Auctions

RITCHIE BROS LAUNCH ONLINE TOOL ‘ASSET VALUATOR’

A 20-ton excavator with 8,000 hours on the clock. The eight-year-old skid steer loader you’re looking to sell. Or that truck tractor you’ll need to replace soon. How much would they sell for in today’s market?

With productivity at unprecedented highs in the industry and long lead times on new equipment, it’s a challenging time for many businesses to make calculated decisions to buy or sell machinery. Ritchie Bros. Asset Valuator (beta), a new tool from Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions, is lending equipment owners and managers a helping hand. Rupert Craven, Ritchie Bros UK Sales Director, explains: “What makes this tool unique, is that users have instant access to millions of previously sold items from the world’s largest auction company and Europe’s largest machinery listing site. The algorithm provides a good price estimation that can be used when making decisions to buy or sell equipment.” The high utilisation and appetite to buy machinery continued to be strong throughout 2021. A market survey conducted among construction businesses by Ritchie Bros. earlier this year, showed that 72% of the respondents expected to add machinery to their fleet in 2021. More than 90% indicated they expected older machines would need to be replaced. Price levels of construction machinery at Ritchie Bros. online auctions and marketplaces have soared 10-15% above last year’s averages. It’s no surprise that equipment owners and managers are looking to adjust their fleet and need data and tools to help guide their decision making.

How it works

The free online tool pulls historical data from various sources: Ritchie Bros. auctions, Iron Planet, Marketplace-E and Mascus. Using millions of previously sold items, the algorithm calculates average prices and estimates the value of your equipment. After logging onto Ritchie Bros. Asset Valuator, users can search the database by brand, model, age, hours, mileage and more. For a more granular level of detail, customised searches can be made by region, country and sales channel, and users can compare current prices with those dating back up to two years – prior to pandemic pricing changes. There is also a useful currency converter to calculate market values in other currencies.

Tip of the iceberg

The Asset Valuator tool is merely the tip of the iceberg in Ritchie Bros. Inventory Management System (IMS). Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions is the Company’s web-based, mobile friendly software tool that empowers equipment owners to upload and track their own assets with real-time market valuations and effortlessly arrange disposition through multiple channels. To learn more about the Ritchie Bros., Asset Valuator or to register for free, visit www.rbassetsolutions.com/ rbassetvaluator

USED EQUIPMENT MARKET CONTINUES TO EVOLVE

BY PETER HADDOCK

Ritchie Bros. will be holding its first auction of 2022 on 24th February, with visitors able to visit lots before the auction at its Maltby facility near Rotherham. It will also be its third anniversary since it moved to the site and began a major investment and transformation programme. This will be completed in 2022 when the final part of the project will see the creation of a new workshop facility.

The 26-acre permanent home has enabled the expansion of the business leading to record-breaking auctions and, more recently, a push into selling agricultural and ground care equipment. Following the completion of its last auction of 2021 on 25thNovember, I caught up with Sales Director, Rupert Craven to find out more about the state of the market and his predictions for 2022. He comments: “2021 has been a very interesting year for the used equipment market as the plant sector has continued to face supply shortages of new equipment. This has driven up demand for used items, particularly those less than three years old with low hours. We have also seen this demand profile changing the makeup of bidders, which has in-turn attracted more sellers. “Much like the previous year, there has continued to be high levels of growth in bidder numbers, particularly from individuals and businesses now engaging in our online auctions both as buyers and sellers. A good example of a customer doing this is L F Pearce & Son whose owner Derek Pearce sold a Cat D6N with us earlier this year. He has also bought equipment from us bidding using our app on his phone, whilst taking a break from operating on site. “This use of smartphones and connected tablets is a trend that keeps growing since we made the change to online only auctions in March 2020. By moving all lots to our timed auction system, we have made the bidding process the same for all those wanting to buy equipment. The system auto-extends the time bidders have to place another bid when a last minute bidder enters the auction. “This has given buyers extra time to place another bid, compared to the period available through the more traditional auctioneer led process. Ultimately this has led to buyers having time to make decisions to secure equipment, whilst giving sellers every opportunity to achieve the best value from each lot. “And it’s not just used equipment that has been sold this year in our auctions, as we regularly sell new equipment. For example, in our last auction we sold two new Komatsu machines a D65PX-18EO dozer and a PC360LC-11EO excavator.These units are in high demand at the moment, with waiting lists for this type of equipment well into the latter half of 2022 already. “Other trends we have seen this year include ‘buying for the job’ and putting the equipment back into the auction or selling it directly back to us. Typically, this approach

