development and best business practice that appeals to everyone involved in the hire industry.

Member's views remain split about the CITB Levy proposals for 2018-20. There is a strong desire to see more impetus and investment directed at skills and shaping the future workforce, but unease persists at the slow pace of change and reform within CITB.

Kubota UK’s continued commitment and investment in the agricultural sector has been raised once again after the leading machinery manufacturer announced its adoption of the official CESAR Scheme for its M Series range of tractors.

Expanding vehicle leasing and fleet management company Activa Contracts has launched a redesigned website with new functionality and features promoting its consultancy approach to delivering vehicle and driver management solutions.

Fleet decision-makers have been urged to book their places for the forthcoming ICFM Masterclass focusing on ‘big data’, which is rapidly transforming the long-established fleet management model.

Ahead of the festive events season, Bristol-based company CHS has purchased ten prestigious TL90 3e LED lighting towers from Midlands-based lighting specialists Morris Site Machinery.

Reading, Berkshire — UK branch employees gathered locally to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Syrinx’s acquisition by Point of Rental Software on Thursday, 13 July. The awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of prior Syrinx employees who made the transition and of new hires added since.

Hire Station, the tool hire company within the VP plc Group have made a significant investment in the X-ECO LED lighting towers manufactured by the expanding construction machinery manufacturer and supplier, Trime UK Limited.

Generac Tower Light has launched the market’s first dimmable and ultra-thin external mobile disk light as it continues to lead and redefine mobile lighting solutions.

A former admin assistant has become the fourth woman in the UK to gain an internationally recognised qualification to teach people how to erect mobile aluminum scaffold.

The UK’s largest independent equipment hirer, GAP Hire Solutions, has posted record annual turnover for the financial year to 31st March 2017, and achieved its second-highest-ever profits as the business continues to grow.

Meet the HAE Technical, Health and Safety Panel! 

FOR any organisation that has people’s safety at the top of its agenda, the news is encouraging. Compared with the previous year, fatal falls from height for 2016/17 are down by 32 percent from 37 to 25, according to the latest provisional figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

On the 24^th July 2017 a West Midlands based hire company hired out a JCB 8030 excavator to a local business who were  later found to be ‘bogus’ and quickly disappeared without trace, taking the JCB and other goods obtained through fraudulent hire with them. Once the hire company realised what had happened they quickly reported the crime to Action fraud.

Jaama, the UK’s leading fleet and asset management software solution provider, is supporting the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on its Earned Recognition Scheme pilot and encouraging commercial vehicle, coach and bus operators to take part.

AFI can now deliverpowered access machines direct to contractors working at Birmingham Airport.

High quality, reliable lighting is a vital component for this year’s winter season. As demand increases for fuel-efficient, easily transportable solutions, Morris Site Machinery is launching a brand-new entry into the market with its new SMC TL60 Trolley light, augmenting its celebrated SMC TL90 lighting tower range.

The Government has announced a statement of intent to updating and strengthening data protection laws through a new Data Protection Bill.

The London Construction Awards are the leading and most prestigious construction awards in London; recognising achievements, developments and innovation within London’s booming construction industry.

Justin Wiblin becomes the latest apprentice to pass his qualifications and join the MCS software team. Justin began his apprenticeship in Software Engineering in September 2015 and took day release once a week to Langley college. Now two years on, he is a fully qualified Software Developer and has taken the opportunity to stay on at MCS to further develop his career.

Business is booming for leading fleet and asset management software company Jaama, which has recruited a further six customer-facing employees.

Phil Winnington, International Business Director at Morris Site Machinery, was recently joined by friends, colleagues and well-wishers as he completed his 5-a-Day mission to run 25K across 5 days in aid of mental health charity Mind.

The exposure occurred in July 2012 after a worker removed part of a suspended ceiling in one of the ground floor refurbished rooms at St Mary’s school and identified suspect asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos fibres were subsequently found in numerous areas in the school.

The UK’s largest independent equipment hirer, based in Glasgow, achieved the Silver Award in the prestigious annual scheme run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). GAP will be presented with the award during a ceremony at the Hilton Glasgow Hotel on Thursday, 14th September, 2017.

Implementation of Jaama’s industry-leading fleet, driver, workshop and asset management software system is expected to be a game-changer for Anglian Water.

Makita’s popular, high performance range of LXT power tools now includes the new DTD155 18v Brushless Impact Driver which is both compact, equalling the size of Makita’s 10.8v machines, and enormously powerful.

Morris Site Machinery has lined up a summer tour with quality performers to bring a lighting roadshow directly to customers’ doors. 'Towers on Tour’ will hit the road in August to showcase the company’s latest lighting towers and technology and give a practical demonstration of how they can help to improve a fleet.

The Government has published its response to Mark Farmer’s review of the construction industry. Ministers say that ‘Modernise or Die’ ”poses a stark challenge to industry to up its game on skills, embrace new and more productive ways of working, ensure the quality of design and workmanship and be more innovative. 

With ongoing market leading investment year on year, Dromad Hire is as committed as ever to delivering our customers the most modern equipment possible.

Contractors redevelopinganagricultural feed mill hired booms and scissor lifts from AFI’s Super-Set fleet of large machinesto help them build a new £10m manufacturing facility and extend the existing premises.

Leading Midlands manufacturer Morris Site Machinery has sold six of its prestigious TL90 LED lighting towers to Spalding-based plant and tool hire company Chislett Hire.

The ICFM (Institute of Car Fleet Management) has launched its new website - www.icfm.com - reflecting its recently launched rebranding as well as new functionality, features and the ability for members to interact with the organisation more easily on a comprehensive range of issues.

AFI has placed a further £7m of orders for 500 MEWPs for the AFI-Uplift fleet and new truck and track mounts for the Wilson Access fleet. This latest investment followsover £50 million of investment by AFI in its fleet during the past three years.

Dundalk based company Dromad Hire adds two more service vans to the road - Supplied by local dealer Lynn Motors.

Hire Association Europe (HAE) has been awarded Gold level of the highly anticipated, new Talent Match Mark scheme, recognising that they are an employer who creates opportunities for young people at one of the highest levels.

Phil will be running 5 x 5K’s over five consecutive days, which means he will have racked up a total of 25K by the time he crosses the finish line.

MCS is excited to announce its new refreshed company branding, logo and website.

So much has changed since MCS was founded in 1983. It has grown as a company, developed strong relationships with its customers, partners and suppliers and has grown globally too, to become the international business that it is today.

Major vehicle service, maintenance and repair (SMR) cost savings - which are expected to ramp up further following implementation of a robust driver compliance initiative - are being achieved by fast-expanding VPS UK in partnership with Fleet Service Great Britain (FSGB).

GAP Hire Solutions has bought its first vertical VDS (Vertical Digging System) excavator from Wacker Neuson.

