The Hireman is thrilled to announce two significant milestones: the opening of our newest depot in Rochester, Kent, and a significant expansion of our range of powered access. These milestones are part of our ongoing mission to provide an unparalleled tool hire service for our customers in the construction industry.

Expanding our reach and range

The new Kent depot will support our existing operation, enabling us to deliver better customer service. In addition to offering our usual range of tools and equipment locally, it will be a regional hub for our expanding range of powered access, plant, and machinery, serving London and the South East. It’s also our new central workshop for all our major repairs, which will improve our efficiency and quality.

“Some of our best people live in and around Kent, and when you add great transport links and the availability of warehousing with yard space, it made sense for us to have a base here and create a hub for powered access and our main workshop. So, this expansion is about improving our efficiency, quality and service, just as much as it’s about reaching new customers in Kent and East Sussex. Next year, we’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary and I think this longevity is because we’ve always kept our customers and our people at the heart of everything we do.” Neil Graham, Managing Director

A new depot, main workshop and powered access hub

The new Kent depot will be a dedicated hub for our new range of powered access from Snorkel. We’re particularly excited about the new S3013 Mini and the S2755RTE rough terrain scissor lift. The Mini is designed for applications where a very small footprint is required and yet this all-electric scissor achieves a 19 ft working height. The rough terrain scissor achieves a working height of 33 ft and is equipped with lithium battery drive for clean and quite operation both indoor and outdoor, making this a very adaptable piece of access equipment. We’ve also invested in the popular S3219 and S3226 scissors, with 25 ft and 32 ft working heights respectively. The new depot will support our existing network of depots by distributing larger access equipment throughout London, the Home Counties, and beyond. This strategic expansion allows us to offer a broader range of high-quality equipment tailored to our clients’ diverse requirements.

“The opening of our new depot is very exciting. Being involved in the project’s inception means you build a certain bond with the depot, making you very proud once the doors open for business. This new site has a bigger yard than the London depots, allowing us to run a fleet of larger plant and powered access. As a data-nerd, I’m looking forward to analysing the trends and seeing how the depot grows over the coming months and years, and we’ll fine-tune our product range to suit.” Paul Scott, Head of Digital

“Recently, we took delivery of our largest CapEx investment in one order, a wide range of Snorkel electric scissor lifts, including a model which is brand new to the market: the S3013 Mini. To further support this investment, we have broadened our range of delivery vehicles with the addition of 8 new HGVs to deliver the access units and other larger orders to professional contractors across the South-East. As Head of Procurement & Facilities, the new depot has been a project particularly close to my heart, and if I dare say so myself…one of our best yet! Please feel free to stop by and see it, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome.” Alex Milne, Head of Procurement & Facilities

“Not all hire companies are the same in terms of service and quality, which is where we stand out. So, I’m confident that we’ll be a huge success with existing and new clients alike in Kent. Not just that, but this depot is a powered access hub for us, complementing our Xtra division, which has shown us how important these products are to our customers.” David Golledge, Commercial Director

Contact our Kent depot team today for excellent service, quality equipment and fair prices. Our experts are here to help you find the right solutions for your projects, big or small.

We are thrilled to announce that The Hireman’s Chris Harrison has recently become a PASMA Instructor. A well-deserved congratulations is in order and we look forward to seeing Chris delivering training courses soon!

The Hireman is a PASMA-accredited training provider, offering a range of Health & Safety courses including first aid, manual handling and abrasive wheel training. Our training is provided at one of our state-of-the-art centres, or we can provide training at your place of work where appropriate.

If you are interested in becoming PASMA Certified and would like to book any of the following courses with Chris, please get in touch.
• Towers for Users
• Low-Level Access
• Combined Towers for Users and Low-Level Access
• Work at Height (Novice)

For further information. Contact us on 0207 232 5640 or email us at [email protected]

We are excited to announce that The Hireman is expanding by opening its fourth depot, in Kent. This new hire hub will support our existing operation and increase our reach and range throughout London and the South East. It’s a demonstration of our commitment to improving the service we offer our customers, by upscaling our business, increasing our service area, and diversifying our range of equipment.  

“This expansion will improve our service levels throughout London, the Home Counties, and beyond. It’s exciting because we’re growing with and supporting our customers, while also attracting many more with our personal approach to customer service.

I also believe that hire is an important circular business model, crucial to our environmental and sustainability goals as a nation, and I’m therefore delighted to be able to grow a business that can have such a positive impact towards achieving those goals”.

Neil Graham, Managing Director at The Hireman

With the upcoming launch of our Kent depot, customers can also anticipate an even wider selection of equipment. Our growing vehicle fleet will enable us to cover more miles and increase our deliveries and collections every month. In addition, an all-new selection of plant, machinery and powered access will be rolling into our depots to accommodate the growing demand in our industry. 