2021 HAS BEEN A VERY INTERESTING YEAR FOR THE USED EQUIPMENT MARKET AS THE PLANT SECTOR HAS CONTINUED TO FACE SUPPLY SHORTAGES OF NEW EQUIPMENT.

has been more common in other areas of the globe. However, with the demand for certain assets increasing this year like ADT’s, some units sold and returned to auction after six months of use, have made similar money. This was previously very rare and unheard of in the industry. But it really does reflect how the market has been disrupted and the impact of shovel ready projects like HS2 and National Highways that are limiting supply.” WHAT COULD HAPPEN IN 2022?

Says Rupert: “If the pandemic doesn’t further impact factories in 2022, there is an expectation that more equipment will come to the market next year, which will inevitably impact supply, demand and pricing. Winter is also a time when equipment returns from the job site and assessments are made to move assets on. We are already seeing that impact for lots being assigned to our next auction in February, with other sellers also opting to use our MarketPlace E always online platform. “As part of our support for plant owners and managers looking at potential asset disposals, we have recently launched our online free to use Ritchie Bros Asset Solutions (RBAS) suite. It includes an inventory management system linked to our new online Asset Valuator. Loading up assets into the system is a simple process, requiring standard information like the items year of manufacture, make, model etc. “Once items are uploaded, the system will automatically connect to our Asset Valuator. It incorporates all pricing data from our global platforms, including online auctions and our online selling platforms. Whenever we sell an item, the price achieved is added to this system with over two years of sales prices held in the database. “For example, with popular units like Caterpillar 20 tonne excavators, which we sell a lot of worldwide, the Asset Valuator will collate the information available on the same models with similar hours to give an overall average sale price. This information will also reference the individual machines sold, to help sellers better understand the value that can potentially be achieved for each asset in a fleet. “For larger fleet owners, matching this information with our free monthly ‘Market Trends Report’, which shares insights on price trajectories, high demand locations, and historical comparisons, can also be useful in any selling decision making process. “For example, in our recent EMEA Q3 regional report, our team has focused on the Mini Excavator market. Their analysis shows the UK becoming the most active country in this segment in 2021, relegating the Netherlands into second place. It also highlights Kubota swapping places with Yanmar to become the top brand based on buyer inquiries. “When we look at the data, we can see the real-world impact of the reduced level of new equipment available in the market. It shows that we have sold 28% fewer mini excavators across all our selling platforms in the region, compared to the same period in Q3. “This is reflective of the high level of demand for equipment in this segment, and it is therefore no surprise that the median prices for these products have increased by 22% compared to the same time last year. “Of course, some models and the hours of work they have clocked up are more popular than others. And this is where the RBAS inventory management system and Asset Valuator can help decision making. This is because you can compare prices based on both these parameters. And if your asset is already in the RBAS inventory system, you are just a simple click away from assigning it to one of our auctions or online marketplaces. “Although there is no crystal ball to see where prices will go in 2022, for me knowing when to sell is all about reading the data and getting into a selling mode before the market turns from what are historically high prices. “Similarly, it’s about finding the balance between realising asset values now, to be able to counter the inevitable price rises for new equipment. One thing is certain, online buying and selling of used equipment is set for another big growth period in 2022.” To find out more about Ritchie Bros Asset Solutions and to access the free Asset Valuator, visit www.rbassetsolutions.com

STEEL FRAME BUILDING DISPERSAL AUCTION ATTRACTS RECORD CROWDS AND BIDDERS

Euro Auctions recent two-day ‘off site’ dispersal sale for Crossways Engineering in Blandford Forum, Dorset attracted record bidders and disposed of 100+ steel frame buildings, raw steel, timber, plant and engineering equipment; the mood of the sale was very upbeat, prices were strong, with the overall hammer total being £2.1 million.