Northern Irish plant sales company, Sleator Plant, has bolstered its lighting tower portfolio with secured orders for the new V20 mobile lighting tower from Generac Tower Light.

Cutting steel bar to fabricate concrete reinforcement cages traditionally requires heavyweight machinery – hydraulic or electric tools that have heavy jaws that are cumbersome to handle and expensive investments.

Most of our members will be aware that HAE are a ‘Consensus Federation’ in relation to all matters CITB, and all those members who are registered to the CITB Levy Scheme have right to express their views on the future of CITB.

Saturday the 24th of June was 'Armed Forces Day' and to show our support for these brave men and women, members of staff at Niftylift's Shenley Wood site gathered together to #SaluteOurForces last week.

Enhancements are being made to Dartford Crossing fleet accounts by Highways England to simplify administration following discussions with ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation.

Boels Rental has acquired the entire share capital of IQ-Pass, a major player in temporary access control management and security for the industry, construction, maritime and offshore projects. IQ-Pass started in 2008 from its branch in Breukelen, and is active in the Benelux countries and Germany.

Makita is expanding the increasingly popular 10.8v range of power tools where the superb machine power performance is coupled with the compact physical size of the machines.

When a premier conference and events venue needed a boom lift to access a high-level stadium roof it hired the premier model from AFI’s fleet – the Genie SX-180.

The first loyalty programme of its kind available to the hire industry. As part of our Rental Expert hire management software and Rental Elite ERP system, this feature allows a business owner to define the percentage of income to reward the customer with and an expiry date to encourage customers to come back soon.

Today’s Queen’s Speech outlined the government’s programme for the next two years in the wake of the general election result and the pathway to Brexit in 2019. There will be no Queen’s Speech next year.

Meet the HAE Technical, Health and Safety Panel!  A group of committed people who meet regularly to address industry best practice, upcoming legislation that will affect industry operations, new products being introduced for the industry, accident awareness and the approval of all the SafeHire Technical Bulletins produced to protect HAE members and their customers!

Activa Contracts has won a sole supply, full outsourcing fleet deal with Winterbotham Darby that also sees it take on a consultancy role to the organisation’s cash allowance drivers potentially resulting in them opting for company cars following the introduction of new tax rules.

Britain’s fleet decision-makers are being urged to make their nominations for the top vehicles, initiatives and companies in the industry.

Nominations have opened for members of ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, as well as non-members, to recognise the ‘finest in fleet’ in 2017.

PlosinyRybaceks.r.o., Niftylift’s exclusive dealer for the Czech Republic, has recently supplied an HR17NE and an HR21 Hybrid AWD to Sico in its corporate colours.

The HR17NE is a battery powered 17m working height, narrow aisle boom and the HR21 Hybrid AWD, a 21m working height, all-wheel-drive boom that incorporates Niftylift’s environmentally conscious Hybrid power system.

We recently received feedback from a member suggesting that they would ‘appreciate regular updates on issues that assessors have encountered that all hirers should be aware of’ so we’d like to remind you of the SafeHire Technical Bulletins that are available, to all members, via the website.

Businesses must create a cultural environment around occupational road risk management in which employees take responsibility for their actions and are empowered to make the decision not to drive if they don’t feel safe.

Leading fleet and asset management software company Jaama has appointed Andy Bradley as its product manager.

The strategic role marries getting to grips with industry developments and changes that impact on fleet operations such as initiatives by government agencies with the demands of Jaama customers to ensure that Key2 remains at the cutting-edge of vehicle, driver and workshop management solutions.

Activa Contracts has enhanced its industry-leading ‘Tax Guide for Fleets’ app to include the ability for users to calculate if a cash alternative offered by their employer will increase their tax bill.

Until HAE applied to CITB’s Flexible Fund, approximately 70% of HAE’s 850 members had struggled to find training specific to plant mechanics and fitters.

As a result of receiving funding the sector’s training and qualification needs have been rejuvenated.

Tool hire companies working with small plant have, for the first time, a training route which is:

• specific to their requirements
• delivered on-site
• assessed in the workplace.

A couple who invented a life-saving wrist bands to help return missing dementia patients home are planning to introduce them across the UK and possibly even America.

Two Activa Contracts’ employees have been promoted to area managers after successfully completing the fast-expanding company’s training and development programme.

Plant tracking specialist AMI Group has recently introduced high-tech drones to help locate and recover stolen plant machinery - a move which is already paying off as the company’s drones have been put into action to assist the successful recovery of two stolen machines hidden in a shipping container in a transportation yard in Iver, Buckinghamshire.

SafeHire is a BSI private standard created by and written for the hire industry with the help and guidance of British Standards Institute. It was originally written following a disastrous ‘Which’ report in 2010 that outlined everything negative about the industry.

The fleet industry is set to undergo a “massive revolution” with the introduction of the connected car and the arrival of so-called ‘big data’, while contract hire companies will transform into analytics businesses that lease vehicles.

AFI Resale – the AFI group’s new and used machine sales operation – has gained a number of major contracts in the first quarter of 2017, including a £500,000 order to supply 57 booms and scissor lifts to a trader in Eastern Europe. This success comes after the division achieved a 25% growth in export salesduring 2016.

Plant tracking specialist AMI Group has introduced innovative drone technology to help enhance the company’s recovery efforts even further to locate stolen plant machinery. It is believed that AMI Group is one of the first tracking companies in the UK to introduce the concept of drone technology to help aid the safe recovery of stolen assets.

Occupational road risk management is good business practice, but for too many employers it is a ‘tick box compliance exercise’ without a real focus on reducing costs, according to ICFM.

Seddons Plant & Engineers Ltd has been crowned the top supplier across all of the Plant, Tool, Hire and Event sector after being declared ‘Supplier of the Year’ at Hire Association Europe’s (HAE) Hire Awards of Excellence 2017.

AFI has further extended its range of powered access machine familiarisation videos by producing videos to cover models in its Super-Set large machine fleet.

A trio of Activa Contracts’ employees have become the first at the fast-growing vehicle leasing and fleet management company to successfully complete National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

Fleet decision-makers must future proof their vehicle operating decisions as the default fuel choice is no longer diesel, according to Puddy Vehicle Solutions (PVS).

ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, has called on HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to publish Advisory Fuel Rates for plug-in cars after providing it with real world mileage reimbursement figures.

Plant tracking specialist AMI Group has been confirmed as the headline sponsor of the Construction Plant-hire Association’s (CPA) Annual Construction Plant Conference 2017 which is taking place on 31^st October.

Rental industry stalwart, Ray Caulfield is celebrating winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 European Rental Awards.

Richard Haworth – the Manchester based linen supplier – has launched stylish Bistro napkins to complement their already market leading table linen offering. Perfect for casual dining, the napkins are available in three attractive colour stripe options.

