On 15th October 2024, eight independent hire companies formed a new trade association known as ‘Hire United’.
- The inaugural meeting in Towcester marked the establishment of a collective aimed at pooling resources and enhancing market influence.
- Brett Thompson from Alide Hire Services was elected as chairman, with Mike Webb as chief executive and Ben Jones from Plantool as vice-chair.
- The association seeks to support independent firms by strengthening purchasing power and facilitating cross-hire opportunities.
- Hire United aims to fill the gaps left by existing associations, offering a democratic structure that prioritises members’ needs.
On 15th October 2024, eight independent plant and tool hire companies came together in Towcester to inaugurate a new trade association, ‘Hire United’. This move marks a significant step for these businesses as they aim to support each other in a competitive market by pooling resources and enhancing their collective bargaining power. The founding members are Alide Hire Services, Beaver Tool Hire, Hire & Supplies, Mark 1 Hire, Mr Plant Hire, Plantool, Rocket Rentals, and UK Tool Hire, operating approximately 30 depots across the UK.
Brett Thompson, representing Alide Hire Services, was elected chairman of the association. Mike Webb assumed the role of chief executive, while Ben Jones from Plantool was appointed vice-chair. This leadership is tasked with steering the association towards achieving its goals of resource sharing and market strengthening. Brett Thompson expressed optimism, stating, “This is a fantastic opportunity for independent companies to work together, share expertise, and strengthen our position in the market.”
The formation of Hire United is driven by a need to provide tailored support to independent hire companies that existing associations may not fully address. According to Mike Webb, “Hire United was created by the founder members to meet the specific needs of independent tool and plant hire companies.” This new association is distinctively democratic, focusing on ensuring that its members’ needs are prioritised, a feature that Webb highlights as crucial for the success and growth of smaller businesses.
The association’s strategy involves not only enhancing purchasing power but also creating cross-hiring opportunities among members, thereby fostering a supportive and collaborative community. This initiative is expected to elevate the service quality and operational efficiency of its members, making them more competitive within the industry. Mike Webb emphasises the association’s commitment to sharing best practices and improving access to deals and resources.
When questioned about the necessity of this new group, given the existence of several hire associations such as Hire Association Europe (HAE), Webb explained that ‘Hire United’ is specifically designed to address the gaps experienced by independent firms. Its creation allows these companies to build closer partnerships and benefit from industry deals tailored to smaller enterprises, a need that Webb asserts was clearly identified by the founding members.
Hire United is set to transform how independent plant and tool hire companies collaborate and compete in the market.