This highly anticipated auction included a live auction on Day #1 and a Timed Auction on Day #2. During the two days 750+ lots were disposed of, with a hammer total for the entire sale of £2.1 million, which split 50/50 between ‘floor bidders’ on the day, and ‘internet bidders’. Such was the interest in this sale and the global market reach of Euro Auctions, bidders from 35 countries registered to participate in this sale. However, it was the home market that bid harder and stronger than most, securing 95% of all lots sold, with the remainder of successful bids coming from the European Union. An educated audience of 1,100 bidders registered to take part, of which 547 registrations were from ‘first time’ bidders, new to Euro Auctions showing the interest in this highly anticipated sale. Over 100 steel frame buildings ranging from 30’ x 20’ up to 260’ x 120’ were fiercely bid for, exceeding the estimated value by a considerable margin, such was the mood of the bidding audience. With over 400T of raw steel, in various steel sections, and over 200 packs of timber, with a broad selection of forklifts, plant, vehicles and engineering equipment, this was a very specialist sale. Chris Osborne, Territory Manager for Euro Auctions, who was managing the sale explains the significance of this auction: “This sale was like the ‘perfect storm’, with markets and demand heightened, the timing and organisation between Crossways and Euro Auctions was perfect. Everything slotted into place beautifully, and an exceptional outcome was achieved, exceeding our expectations by around 25%. This auction exceeded the expectations of all involved. “Since we started marketing this auction my phone was flat out with enquiries from new and existing buyers wanting to register for this auction and know more about the buildings. The demand for steel framed buildings seems to have heightened this year particularly from the Agri sector, with this sale setting new market values for the price of steel frame modular buildings in the UK. “ Due to the results of this sale, I have had a number of new enquiries from other similar businesses wanting to sell steel buildings and other new manufactured items at upcoming Euro Auction sales.” This sale highlights the beauty and the convenience of the auction, where fabricators and suppliers can sell volume very easily and be confident with the reach that Euro Auctions has, achieving a true market value for the items. Buyers have vast choice in one place, can complete the sale and take the item away the very next day.

Marking Retirement

Business partners and founders of Crossways Engineering Jonathan and Jim were delighted with the sale which was conducted to signify Jim’s retirement from business. Jonathan commented: “We have been selling our steel frame buildings at Euro Auctions sales in Leeds, Dromore and even Dubai for over five years, and I have always loved the simplicity of doing business and the ‘buzz’ the auction provides. So, it was our intention for Euro Auctions to officiate at the last sale for Crossways Engineering. The sale attracted a very specific audience who knew exactly what they were looking for.” Jim went on to say: “It was a very memorable day for me as a fan of auctions I have always wanted to hold my own sale and as I approach retirement, this was indeed a fitting farewell to the business. “However, I was so impressed with the speed and efficiency of the Euro Auctions team that conducted the sale. They flew in, and with absolute confidence, took control, ran the sale and then departed without ceremony, as it was all in a day’s work. It was very exciting.”

‘Off-Site’ Sales

With the market changing due to supply, demand, and new operating practices due to COVID, ‘Off Site’ sales present the perfect opportunity for consignors to sell all manner of equipment and machinery at an auction, such as the Crossways Engineering sale. Chris Osborne concludes, “The Euro Auctions team are experienced at valuing and cataloging lots, marketing to attract the right buyers and securing registrations for the final sale. Over the years we have worked in many sectors disposing of machinery and equipment for a multitude of businesses in agriculture, mining and quarrying, aggregates, rental and plant hire, contracting, construction and demolition. I don’t think there is a sector where Euro Auctions has not conducted an ‘off site’ sale.” For all upcoming sales visit the Euro Auctions website at www.euroeactionns.co.uk

news Calling All Shelvoke & Drewry Enthusiasts

The British Motor Museum in Warwickshire will be the focal point for Shelvoke & Drewry’s centenary celebrations next June, marking 100 years since the manufacturer’s first specialised commercial vehicle hit our roads.