Trime UK, the manufacturer and supplier of sustainable site lighting sets have delivered ten of their new X-Eco LED lighting towers to the Watford depot of the independent equipment hire firm, Eveready Hire.

Jaama, the UK’s leading fleet industry asset management software system provider, is to further increase its supply of Key2 into the commercial vehicle sector following business success at the recent Commercial Vehicle Show.

Kumar & Company Limited (“KCL”) has been engaged to assist in the sale of the business and assets of an established North Midlands tool hire company.

Drivers who speed now face much tougher penalties in a bid to crack down on motorists who consistently flout the law.

Leading access rental company Lavendon Group has successfully concluded its two year Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Savannah Project, helping raise more than £47,000 for leading conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London).

GAP Hire Solutions, a family business and the UK’s largest independently owned equipment hirer, donated £80,000 to 99 charities in the financial year 2016 / 2017.

AFI has achieved Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold certification for the third consecutive year for its good working practices in the way it operates its machine delivery and service van fleets.

Places are filling up fast for the next prestigious tutor-led ICFM Diploma (Advanced Level) Programme, but some delegate spaces remain available.

Site Equip, leaders in supplying welfare and sanitation to the events and construction industries, have won the prestigious award of Event Industry Product of the Year at the HAE EHA Hire Awards of Excellence for the Shabby Chic Toilet Trailer.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent equipment hirer, has added Trench Boxes to its fleet of Non-Mechanical Plant.

Morris Site Machinery has won a major industry accolade in the Hire Awards of Excellence 2017 for Best Use of New Media and was highly commended for Website of the Year.

Two of the best known brands in the fleet industry - Auto Windscreens and Michelin - have become the latest companies to sign-up to ICFM’s recently-launched Corporate Investor Programme.

The connected car and the generation of so-called ‘big data’ is set to change the long-established fleet management model, which is why ACFO is turning the spotlight on the issue at its spring seminar.

Hire Station continues to invest in the latest equipment, with the new JCB 8025 ZTS 3 tonne mini digger added to our fleet. By continuing to invest in new equipment, this ensures that you will always receive the best possible tools and equipment for your projects.

Makita’s latest version of the popular 18v cordless drywall screwdriver runs up to an impressive maximum 2500rpm - lower than its predecessor -  but delivers greater driving torque from the innovative Brushless motor. A TEK screwdriver version is now available for the first time from Makita which is sure to appeal to cladding contractors.

John Gill joined HSS Hire Group in 2009 as chief financial officer and took over from Chris Davies as chief executive in September 2015 shortly after the company listed on the London Stock Exchange.

A Wilson Access truck mount made light work of tackling banks of floodlights at the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats rugby stadium.

Trime UK is a Cambridgeshire based manufacturer and supplier of a range of environmentally conscious equipment designed specifically for the UK hire industry.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will come into force in central London from 8th April 2019 and be widened across Greater London in 2020 for heavy vehicles, and up to the North and South Circular roads for cars and vans in 2021.

Datatag has won the Plantworx Security Innovation Award, for the second time, with their innovative new product, MicroCESAR.

Vehicle leasing and fleet management giant Arval has launched a new and innovative pack for drivers.

Included in the driver side door pocket of new vehicle deliveries, the branded bag contains a range of useful, safety essentials picked specifically for drivers to support them in an emergency.

Experienced fleet manager Paul Holmes has given a new meaning to American entrepreneur Victor Kiam’s famous phrase by becoming a director of PeoplePanels, a division of Dawes Highway Safety Ltd.

The Hire Association Europe (HAE) has won a prestigious award in the Commitment to Skills category of the PLANTWORX Innovation Awards for its use of virtual reality and oculus rift technology for Health & Safety training. 

AFI is making noise reduction a key requirement in future purchases ofvehicles that deliver its powered access machines to sites throughout the UK.

With 27 trucks due for replacement within the next 18 months and the option for some noise reduction retrofitting, 57% of the AFI fleet will consist of low noise vehicles by summer 2018.

The government is officially launching its apprenticeship levy today (6 April 2017) as part of the biggest shake-up of skills for a generation.

The levy will require all employers in the UK with an annual wage bill of over £3 million to pay 0.5% of it towards funding apprenticeships.

If you've read our article in Interface On Hire, spring 2017 you will be aware that from 1st April some of our Safety Guidance Leaflets will no longer be available to purchase in pre-printed packs of 50. Instead these products will only be available as digital downloads using our Print on Demand service.

Over 100 HAE EHA members have switched to this online service which not only provides the means to print only the leaflets you need, when you need them, but they also include your own company logo.

The JCB 8025 mini excavator offers true zero tailswing and delivers speed, power and productivity. As well as excellent digging performance which provides impressive tearout forces and high levels of tractive effort.

AAM Group is the new name for Alliance Asset Management with the rebrand reflecting both the comprehensive portfolio of vehicle and funding solutions offered and the organisation’s broad client base ranging from SMEs and large corporate fleets to education establishments, contract hire and leasing companies, rental operators and consumers.

Fleet decision-makers have voted Ogilvie the UK’s top vehicle leasing and fleet management company for service to customers in the 2017 Experteye awards.

GAP Hire Solutions has confirmed a new three-year supply agreement with Wacker Neuson for light compaction equipment.

Leading fleet and asset management software company Jaama has restructured and expanded its customer service department to provide clients with a greater level of support. 

The board of ICFM, the expanding organisation dedicated to advancing the profession of car and light commercial fleet management, has re-elected Paul Hollick as its chairman.

The National Living Wage is to rise to £7.50 an hour from April this year, in line with Chancellor Philip Hammond's Autumn Statement and Spring Budget announcement.

This Friday, Seaward Electronic is offering a free webinar for Electrical Safety Testing in the Hire Industry aimed at anyone involved with the test and inspection of equipment for use in the hire industry. This could be ideal for anyone from the workshop team to depot managers. 

Husqvarna introduces the new Husqvarna K 970 – with semi-automatic belt tensioning system called SmartTension and a magnesium blade guard. Updates have also been made on the Rescue, Ring and Chain counterparts.

The Access Industry Forum (AIF), the forum for eleven of the leading trade associations and federations involved in height safety (including PASMA), has launched a new safety campaign with construction industry safety initiative, Working Well Together – Working Well at Height.

This story starts with a CanTrack client, a leading plant-hirer, reporting a stolen Thwaites 1 tonne site-dumper. The machine, fitted with a CanTrack Asset,was stolen inHammersmith, West London.

The HSE has produced some updated advice on the use of vibration monitoring equipment in response to a significant number of questions that have come through to the HSE’s concerns team.

Jaama is continuing its drive into the plant, equipment and tool hire sector with its industry-leading management software system.

Car salary sacrifice schemes and car or cash allowance programmes continue to have a key role to play within wide-ranging employee benefit packages despite the introduction of new rules from April 6, 2017, the ICFM’s inaugural Masterclass heard.

