Britain’s leading plant and equipment hire company is celebrating after sweeping the board at the Hire Awards of Excellence 2018.
A-Plant beat off stiff competition to scoop the coveted title of Plant, Tool & Equipment Hire Company of the Year (Turnover over £10 million) for the third time in five years. The company’s specialist temporary access division, Live, took home the award for Event Industry Equipment Hire Company of the Year and A-Plant Chief Executive, Sat Dhaiwal, was recognised for his commitment to the industry, receiving the esteemed Chairman’s Award.
Hire Association Europe is the industry-leading trade association for the plant and tool hire sector. The company’s annual Hire Awards of Excellence celebrate the achievements of hire and supply companies across the UK and crucial recognition is also given to outstanding individuals who consistently stand out from the crowd, achieving and setting some of the highest standards in the industry.
To be nominated in the Plant, Tool & Equipment Hire Company of the Year category companies had to demonstrate that they had achieved commercial success through: The provision of stimulating and supportive workplaces, the active development of all of their employees, a sustainable approach to business and the adoption of company values and procedures by all employees.
Richard Thomas, Chief Executive Designate at A-Plant, believes the company’s commitment to employee training and investment in new equipment secured their win. He said: “We are thrilled to walk away with such a prestigious title for a third time. The HAE does a lot of important work for our industry so to have our team’s hard work and achievements recognised by them is a fantastic honour.
“Over the past 12 months our service centre network has grown by almost 20 per cent to 185 locations and we are employing more people than ever before. We provide a highly supportive workplace for our valued colleagues and have carried out a huge 15,000 training days for our staff over the last 12 months. Over the past two years we have also invested £300 million in new rental equipment ensuring that our customers can hire the youngest, safest and most environmentally efficient equipment in the UK.”
Through organic growth and strategic acquisition of specialist businesses, A-Plant has developed a total of 16 market-leading divisions. Live, the company’s specialist temporary access division, was awarded Event Industry Equipment Hire Company of the Year.
During 2017, Live, who provide effective temporary solutions within the events, energy and infrastructure sectors, supplied equipment for around 1,000 outdoor events. Many of their customers also renewed multi-year contracts, including Cheltenham Festival, the National Ploughing Championships and Open Golf.
Thomas explained: “Live was officially formed on 1st January 2017 following a merger of Eve and Lion Trackhire. Reflecting the formation of two of the most successful companies in the events sector, the progress made has been remarkable. We have completed a major integration plan, restructured the business, rebranded, refurbished offices, invested in new stock and vehicles and improved depot locations. Live now has a stockholding of 250km of trakway, 200km of barriers and fencing and 350 experts working for the business.”
Special mention was given to A-Plant Chief Executive, Sat Dhaiwal, who was presented with the prestigious Chairman’s Award.
Sat, who retires this year, joined A-Plant in 1992 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2002. During his time with the company he has spearheaded many important initiatives, championing health and safety across the rental industry and also the development of people to reach their full potential.
Talking about his commendation, Sat said: “I had absolutely no idea that I’d been selected for this year’s Chairman’s Award, so the announcement came as a complete surprise on the evening. Receiving such a prestigious award is a great honour, I am absolutely over the moon.”
BBC sports journalist and former winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Chris Hollins, presented the awards during a glittering awards ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
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