Best known for its innovative waste collection vehicles, once the preferred choice of municipal authorities across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, the manufacturer has long since gone out of business, but many of its vehicles are still in use today. Based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire in England, the company was started in 1922 by Harry Shelvoke and James Drewry, with their first production being the Freighter, followed by other refuse collection trucks such as the Fore, Aft Tipper, and the Revopak (pictured here) which used a huge revolving fork to compact refuse. Shelvoke & Drewry enthusiast Belfast man Peter Johnston, who is the organising team leader, is intending to take seven vehicles to the event which is being held in conjunction with the British Motor Museum’s Annual Classic & Vintage Commercial Gathering of 11th and 12th of June, 2022, and he wants other lorry drivers to join him. “If anyone would like to join us or even bring their own vehicle to the celebrations, we would be delighted to welcome them,” says Peter. “We plan to take the ferry from Belfast to Liverpool on Friday 10th June and return home again on June the 13th. Anyone who needs more information can contact me on 078 6086 8967.”

MWS Equipment appoints USA partner to strengthen global expansion

Washing solutions specialist MWS Equipment has appointed of Rock & Recycling Equipment, LLC as a new partner, adding the extensive range of MWS washing and classification equipment to their portfolio in New England.

Rock & Recycling Equipment represents the global brand in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and will offer a full range of MWS equipment across multiple applications. Focused on providing complete project management services, they are the perfect partner to support MWS Equipment’s ongoing commitment to the US market. Ben Frettsome, Product Line Director, MWS Equipment, said: “We are delighted to welcome the latest partner to our global team. Rock & Recycling Equipment are renowned for their reliability, and reputation in the industry. We are confident that they will establish a leadership position for washing systems within the New England market. “Rock & Recycling Equipment’s place in our dealer network continues to reinforce our presence in the north-east region of the United States. Their team has broad experience and existing relationships with customers to provide excellent sales and support for our product lines. “MWS Equipment’s strategy is to partner with companies that have the expertise and specialized capabilities in wet processing equipment in order to deliver not just a product but a longterm solution to the customer.”

Mecalac further expands sales team with new UK appointment

Mecalac has announced the appointment of Mike Poxon to the role of Regional Business Manager (UK & Ireland). With significant expertise in sales, operations and dealer management, Mike is set to further bolster Mecalac’s dedicated national sales team.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the construction equipment sector, Mike is widely regarded for his knowledge, insight, relationships and proficiency. Before joining Mecalac, he was instrumental in the pan-European development of Honda Motor Europe’s Power Products distributor network. His career also spans numerous senior roles at a global construction plant manufacturer, driving sales, developing distribution networks and coordinating customer support in the UK, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. In his new role, Mike will be responsible for working closely with Mecalac’s extensive dealer network in the UK & Ireland to build strong relationships, drive continued growth across the region and further increase Mecalac’s market share. His skills and expertise, gained during an illustrious career, will prove pivotal. Comments Mike: “As the sector begins to bounce back from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s an extremely exciting time to be joining the Mecalac team. A leading name in the compact equipment marketplace, Mecalac is renowned for its innovative product portfolio, globally acclaimed for each model’s capability and performance. Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, added: “With unparalleled market experience, Mike will prove a hugely valuable addition to our team. His passion, enthusiasm and expertise will help to drive long-term growth and customer loyalty across the UK and Ireland.”

CAT MOTOR GRADER COMBINES RELIABLE PERFORMANCE WITH LOW COST-PER-HOUR OPERATION

Complementing the Cat motor grader offering, the new Cat 120 GC Motor Grader offers the right balance of highperformance features with reduced fuel consumption, low maintenance costs and easy-to-operate controls.