Activa Contracts has won a sole supply, full outsourcing deal with Hughes, one of the UK’s largest electrical retailers.

vGroup International has expanded its business partnership with fast-growing vehicle funding and fleet management specialist Fleet Alliance to include the supply of commercial vehicle accessories.

This short survey closes on Monday, 3 April, with results to be published in the May issue of IRN.

Morris Site Machinery are pleased to have been shortlisted in two categories for the Hire Awards of Excellence 2017.

The CITB’s National Specialist Accredited Centre awarded its Assessor of the Year award to Mark Priestman, for his practice as an assessor and his contribution to the specialist sector.

Nationwide Platforms has once again retained its position as the world’s largest IPAF provider after training 14,896 delegates in 2016. With IPAF registrations up 17% from 2015, it achieved the highest number of registrations ever recorded by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

Safe driving policies introduced by Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS), which have triggered a 26% fleet insurance premium saving, have seen it become the newest organisation to join the RoadSafe-managed and government-backed Driving for Better Business campaign as a business champion.

Fast-expanding and customer-focused Activa Contracts has won its first industry ‘Oscar’.

Leading fleet and asset management software company Jaama has further underlined its commitment to providing customers with sophisticated cutting-edge solutions with the appointment of a dedicated IT manager.

Morris Site Machinery is set to unveil its most comprehensive range of innovative power generation products at Plantworx on 6^thto 8^th June, from canopied rental and open set petrol generators to the latest lighting tower – the TL90 Ultimate.

Seddons Plant & Engineers Ltd has been shortlisted as one of only three suppliers across the whole of the Plant, Tool and Equipment Hire industry for the prestigious accolade of Supplier of the Year.

After months of hard work, inspHire is proud to introduce its recently launched global website. Cementing inspHire’s position as a leading promoter of hire software globally, with offices in the UK, USA, Netherlands and Australia.

According to the National Cyber Crime Unit, part of the National Crime Agency, cybercrime is something that should be on everybody’s radar, in any organisation, and all businesses need to understand the massive scale of cybercrime.

More efficient and streamlined with greater flexibility, this new version puts more control at the user’s fingertips.

Light commercial vehicle fleets can expect to cut operating costs following the launch by vGroup International of a new polypropylene lining panel set to transform the sector.

Fleets can expect diesel vehicle tax changes - and potentially increases - in the future as the government continues to develop its strategy to improve air quality.

Attention to detail and a straight-forward business approach has helped Ogilvie Fleet win a four-year full outsourcing contract to provide vehicles and a range of services to Hampshire-based Raymond Brown Construction.

A new incident management company is planning to shake up the UK market with its senior management team using their almost 100 years of collective fleet industry knowledge and experience to deliver cost savings and reduced vehicle downtime for businesses.

Jaama is continuing with its growth plans for 2017 creating more new positions within the business to accommodate the ever-growing demand for its products and services.

Fast-growing Fleet Service Great Britain (FSGB) has launched a driver app with a wealth of sophisticated cutting-edge features delivering 24/7 support to employees at the wheel of company vehicles.

Growth in the UK economy picked up through 2016. Employment has reached a record high of 31.8 million people, here's a summary of what was announced in the speech.

PASMA, the international not-for-profit authority for the mobile access tower industry, has announced the launch of the PASMA Safety at Height Advisory Panel – a new initiative designed to promote height safety and the safe use of mobile access towers.

Plant tracking specialist AMI Group has been shortlisted as one of the leading suppliers to the plant hire industry.

Following fundraising throughout 2016, AFI has now presented a cheque for £5,000 to the NSPCC.

Ambit is the first company to sign-up to ICFM’s newly-launched Corporate Investor Programme designed to further raise the standards of fleet industry professionals and overcome a skills and knowledge shortage inside many employers.

Jaama, the UK’s leading fleet industry asset management software system provider, will be showcasing new functionality introduced to its multi award-winning web-based vehicle, driver and workshop management solution Key2 at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show.

GAP Hire Solutions today announced the winners of their Under 16 Sports Club Sponsorship Competition. The seven winners selected from across the UK are...

Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) have announced the entries shortlisted for their prestigious 2017 Hire Awards of Excellence.

With an exciting new venue, fresh re-brand, dynamic theme and renewed focus, the Trade Fair & Convention 2017, organised by the Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA), is promising to be the event’s most ambitious outing to date.

PANIU are actively targeting organised criminal networks and their assets in order to make theft of plant and agricultural equipment as unattractive as possible.

PANIU regularly work in partnership with hire companies and we advise on crime prevention and awareness.

Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) today announced the entries shortlisted for its prestigious 2017 Hire Awards of Excellence, to be held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on Saturday 22^nd April 2017.

Fast-growing, award-winning fleet consultancy and advisory service Puddy Vehicle Solutions (PVS) continues to expand with the appointment of Kelly Podbury as business manager.

A Wilson Access track mount played a leading role at a historic concert hall and music venue – by helping contractors to inspect an auditorium ceiling.

MCS experienced a lot of interest in its MCS-rm hire management software application at the Executive Hire Show 2017. MCS used the show to launch its new embedded CRM system and new CRM Mobile app.

We have been made aware that there are spurious emails currently being sent out by an unknown third party which have been made to look like they have been sent by ourselves.  They are using our company logo and have been mocked up to look like one of our chasing emails.

GAP Event Services, a division of the equipment hirer GAP Hire Solutions, picked up a coveted Festival Supplier Award on 28th January at The Hurlingham Club, London. The Best Fencing / Hoarding award was presented to GAP’s Events team for their work at last summer’s V Festival.

AFI is further expanding its Super-Set fleet of large machines by purchasing two Genie SX-180s – Genie’s highest reaching self-propelled boom lift and one of the world’s largest.

This morning, 9^th February 2017, Hire Association Europe (HAE) has delivered a series of workshops and presentations as part of its SafeHire Information Zone, held within the Ricoh Arena’s Jaguar Suite, on the second day of the Executive Hire Show 2017.

A PETERLEE standards expert has been chosen to join a European trade association panel responsible for the safety of hired industrial equipment.

A new web-based company car or cash allowance calculator has been launched by Activa Contracts giving employers and employees in-depth analysis on the critical costs at the click of a button thereby simplifying the decision-making process.

It is with deep sadness that we announce long-term supporter of Hire Association Europe and our very dear friend, Jack Haymer, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday 7^th February 2017 aged 80

Since the launch of our Print-on-Demand service in 2013 over 100 members, large and small, have adopted the new service and benefitted from the easy to order process.

The new Makita EB7660TH back-pack blower has increased air flow and air speed, with the maximum power output speed from the innovative Makita MM4 75.6cc 4-stroke engine increased to 7,200rpm. Maximum air flow volume is raised to 20m³/min and the maximum air speed velocity increased to 92m/s.

