Speedy’s new sustainable service centre

Photo: Speedy Hire

Equipment rental company Speedy Hire has opened a new sustainable service centre in the south east of the UK.

Located in Basildon, the 3,000 sq ft centre will allow Speedy to strengthen its National Service Centre network and service London-based customers with its fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles supported by on-site charging facilities.

Speedy said the centre is equipped with automated features for greater efficiency including heating, lighting and automated shutters, reducing electricity usage by half whilst also reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

Daniel Rice, managing director east, Speedy Hire, said, “The opening of our new sustainable service centre demonstrates Speedy Hire’s continued commitment to carbon emission reduction in the supply chain. Not only can we provide our Southeast-based customers with sustainable services, but we have also created a contemporary and inspiring workplace for our people. 

“This is a strategic location for the business and as a modern logistical and operational centre. It supports Speedy Hire’s near-term sustainability targets, while reducing energy consumption in our drive to be net-zero by 2040.”  

Darren Francis, property director, Speedy Hire, added, “Our new centre’s innovative design is dedicated to enhancing our customer and colleague experience while fostering a workplace environment we can all be proud of. The seamless integration of smart features not only reduces our carbon footprint, but it provides a sustainable model for the business to build on as we work to achieve our sustainability goals. 

“As the first company in the hire sector to publicly sign up to science-based targets with the aim to achieve net-zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Government’s deadline, it’s vital that our network of stores and service centres are ready for the future.”  

The facility is the fourth of its kind the company has opened in the last two years, including its flagship ‘Milton Keynes Innovation Centre’ which opened in 2021.

At the same time, Speedy has also continued on its path towards a net-zero future. In 2021 it became the first UK-based hire company to commit to science-based net-zero targets, while more recently it published a net-zero road map. 

It has also entered into a joint venture partnership with hydrogen genset supplier AFC Energy that has seen the companies create the Speedy Hydrogen Solutions Ltd (SHS) business that is dedicated to renting hydrogen fuel cell powered generators. 

Speedy finalises hydrogen genset JV Speedy and AFC Energy create JV company