Excelling in low- to medium-duty applications, the new 120 GC delivers reliable, low-cost operation in a range of applications that include government and municipal work, county road maintenance, and finish grading. Its powershift transmission and balanced machine design ensure appropriate drawbar power to the ground with the fuelefficient Cat C4.4 engine. Adapting engine power and torque to application demands, the 120 GC features electronic throttle control to improve grading productivity. With precisely matched engine power ranges for the standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, standard Eco mode operation increases fuel economy up to five percent, lowering owning costs. The hydraulic cooling fan, with optional reversing fan for high debris applications, only runs when necessary to further reduce fuel consumption. With its familiar steering wheel and lever layout consistent with the 120, 140 and 160K models, the efficient hydraulic system provides more precise and predictable control for a consistent grade. Its transmission with torque converter eliminates the need for an inching pedal, so only throttle and brake pedals are required to simplify operation. The drive system’s no-spin differential automatically unlocks in the turn to eliminate required input from the operator. The parking brake automatically engages when the machine is in neutral and the service brake is disengaged. Built with long-life machine structures for reliable operation, the 120 GC’s standard drawbar circle moldboard increases durability with hardened circle teeth and replaceable wear inserts protecting main component structures. This design stays factory tight to provide long-term precision grading, while the circle drive slip clutch option protects the drawbar, circle and moldboard from potential damage if the machine strikes an immovable object. Easy to maintain, the available Circle Saver option reduces daily greasing requirements and repairs to the circle and pinion. The grader’s new front axle design maximizes bearing life to minimize maintenance. A narrow machine width of 2.4 m (7.9 ft) plus cab choice of standard or lowprofile to reduce overall transport height to 3.12 m (10.25 ft) improves machine transportability. For operating comfort, the cab offers an option between mechanical or air suspension seat, while the control console and steering wheel easily adjusts to the operator’s preference. Pressurized to prevent debris entry, the cab’s optional HVAC system circulates fresh air to keep the windows from fogging A range of options are available to increase machine flexibility and meet specific customer requirements. The optional Digital Blade Slope Meter shows the operator the grade without relying on manual grade checkers. Available all-wheel drive increases traction and efficiency, while the increased engine power that comes with the option improves performance on slopes and with poor underfoot conditions. The 120 GC offers 3.0 m, 3.7 m, and 4.3-m (10 ft, 12 ft, and 14-ft) moldboard options to meet a range of road coverage requirements, and a newly redesigned mid-mount scarifier improves visibility to the attachment while decreasing overall machine length. Improving machine performance, the 120 GC features a common front bolster for a choice of front lift group, counterweight, or front blade option, which aids in spreading more material faster. The rear of the machine accommodates a ripper or tow hitch option.

NORRIS takes delivery of first Cat® 302.7s in the UK

National plant hire and equipment supplier, Norris Plant Hire & Sales Ltd, has expanded its fleet of Cat equipment with two 302.7 mini excavators from exclusive Caterpillar® dealer, Finning UK & Ireland - continuing its trend of being at the forefront of new technology by ordering the latest machines as they are announced in the UK.

Offering one of the largest selections of Cat machines for hire in the East Midlands and the UK, Andy Norris from Norris Plant Hire has always been one of the first to invest in the latest models that are announced by Caterpillar. In recent years, Andy has purchased the UK’s first Cat 306s, 310s, and now, the 302.7s, firmly placing him at the front line of new technology and machines. The investments mean Norris Plant Hire’s fleet has increased to 44 next-gen machines and new models in 2021 — a mix of 301.6s, 301.8s, 306s, 308s and 310s — with another 50 units ordered for 2022. The latest 302.7s recently delivered have already been sent out on site with S.D Staples Plant Hire, who is currently working on a project in Bottesford. “Reliability is one of the biggest factors when choosing machines for the hire fleet, and we’ve found that is guaranteed with Cat equipment,” said Andy Norris, Managing Director of Norris Plant Hire. “The build quality of the next-gen excavators is second to none, and it means that we can have 100 per cent confidence in the product before it goes out to site. We rarely hear of any problems that arise from operating the Cat machines due to their high specification and quality.” “Norris Plant Hire’s new 302.7s were dropped on site for our project recently to work on groundworks and drainage at an industrial unit,” said Simon Staples of S.D Staples Plant Hire. “I’ve hired Norris Plants Cat 301.8 before and really rated the machine, so I was looking forward to operating the 302.7, and it hasn’t let me down — it’s a great looking machine, which is always a bonus. The cab is spacious for a mini excavator, and the whole machine is userfriendly with easily controlled levers and control panel. It’s a great machine in terms of speed for both travelling and digging with plenty of power behind it. To excavate with, you can be as precise and gentle as you could ever need to be, making it ideal for tricky excavations”. “We’ve worked closely with Norris Plant Hire and Andy for the last 13 years,” said Jake Wright, National Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “The variety of machines that the company has invested in means that their customers will always have the perfect Cat machine for their project, as well as reaping the benefit of the latest Cat technology and features. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Andy to keep Norris Plant at the forefront of the plant hire industry.” Norris Plant Hire’s 302.7s, the newest in the range of Caterpillar’s next generation of mini excavators, are equipped with features such as auto-idle, auto engine shutdown, and efficient hydraulics with a variable displacement pump designed to help operators in a wide range of applications, delivering power and performance in a compact size.

