Executive Hire Show celebrates successful return

Visitors from the hire sector attended the event to expand their fleets with new products and to discover the latest innovations and launches from the diverse range of exhibitors at the show to help them succeed in the year ahead.

Indeed, according to Plantworx News’ sister publication IRN, visitors to the event described the outlook for the UK construction equipment rental market as optimistic.

Exhibitors told IRN strong demand in the UK market was driven primarily by requirements for low carbon emissions equipment.

Underlying drivers also included a steady steam of projects, including housing and major infrastructure projects such as the HS2 high speed rail initiative.

Construction equipment deals

Sunbelt Rentals UK and generator supplier Shindaiwa UK announced a deal between the two companies, where Sunbelt purchased in excess of 100 Shindaiwa Eco Hybrid 300 welder generator machines, which offer 60% reduced fuel consumption and 50% reduced CO2 emissions.

Engineering innovators and first-time exhibitors, Dragon Equipment, announced the appointment of Boss Plant Sales Ltd as its official dealer for London and the Southeast of England at the Show.

(Photo: EHS)

Despite being a relatively young business Dragon Equipment is already making an impact in the market through its innovative products and a unique approach to the on-site recycling of concrete, brick, asphalt, and paving.

Milwaukee and Speedy announced an exclusivity deal within the UK hire industry for the MX Fuel product range.

As part of the new deal, Speedy will now invest across the low carbon MX Fuel product range, which includes the demolition hammer, cut-off saw and diamond core drill among a great many other MX Fuel tools.

Construction product launches

There were a record number of new product launches at the show with a strong focus on environmental solutions including a huge increase in electric and hybrid machines on display.

Those that explored new power options or introduced technologies that improved safety, security and productivity in the workplace were celebrated on the Innovation Trail: ECO Live stage, which was presented by construction industry specialist Peter Haddock. This year’s Innovation Trail was sponsored by MHM Group.

Italian lighting manufacturer Trime was pushing the net-zero agenda. The company has been quick to embrace battery, solar and hybrid technologies too. All of which are embodied in the X-Solar Hybrid lighting tower it showcased on the Innovation Trail

(Photo: EHS)

In combining a 335W solar panel, a 24V AGM battery and a fuel-efficient diesel engine, the new unit is able to run for 3000 hours before the 300-litre tank needs to be refilled. Additionally, the X-Solar Hybrid produces low noise and low CO2 emissions, and is able to illuminate an area of 2400sqm.

JCB’s product selection was firmly focused on electrical equipment. Several such items were prominently displayed, and its substantial new battery-powered E-Tech telehandler took pride of place.

Visitor attendance

As in previous years, the EHS team has spent the past few days qualifying and verifying attendance figures, removing non-exhibiting-suppliers, members of the press, and other visitor types.

Commenting on the attendance of the show, Chris Moore Executive Hire Show, publishing and events director, said, “After going through the visitor list with a fine-tooth comb, we are delighted to confirm that the 2022 show attracted 1,901 relevant hire industry visitors, which is 23 higher than the 2020 show.

“All hire industry visitors were from national and independent operations, which is again consistent with previous years. This re-confirms the pivotal role of the Show and its continued ability to attract relevant, quality hire professionals.”

Moore added, “It was great to be able to reunite passionate hirers with innovative manufacturers and suppliers. There was a real buzz around the show and, by the time it had concluded, many exhibitors were already reporting best-ever sales.”

The Duro Yokata stand at the Executive Hire Show 2022. (Photo: EHS)

Executive Hire Show: Exhibitor comments

Lighting manufacturer, NightSearcher had what was described as a “phenomenal event”. The entire contents of its exhibition stand was sold, leaving its team with no equipment left to break down and pack up when the show ended.

Duro Yokota Ltd reported that it had had the best show in a decade and the quality of the visitors was fantastic. These comments were echoed by Demon international, who said the company had a fantastic show and thanked the organisers for putting on such a great event – and they are already looking forward to next year. And the praise for the 15th annual hire event didn’t stop there…

Lee Harris, Business Development Director Sany UK & Ireland, said, “We are so grateful to all who visited us at Executive Hire Show.

“We have had a fantastic two days and were blown away by the response to our machines. It’s going to be a busy year for Sany UK & Ireland.”

Similarly, Scott McCall, Net Zero Specialist & Business Development Manager at Snorkel, said, “We did an awful lot of business, not the pre-arranged show order type either, and met some new people. The whole team were really happy with the event.”

Kerry Jones, Business Development Manager IKAR GB Limited, said, “This was our first ever show and the attendance was very good. The right people came through the door – the decision-makers - who were happy to engage with us. We have done good business, therefore a good return on our investment, which is exactly what you want from a Show.”

Passionate Hirer Awards

This year’s Passionate Hirer Awards was presented by publishing & event director Chris Moore. Congratulations go to Clements Plant & Access Hire for winning in the Outstanding Single Depot category, while Beaver Tool Hire achieved the Outstanding Multi Depot Hire Company accolade.

Clements Plant & Access Hire Chairman Jim Longstaff commented on winning the single depot award, he said, “We are not the biggest hirer and have no aspirations to be. I’m honoured to have a fantastic team that are dedicated and focused on customer service.

“The EHS judges saw that we stood out from hundreds of fellow Hire Companies for our service, knowledge, attention to detail and customer care and I am humbled by this award as it is judged by fellow Hirers in the UK.”

Longstaff continued, “As an industry-leading independent hire company, visiting the Executive Hire Show is an important part of our strategic fleet planning process.

“Being able to see the latest, most innovative equipment in one place allows us to effectively compare and select the most appropriate machines to stock. In turn, we can continue to supply the most up-to-date machinery available to our customers, whilst keeping ahead of our competitors.”

Building on the success of the 2022 event, the dates have now been confirmed for the 2023 show, which will return to the Coventry Building Society Arena on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 February 2023.