With just a few days until the Executive Hire Show 2017 returns to the Ricoh Arena, Hire Association Europe (HAE) is promising a bigger, better and unmissable presence at the national exhibition for the tools, equipment and plant hire industry, than ever before.

In a further move that highlights AFI’s commitment to sustained growth, the company has appointed former Speedy Hire Managing Director David Graham as a Director.

AFI has extended its range of powered access machine familiarisation videos by producing videos to cover self drive truck and track mounts.The new videos will help operators familiarise themselves...

Brand new portable air-conditioner, the ACT-7, set to be Executive Hire Show show-piece for Calorex and Dantherm.

As from 2019, the STIHL Group will market the entire product line of garden tool manufacturer VIKING exclusively under the STIHL brand name.

MCS, the leading hire software expert, is to launchan embedded Customer Relationship Management (CRM)solution within leading MCS-rmhire management system at the Executive Hire Show 2017.

Makita continues to expand, refine and finesse the market leading 18v Lithium-Ion powered power tool range that has driven the brand to market leadership.

The UK access equipment market was estimated to have grown by 7% in 2015, followed by further growth of 4% in 2016, according to a new report released by AMA Research.

Dromad Hire is the first company in Ireland to add the new Hinowa 15m boom lift to its hire fleet.

The new Makita DUC353Z Twin 18v Brushless motor chainsaw sets new standards for cordless chainsaws and matches the logging performance of similar size petrol powered saws.

ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, is to host an industry summit from which its aims to provide HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) with data potentially leading to the publication of Advisory Fuel Rates for plug-in cars.

To uphold GAP Hire Solutions’ long-standing commitment to sustainable business practices, the company has relaunched their Green Action Plan.

STIHL is starting 2017 with a bang, hosting eight STIHL & VIKING dealer roadshows across Great Britainfrom 21^stFebruary – 16^thMarch.

As nominations open for this year’s Hire Awards of Excellence, organiser Hire Association Europe Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) has announced the awards has grown with two additional categories for 2017 and a new venue to host the growing number of guests.

The director of a plant hire firm who took the decision not to replace the broken boom on a MEWP that later failed, killing worker Gary Currie, was last week jailed for two years.

ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, has joined the new global Fleet Consortium Network to promote operating best practice internationally.

Site Equip, leaders in supplying welfare and sanitation to the events and construction industries, have promoted Amy Gilbert to Director with immediate effect.

Morris Site Machinery will spotlight the latest innovations in power, lighting and welding at the 2017 Executive Hire Show to help hirers grow their business and harness the full potential of their machines.

In the wake of its £4.5million sales success overseas in 2016, Morris Site Machinery is set to extend its footprint in Europe through its announcement that EuroGate International will be representing the SMC Light and Power brands...

From 18 – 19 January 2017,STIHL will be presenting LAMMA visitors with a raft ofbrand new, cutting-edge products to help busy farming professionals complete their everyday tasks easier.

UK rental company A-Plant has announced it has successfully retained the SafeHire quality mark certification.

GAP Group Ltd has announced the purchase of 130 new X ECO Lighting Towers from Trime formerly allocated to Hewden.

Powered access manufacturer Niftylift has been turning heads with its very unique take on the traditional Christmas tree this season.

2017 will mark the 45^th anniversary of the establishment of the UK sales, training and distribution centre for global power tool manufacturer Makita Corporation.

Members should note the Anti-Terrorist Hotline incident reporting number, 0800 789 321, which can be used by anyone who sees anything suspicious.

AFI has been awardedone star accreditationas a great company to work for as part of the prestigious Best Companies accreditation scheme.

Formerly a Hewden depot, the site in Malling Brooks Industrial Estate will remain open after being acquired by the GAP Group. The news follows last month’s announcement that Hewden had fallen into administration.

Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust (FACT) is an Essex coast-based charity that provides adventure and activities to thousands of children aboard a 1954 converted light vessel – Trinity House and the trust are indebted to a Calorex dehumidifier that has been servicing their ship for the past 27-years.

AP Hire Solutions has been awarded with the “Peter Capel” Cup and Corporate Supporter certificate to recognise their substantial fundraising contribution to the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.

A businessman was left baffled when police sent two officers to investigate his "sexy santas" - but failed to show up for a £12,000 burglary.

STAFF at family-run firm Astley Hire are doing their bit to lift spirits this Christmas after packing more than 100 shoeboxes with gifts for homeless people in Manchester.

With 2016 drawing to a close, GAP Group has enjoyed a record year with Kubota as their relationship continues to grow from strength to strength. By the end of this year, the UK’s leading independent equipment hirer will have taken in excess of 900 machines ranging in size from 0.8 tonne to 8.0 tonne.

A top sales representative who deals in industrial machinery for family-run Leigh firm Astley Hire, is enjoying success with her fun-loving alter ego - as a stand up comedian.

Drivers who tow trailers are being urged to carry out basic safety checks following the tragic death of 3-year-old Freddie Hussey. 

Some of the largest powered access machines from the AFI fleet were hired by contractors carrying out major remedial work to a coal conveyor at Cottam Power Station in Nottinghamshire.

Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s largest powered access rental company, has placed an order for 75 highly-specified delivery vehicles which have been specifically designed for the efficient and safe transportation of its full range of scissor lifts, boom lifts and low level access platforms.

In recognition of a supplier relationship with Speedy that has spanned almost 40 years, Seddons Plant & Engineers Ltd has been awarded a Special Relationship Award at the Speedy Expo, Speedy’s annual event for suppliers, clients and Speedy decision makers,which this year was hostedat the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

The STIHL Treetop Walkway has been awarded top gong in the Commercial and Leisure category of the 2016 Wood Awards. The 45^th edition of the awards were held at the Carpenters Hall in London, Wednesday 23^rd November, where the country’s most renowned lumber landmarks took the limelight.

Morris Site Machinery will spotlight the latest innovations in power, lighting and welding at the 2017 Executive Hire Show to help hirers grow their business and harness the full potential of their machines.

AFI is making substantial investments in the fleet of vehicles that deliver its powered access machines to sites throughout the UK. The company recently purchased 18 new delivery vehicles and a further 27 will join the fleet during the next 18 months.

Penny Mordaunt MP, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, Department for Work and Pensions, receives BSIF’s new report on Tackling Work Related Respiratory Illnesses.

A luxury residential swimming pool, which is efficiently heated by a Calorex heat pump, has taken the top spot at this year’s UK Pool & Spa Awards.

Jaama has rebranded its plant, equipment and tool hire management software and simultaneously introduced a range of sophisticated new features to boost business and user efficiencies.

We are pleased and excited to announce that Hire Station have been awarded full member status of The Lifting Equipment and Engineers Association (LEEA).