“The Hireman are extending our reach with this new venture into Kent. The ability to provide same day deliveries with first rate equipment, into Kent is something we have been looking at for a long time. Existing customers and new will be benefiting from this brilliant location”. 

Nick Goodwin, Depot Manager

Follow us for more updates on our grand opening, where we’ll showcase our facility and an extensive array of tools and equipment. 

For more details on The Hireman’s expansion into Kent and ongoing updates, please visit our website. 

The Benefits & Uses of Powered Access Platforms.

Powered access platforms are one of the most recognised and used types of access equipment in the construction industry. Their popularity is due to how they provide a mobile solution for working at height, as they feature an elevated platform which starts at ground level and can be raised to a desired height.

Access platforms come in a variety of sizes and have several different mechanisms.

The two most common types of powered access platforms are often scissor lifts and boom lifts or ‘cherry pickers’. Scissor lifts (and mast lifts) perform a lifting motion allowing the operator to work beneath or next to where the machine is positioned. Alternatively, boom lifts are not limited to vertical travel but can move in a wide range of directions allowing them to bridge obstacles.

At The Hireman, we have a broad range of access platforms to enable you to work at height. Our range consists of both powered and manual lift platforms as well as push-around and self-propelled platforms. Our Xtra service grants us further access (pun intended) to any kind of platform you may require. Whether you’re working outdoors or in tight restricted spaces, we’ll have a platform for you. Here are some of the key benefits that access platforms have over more traditional solutions such as scaffolding, aluminium towers and ladders:

Increase Efficiency

Access platforms allow workers to reach high areas quickly, safely and with minimal manual labour reducing the time, effort and physical strain required to complete tasks.

Improved Safety 

Access platforms have built-in safety features, such as guardrails and automatic levelling, reducing the risk of injury to workers.

Versatility 

Being simple to operate, our access platforms can be used in a variety of industries and applications such as construction, maintenance, and event setup.

Increased Productivity 

Workers can complete tasks at height faster and with more precision, increasing overall productivity.

Cost Savings 

Hiring powered access platforms can be more cost-effective in the long term compared to traditional methods such as scaffolding, as they require less manual labour and maintenance.

Some new additions to the fleet

Demand has significantly increased for our micro access platform range over the last few years. We have increased our range to cater for the specific requirements of our customers, here are four of the new additions:

IQ PRO

The IQ LIFT PRO 10 is a reliable access solution for working at height. This push-around scissor lift provides safe low-level access and can withstand everyday use on-site. It has a market-leading, intelligent feedback system, a long battery life and a sophisticated control unit that monitors lift performance.

HIRE YOURS NOW

ELS 5.5

The ELS 5.5 Junior micro scissor lift is one of our tallest, push-around, powered access lifts. It is compact and lightweight, allowing use on mezzanines whilst fitting through standard doorways and into most elevators.  It is perfect for installation and maintenance tasks, where the user needs to move from one area quickly and easily to another.

HIRE YOURS NOW

Snorkel

The Snorkel S3010P push-around micro scissor lift is perfect for low-level access, offering proven productivity and safety benefits over ladders, podiums, and steps. This lightweight and compact unit is ideal for indoor working at height applications with a robust design suitable for construction applications. The model also features a wider cage and saloon doors to assist operators.

HIRE YOURS NOW

Navigator 4.5 and 6

The Navigator is a manual-powered push-around scissor lift with an impressive working height of 4.5m or 6m. Operated by the handle, the zero-emissions machine has no motors or batteries meaning zero downtime, this also makes it ideal for enclosed and clean environments, but being wind-rated it can also operate outside or in unsealed buildings.\

HIRE YOURS NOW

With access to a wide variety of access solutions, we can get you whatever you need, if you can’t see what you are looking just ask one of the team.

National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is here, and The Hireman want to celebrate the growing success of our first ever apprenticeships!

Did you know that apprenticeships in the UK date back to medieval times? The first national apprenticeship system of training was introduced in 1563, under which skilled craftsmen, or ‘masters’, would take on up to three apprentices for a minimum of seven years, providing them with bed and board but no wages. 

Take a hop skip and a jump to 1986 when the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) was introduced to assess the work-based competencies of apprentices. New minimum standards introduced in 2012 required all apprenticeships to last at least a year, provide 30 hours’ employment a week, offer guided learning and training in maths and English. 

We have come a rather long way since the 16th century! Today apprenticeships are an increasingly worthwhile path for people looking to gain valuable on-the-job knowledge and skills in specific industries while also earning a salary.

Why National Apprenticeship Week is important

Now in its 15th year, National Apprenticeship Week showcases the impact and benefits apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies in England. 

It celebrates how technical education can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and encourages employers to create a workforce with future-ready skills. 