ICFM has launched a new Corporate Investor Programme designed to further raise the standards of fleet industry professionals and overcome a skills and knowledge shortage inside many employers.

vGroup International is calling on fleets across Britain to join its own staff, including top racing driver James Nash, in backing Road Safety Week and ‘make the pledge’ to drive safely.

The latest version of SafeHire, which is currently being adopted by all members before the end of 2017, was originally developed and written in 2010. As most members will understand there has been legislative changes over that period...

A well respected and popular independent hirer and founder member of Hire Association Europe, has died in the early hours of Friday 11^thNovember after a long and brave battle with cancer. 

2016 was a record year for apprentice recruitment at AFI – 28 young people began their careers with the company, working in roles throughout the business. The new record beat the previous high set by AFI in 2015 when it recruited 26 apprentices.

Wilson Access has taken delivery of a second Palfinger P570 truck mount and is planning to invest a further £2 million in its truck and track mount fleet during 2017.

The UK’s largest independent equipment hirer, GAP Hire Solutions, has launched its new and improved catalogue for 2017.

AFI has been shortlisted for two awards in a prestigious award scheme run by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) to recognise organisations that have implemented successful customer service strategies.

The changing face of fleet management was clearly visible at the prestigious 2016 ACFO Awards with three of the seven awards recognising plug-in cars.

Peter Stockton, Operations Director of construction plant tracking specialists AMI Group, has been officially appointed as a Board Member of Hire Association Europe (HAE), the industry-leading trade association for the plant and tool hire sector.

A fast growing independent hire business which competes with bigger national companies and requires reliable, quality equipment to maintain a competitive edge looks for the same commitment from its suppliers.

The Probst Scissor grab SG range must be considered the bench mark for block grabs. To help lift un-palletised packs of blocks/bricks/kerbs etc. on sites up and down the country. 

The 20% tax rate on building repairs has long been a thorn in the side of construction companies as it makes them uncompetitive against sole traders operating below the VAT threshold or cash-in-hand cowboys that often damage the reputation of the industry.

Mud soaked trails, impossibly steep inclines, freezing cold starts, John Deere Gators have proved themselves year after year as go-anywhere, dependable and reliable work vehicles.

Builders and landscapers working throughout the London city region are set to benefit from quick and easy access to mini-excavators thanks to a new partnership between tool and equipment hire specialists HSS Hire Group (“HSS Hire”) and construction equipment experts Kubota.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are unlikely to prove to be a cost-effective choice for fleets unless the importance of promoting a ‘green’ image overrides the increased cost of operation.

A 3 Tonne Kubota Excavator stolen from a construction site in Steeple, Southminster, has been successfully recovered some 20 miles away in Chelmsford thanks to the machine being protected with an AMI tracking device.

AFI has taken further steps to ensure that its hire fleet is one of the most modern and versatile in the UK by purchasing 12 additional large MEWPS in a £2million investment. During the past three years the company has invested over £50 million in its fleet.

Datatag ID Limited, the leading provider of security marking technology for the official CESAR Scheme, supported a two-day rural crime initiative in Northampton on 25^th& 26^th October.

Government should reveal company car benefit-in-kind tax rates on ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) until 2028/29 to enable long-term fleet planning, while also recognising vehicle lifecycles and product availability, according to ACFO.

Demand for Jaama’s industry-leading asset and driver management software is rocketing in the UK and internationally with revenues up 18% year-on-year.

Robert Halfon, minister of state for apprenticeships and skills, has signed up Paul Morrell to help determine the future shape of industrial training boards.

To meet increased demand for secure storage facilities, A-Plant’s Accommodation Division has enhanced its fleet of equipment by purchasing over 500 storage units manufactured by Containex.

A record number of delegates attended this year’s Working at Height Best Practice Forum, sharing their experiences and thoughts with like-minded professionals to help advance the safe operation of powered access, shape best practice and improve safety standards.

Holidaymakers at a Spanish hotel resort are enjoying improved swimming conditions in the hotel’s indoor pool following the installation of a Calorex environmental control system.

Business procurement is proving hugely influential in driving commercial vehicle fleets to place unprecedented levels of focus on at-work road safety, and some fleet decision-makers believe that spotlight should be extended to include company cars and motorcycles.

Fleets across the UK are being urged to equip their drivers with special service kits enabling them to easily check tyre pressure, tread and condition as new figures highlight the potentially fatal risk of cars and commercial vehicles fitted with illegal tyres.

Fleet consultancy and advisory service Puddy Vehicle Solutions (PVS) won the New Business of the Year title in the 2016 Somerset Business Awards after identifying how clients could make savings totalling more than £64 million.

The government has been warned that proposed cash-generating changes to salary sacrifice car schemes will have numerous “unintended consequences” notably hitting its own calls for fleets to operate low-emission vehicles.

Mather Stuart Power Solutions has made a two million-pound plus investment in enhancing its hire fleet of generators, ensuring the company offers some of the most efficient, innovative and quietest power generation units currently available on the market.

Makita has introduced two new 10mm battery powered staplers, which replace existing models, offering a host of advanced technical features.

From 2 – 3 November 2016,STIHL will be presentingSaltex visitors with its premium groundscare and professional products, including the much anticipated BR 700 blower and 7 series VIKING lawn mowers.

A Wilson Access truck mount and its operator faced a water challenge when working on Northampton Saints Rugby Club’s South Stand.

Whittle Programmed Maintenance had hired a 57m Palfinger P570 for a three week contract to clean cladding and structural supports at the South Stand.

The ever-expanding customer base of industry-leading asset and driver management software specialist Jaama has triggered the recruitment of two additional support analysts.

Taking place on 19^th – 20^th October, the popular show attracts almost 4500 event professionals and is the perfect showcase for EHA’s wide ranging bespoke products and services for event hirers and suppliers.

HAE member, Crestmoor Group, is about to open a new Plant and Tool Hire depot near its head office address in Wincanton.

Construction plant tracking specialist AMI Group has been applauded for its technological innovation by being shortlisted for the ‘Best Use of Technology’ award at the Nectar Small Business Awards 2016.

A-Plant’s Rapid Climate Control division has vastly expanded its fleet of heating equipment by placing a seven hundred and fifty thousand-pound order with Thermobile for the latest industrial indirect fired heaters.

The Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team has made a great start to this year’s Cycling World Championships in Qatar. In the stifling heat of Doha yesterday, the international women’s cycling team won the gold medal in the Team Time Trial.

Eve, one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the events industry, is celebrating after being crowned the ‘Events Services Supplier of the Year’ for Scotland.

Organised by the Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA), the Hire Convention returned to Loughborough’s Holywell Park on 21st – 22nd September, for its third outing. Boasting an impressive conference programme, with highly auspicious speakers from across the sector and leading players exhibiting, delegates were able to learn from, network and engage with many of the hire industry’s key players. Feedback, post-event has been incredibly positive from all those involved. 