The National Apprenticeship Week theme for 2022 is ‘Build the Future’. This theme links to the key pillars of the government Build Back Better framework:

TRAIN – Future-proofing our workforce and careers through apprenticeships.

RETAIN – Apprentices gaining the skills and knowledge businesses need, learning the business’s values and making an impact, and allowing companies to develop the future workforce and talent.

ACHIEVE – Realising the career progression and business benefits available and seeing how apprenticeships can help transform peoples’ futures.

Growing The Hireman family

At the beginning of 2021, after a challenging period for all UK industries, we decided it was time to welcome a new generation to The Hireman family and recruit our first-ever apprentices. 

Our HR & people manager Michelle worked hard to find suitable courses and training providers that would strengthen and support the business, integrate with the created roles and ensure our foundations were strong for the learning journey ahead. 

The Hireman have a long tradition of developing talent and rewarding those with a continuous commitment to learning by creating opportunities to move into different areas of the business, nurturing our peoples’ skills, strengths and interests, and as a result, providing an ideal environment for any apprentice to succeed and thrive in.

Thoughts from our apprentices

In 2021, we welcomed six apprentices to the business to support our warehouse and driving teams and our finance team. We invited them to share what they are enjoying about their experience so far:

‘I feel like I’m doing something useful with my time and that I’m even becoming competent at something. It’s also made me more certain in my goals for the future. I’ve learnt to keep organised, prioritise different kinds of work and problem solve on the job. I’m more confident now that I can adapt to new situations’ Sunbul, Business Administration & Accounts Apprentice

‘I am enjoying the sense of responsibility. In previous jobs, I felt like a run around with no ownership of work. I now have times when I am managing my own work and I feel trusted in my ability to get things done. Working with other people has helped me with communication. When I first started, I was nervous but after a week I felt like I was at home. My organisation has improved, inside and out of work. I’ve sorted myself out and I now have a structure. I am more confident in myself since joining. The most important thing I’ve learnt so far is about mentality. You’ve got to have the right mentality to say ‘I can do this’.’ Ali (a.k.a Ozzie), Warehouse & Logistics Apprentice

‘I enjoy the fact that I am challenged every day here. No one day comes with the same tasks; there is always a problem that needs solving and I feel my input is greatly valued. Not to mention the bonds I have made with everyone. It’s a great big family that I am proud to be a part of. The comradery here is what most sports teams wish they had. Since moving into the workshop, I happily learn something new every week to sharpen my skills. If there is something you don’t know or you are unaware of there is always someone to educate you in the nicest way possible. I feel fully supported here and I’m grateful for the kindness they’ve shown me.’ Michael (aka Mikey), Warehouse & Logistics Apprentice

 

Thoughts from The Hireman higher-ups

As our apprentices have been working their way through their course material and building their practical knowledge and skills, their teams and managers have also benefitted from this learning experience. 

South general depot manager Nick shared ‘I have been overwhelmed with positive feedback about our apprentices. They have thrown themselves into a brand-new environment without holding back. They have absorbed information like sponges and are already working to such a high standard. This has opened my eyes to the fact that people outside of our industry can come in and learn the trade very quickly and become a great asset to the business.’ 

The wider teams have embraced the process too, as described by City general depot manager Noel, ‘I have seen our people spending extra time and effort in helping them. The team are excited about our new joiners as we get to pass on our knowledge to them, knowing they have joined us with the intention to learn all they can about our industry. ‘ 

Accounts supervisor Kirsty shared, ‘The apprentices themselves have also been so motivated to learn and develop in the roles which has been so refreshing to see. The impact on our team has been overwhelmingly positive. The team is quite established, and Sunbul has fitted so well into that dynamic. It has also brought a fresh perspective to the department; we are looking more closely at tasks and asking if things can be done differently or more efficiently, and she is also able to have input in that, putting her own stamp on things.’

The Hireman is proud to be investing in the future

Our apprentices have become valued members of their teams, and their confidence and ability are growing day by day. They have shown their enthusiasm for learning, willingness to get stuck in and aspirations to progress in their careers. 

Warehouse & logistics apprentice Michael has moved into the service centre workshop where he has shown a real affinity with the work and a keen interest in training to be a fitter. 

Warehouse & logistics apprentice Molly is approaching the endpoint assessment of her apprenticeship but is keen to continue her training to become a driver. A little bit of Hireman history could also be made as Molly would be our first female delivery driver!

The introduction of apprenticeships has been an invaluable endeavour for everyone at The Hireman, and it’s safe to say we are looking forward to creating more opportunities for apprentices to build their future with us.

For more from our managers and apprentices, keep an eye out on LinkedIn for our #NAW2022 posts 

‘If you or someone you know would be interested in an apprenticeship with The Hireman, you can get in touch with our training provider Weir Training or visit our website.’