That is the view of a number of the property professionals who were contacted by Development Finance Today regarding the outlook for SME housebuilders post-Brexit.

Construction plant tracking and recovery specialist AMI Group has announced major expansion plans which will further enhance the company’s development and design capabilities to provide innovative technological solutions in-house.

Jeremy joined the Group at the beginning of 2014 and has overseen a number of operational and commercial improvement programmes, strengthening Nationwide Platforms’s market position and delivering increased revenues and profitability during his time with the Group.

Nigel Cann has been working in nuclear power for more than 30 years, starting as an apprentice technician, later running Hinkley Point B power station in Somerset. For the last five years he has been helping EDF get ready to build Hinkley Point C.

Dust control is a health protection priority in all commercial undertakings, especially in construction with many related trade activities such as woodworking, concrete production, decoration and installation fixing.

Eve has invested in new modular trench crossings that provide customers with a system that can be rapidly deployed across any terrain.

Dromad Hire chooses Snorkel after a deal was concluded with Snorkel UK at vertical days 2016

The Dundalk-based company has taken delivery of a range of battery scissor lifts from Snorkel UK  – Ten units in total.

A-Plant has opened a new Lifting and Tool store on Batista Road, Burton-on-Trent, offering products and services from its rapidly expanding Tool Hire Express and FLG Services divisions.

Dundalk based company Dromad Hire adds two new additional support vans supplied by local Peugeot dealer Lynn motors.

A Yorkshire community which was devastated by severe floods is proactively fighting back against the elements with an order of specialist water pumps from Morris Site Machinery.

IPS Ireland, the Access Parts Specialists welcomes Paul McWilliams to their parts sales team. Paul will take up his new role immediately and will be a key figure in supporting both new and existing accounts.

There is a phishing email currently in circulation that claims to be from the City of London Police. The departments that it claims to represent include the ‘Fraud Intelligence Unit’ and the ‘National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’.

Following a comprehensive review of the Hinkley Point C project, and a revised agreement with EDF, the Government has decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power station for a generation.

The Police Service of Scotland is investigating a scheme involving several companies which have been set up for the purposes of committing fraud. The company identities are used to obtain goods on credit including plant equipment, high value cars, vans, bulk fuel containers, fuel cards, portakabins and shipping containers. The goods are thereafter stolen.

The building services engineering sector - which makes up 40 per cent of the UK’s construction and maintenance industry - believes it will successfully weather the outcome of Brexit over the next few years.

The official CESAR Scheme passed another landmark as the 225,000^thsystem was fitted to a machine belonging to the popular BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.

Leading light and power supplier Morris Site Machinery will focus on products that open up A World of Possibilities at the 2016 Showman’s Show.

Dromad Hire takes delivery two new Skyjack 4740 battery scissor lifts, which were launched earlier in the year at Vertikal Days.

A HAE EHA member based in the South West has been in touch to report a story relating to card payment fraud, as a warning to other members.

AFI has gained Achilles UVDB (Utilities Vendor Database) accreditation, enabling them to join the biggest utilities supplier online management community in the UK.

A Mini Digger stolen from Scunthorpe General Hospital has been successfully found thanks to the installation of a state-of-the-art tracking device from AMI Group.

GT Trax, the Cambridgeshire based specialist hirer of temporary roadways and walkways, have taken delivery of a Multi-One 10.8 articulated loader.

A new welder with some serious bite will be launched by leading Midlands manufacturer, Morris Site Machinery at the 2016 Hire Convention.

Dundalk based company IPS Ireland also known as the ‘access parts specialists’ have increased their vehiclefleet with the addition of a new parts van.

Members are advised to be aware of fraudulent activity relating to Hodgson Tool Hire Ltd.

In the week commencing 29 August 2016 a HAE member based in the East Midlands was contacted by a lady calling herself “Mandy Berry” claiming to be from Hodgson Tool Hire Ltd., enquiring about a quantity of wet and dry Vacuum cleaners.

AMI Group was invited to appear after being identified as one of the companies spearheading the fight against plant theft and at the forefront of the recovery process.

It has been officially confirmed that equipment supplied by Seddons Plant & Engineers Ltd will be used to help try and smash the world land speed record by the target date of October 2017, 20 years after the existing world record of 763mph was set.

MasterCard have announced that they're introducing a new series of BINs that begin with a 2.

Following the success of last year’s Hire Convention, it is set to return to Loughborough’s Holywell Park from 21st – 22nd September 2016. Organised by Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) it will focus on the important issues currently facing the Hire industry, with an increase in delegates and exhibitors expected. 

The government has just published proposals for a new funding model for apprenticeships and further details on the apprenticeship levy.

The capabilities of a Wilson Access track mount were put to the test to overcome a number of challenges facing contractors at the Clifton Observatory in Bristol.

The first recruit has joined a graduate recruitment and training programme established by Jaama, the UK’s leading fleet and asset management software supplier.

The Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA) has today announced that they will be introducing the first ever ILM Level Five programme in Leadership and Management for the Hire Industry.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) has today launched a Call for Evidence on the refocus of the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy (NIES). The comments received in response to this call for evidence document will inform the development of the refocus of the Executive’s Economic Strategy.

Ever-increasing demand from vehicle rental and leasing companies, fleet operators and the plant hire industry for Jaama’s cutting-edge software solutions continues to fuel the recruitment of additional staff.

The London Underground, part of Transport for London, has joined the Ladder Association, the trade body representing the ladder industry in the UK and Ireland.

Contractors working at Derby County FC’s Pride Park Stadium hired some of the largest boom lifts in the AFI fleet for apainting contract at the Championship club.

HSE is reviewing the requirements in health and safety legislation for the inspection or thorough examination of work plant and equipment.

Leading Midlands manufacturer, Morris Site Machinery is flying the flag for Britain overseas having secured over £3.5 million worth of international orders in one month as it further strengthens its ambitions and growth into global markets.

With just two months until the Hire Convention 2016 opens its doors, organiser Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA) has announced the speaker line-up for day one.

Sophisticated web-based fleet management software systems significantly reduce the amount of time company decision-makers spend on administration tasks relating to vehicles and their drivers.

AFI can now deliver powered access machines direct to contractors working at Gatwick Airport after being granted airside approval by the airport.

Following a review of the CITB NI Tier 1 grant scheme during the 2015/16 year, CITB NI will be implementing some changes to the grants that they make available for registered employers. These changes will take effect from 01 September 2016.

There is a vacancy within HAE Member company County Hire, for an adaptable, outgoing person to work as part of a small friendly team committed to providing an effective, personal service to Trade and D.I.Y. customers.

Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) has this month announced the official launch of its SafeHire Certification.

This month HAE EHA is launching the new quarterly Hire Barometer survey to help measure the pulse of the sector.

Makita has carried out a fundamental redesign of the drive mechanism of the cordless reciprocating saws by aligning the drive crank and con-rod with the motor shaft and blade holder. This new layout delivers greater stroke performance and reduces vibration in operation.

Dromad Hire takes delivery of multiple Skyjack machines. The delivery includes a range of battery scissor lifts ranging from 19ft to 39ft along with a rough terrain 9250 diesel scissor, as part of their ongoing investment plan throughout 2016.

Next April will see the introduction of the Government’s new Apprenticeship Levy (AL). Just under 600 companies (at a group level) will have to pay the AL as well as the CITB Levy.

Hillhead Exhibition Buxton, 28^th June. GAP Hire Solutions, the UK's leading independent hirer, has today announced its adoption of the CanTrack Asset telematics solution for use on a wide range of plant and machinery.

Calorex has underpinned its position as a leading problem solver in the field of commercial drying and dehumidification, following the expansion of its portable drying range.

These consist of five, two-day sessions, with an additional third day at the start of the course to help learners understand how to write and reference coursework.

Wilson Access tracked mounted access platforms were hired by contractors working on one of the most thrill-seeking theme park rides at Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire.

Makita introduces six new heavy duty mains angle grinders in 110v and 240v formats each with a powerful 2,000w motor; three machines have 180mm diameter wheels and three have 230mm wheels.

PAL Hire have announced their latest initiative to engage the workforce at their headquarters in Cheadle Hulme.

The event and site set-up specialist have decided to give power to their employees by forming a team, named PETE; PAL’s Engagement Team of Employees.

HSS Hire Group plc (“HSS Hire”), the leading national supplier of tool, equipment and related services in the UK and Ireland, has opened its largest ever customer distribution centre in Wales, creating up to 65 new jobs over the next three years. 

Dromad Hire chooses Snorkel after a deal was concluded with Snorkel UK at vertical days 2016. The Dundalk-based company has taken delivery of two Snorkel AB38E machines.

Dundalk based company Dromad Hire recently invested in a specialised purpose built truck from local Scania dealer Granco Ltd. The new truck which was designed and built especially/specifically for the company will improve the nationwide distribution of plant and powered access equipment. 

Ashtead Plant Hire Company Limited (‘A-Plant’), part of FTSE 100 company Ashtead Group plc, and Lion Trackhire Limited (‘Lion Trackhire’) have signed a definitive agreement with Lion Trackhire’s shareholders Carl Springthorpe and Dale Robinson to acquire Lion Trackhire, a temporary access and flooring solution provider.

The Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) has agreed to provide simple information to small/domestic clients and developers to address any NI specific issues in relation to the up and coming Construction (Design & Management) (CDM) Regulations (NI) 2016.

Merger Results in One of the Largest Hire Software Companies Worldwide

Today, US-based Point of Rental, Inc., announced the acquisition of UK-based Syrinx by Higher Concept Software, merging two industry leaders in rental management software. Point of Rental currently serves over 2700 customer locations in more than 33 countries, but with the addition of Syrinx’s 2000 customers in more than 10 countries, this merger makes Point of Rental one of the largest rental software providers in the world.

At the beginning of each new financial year, there are changes made to taxes. These can have a huge impact on companies, sometimes introducing measures that will benefit a business, and some that require a period of intense planning to ensure minimal damage to a company. This year, the Budget had some unexpected announcements for businesses. According to Chancellor George Osborne, this year's tax reforms would be a “Budget for small business”.

Impacts to the Rental and Construction Industries

I was sitting in a round table discussion about big data at the European Rental Association convention in Stockholm earlier this month. The topic on the table was big data, how it can be effectively used within the rental industry to deliver benefit to both the rental business and rental customers. The discussion was fascinating, not least because 2 main themes developed even before the topic was really addressed.

Leading site machinery distributor and manufacturer Morris Site Machinery has recruited a new team member for its Parts and Servicing Depot in Aylesford as demand for its services grows.

Despite torrential rain and the attraction of the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship, Jaama is confident that discussions held with stand visitors will trigger an increase in sales of its industry-leading Key2 Hire Management software for plant and vehicle assets.

Makita, Britain’s number one professional power tool manufacturer, is targeting the commercial cleaning industry with two new vacuum cleaning machines which join the extensive range of mains and cordless dust extraction units, cordless vacuum cleaners and air blowers suitable for a wide range of industries from construction to grounds care and property maintenance.

The Event Hire Association (EHA) has launched anew website that will deliver their members a host of new benefits. The single page solution boasts easier navigation and increased functionality, improving the user experienceand allowing them to take full advantage of the association’s substantial portfolio of products and services for eventhirers and suppliers.

The Hire Association Europe (HAE) has launched anew website that will deliver their members a host of new benefits. The single page solution boasts easier navigation and increased functionality, improving the user experienceand allowing them to take full advantage of the association’s substantial portfolio of products and services for hirers and suppliers.

Saturday the 25^th of June was Armed Forces Day and to show our support for these brave men and women, members of staff at Niftylift’s Milton Keynes and Hoyland sites gathered together to #SaluteOurForces.

Following months of development work and consultation with customers, equipment tracking specialist AMI Group has launched a vastly enhanced version of the company’s AMI Nexis web-based software portal which is used in conjunction with the company’s tracking devices.

A new beginning for the hire industry starts here and now the referendum is over we can move forward.  Graham Arundell, Managing Director, HAE EHA had this to say

Increasing the profitability of your company can be achieved in a couple of ways, whether it’s by building your sales or reducing running costs. Profit is the ultimate goal of all businesses and should be carefully monitored.

As we awake to the news that the UK has voted to leave the EU, the UK construction industry must see beyond the uncertainty and embrace both the change and new opportunities that will arise. UK Construction Week's Event Director, Nathan Garnett comments on behalf of Media 10.

Seddons Plant & Engineers Ltd has launched a new Parts and Accessories Catalogue featuring hundreds of replacement parts for Honda engines, construction equipment such as the Stihl TS410 cut-off saw and Taskman Pressure Washers, as well as workshop consumables.

An alert has been sent from Marsh Plant Hire Limited in Havant, Hampshire, regarding a fraud perpetrated by Star Finance.

Young Sea Cadets at the Derwenthaugh Boat Station are enjoying the benefits of dry buoyancy clothing and equipment for training sessions, thanks to a specialist Calorex dehumidifier.

Equipment tracking specialist AMI Group has been named ‘Best for After-Theft Recovery Technology and Recognised Leaders in Plant Security Systems - UK’ as part of the esteemed 2016 Technology Innovator Awards.

Leading fleet management software supplier Jaama has strengthened its customer support team with the appointment of a further two support analysts.

Seddons Plant & Engineers Ltd teamed up with Myerscough College to enable the college’s arboriculture staff and students to tree climb the equivalent of the height of Mount Everest to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The largest truck mount in the Wilson Access fleet was signed up for Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium to help with the installation of a new state-of-the art video screen.