HAE Showcases New Safety Alliance

Providing the safest possible working environment for hire and construction operations is crucial for sectors that play such a vital role in the UK economy. However, it comes at a cost – financial and time – which is why cross-recognition between member safety schemes is much more productive.

Hire Association Europe’s (HAE) membership with SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) aligns its SafeHire Certification Scheme with government backed construction pre-qualification modules within PAS 91. This provides an improved benefit for those members that can not only demonstrate SafeHire compliance but also satisfy SSIP’s core criteria. HAE promoted SafeHire and the new alliance with SSIP at this year’s Safety in Construction Show, the UK’s premier trade show for safety products in the construction and related industries. SafeHire is in demand from the industry as it enables customers to approach tool and plant hire companies with confidence. It proves a firm’s competence in upholding high standards in health, safety,

Carl Bartlett HAE, Director of Certification Services.

environment and quality of equipment as well as a highly-trained workforce. Since its introduction, SafeHire has been a key feature of HAE’s support for members through thick and thin for over 10 years, especially through the turbulent transition of trading with the European Union after Brexit and then the significant disruption to business caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Now the association has aligned with an umbrella organisation that helps remove red tape in the supply chain. SSIP reduces duplication and demands on suppliers who have multiple certifications to different schemes, saving them time and money and allowing more focus on day-today operations. As the construction industry is more regulated than ever, HAE says having SafeHire certification and SSIP approval is a simple way to prove hire businesses take health and safety assessment seriously. HAE’s Director of Certification Services, Carl Bartlett, says: “SafeHire and SSIP are not just for large organisations, but also for SMEs. SafeHire is a robust industryspecific standard designed by the industry for the industry, and achieving SafeHire certification and SSIP approval will help businesses secure more opportunities. “As all SSIP members agree to mutually recognise each other’s schemes, so procurement departments should as well. The whole purpose is to remove bureaucracy and reduce costs associated with the different schemes.”

hire news

Liebherr Expansion Leads to Major Order for ADT’s

The company that placed the UK’s biggest order for Liebherr’s new articulated dump trucks won’t be driving them very far…the vehicles will be working on the expansion of the manufacturer’s UK headquarters.

Thomas Plant Hire of North Wales has struck a deal that will see it become one of the country’s biggest users of Liebherr earthmoving equipment. As well as seven of the recently launched TA 230 G8 dump trucks, the 21-million-pound package includes 16 dozers and 17 excavators. Deliveries have started and will continue into next year. The trucks will be employed in muckshifting duties on the 15-acre site of Liebherr GB’s new facility adjoining its existing nine-acre complex in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Work will begin soon following delays caused by Covid-19 and the investment will ensure the company has the resources and capacity to support continued growth in the UK. Family-owned Thomas Plant Hire was founded in 2000 and has a network of five depots in addition to its Caerwys head office. It has run an L 566 XPower wheeled loader in the fleet for some time and Managing Director Wyn Thomas has been impressed. ‘Our existing loading shovel has been a very reliable tool with back-up to match so at an early stage in our expansion plan for 2021 we sat down with the team from Liebherr to discuss what they were able to do for us.’ ‘Where some manufacturers were saying they had little or no capacity, Liebherr had stock available and capacity in their manufacturing programme to fit in our requirements. The early arrivals on the fleet have been accepted very well by our in-house teams, our clients and our operators and are proving to be the machines we expected them to be. They are all returning excellent fuel figures and are also very reliable, both points being important to our bottom line. ‘We are very confident in the Liebherr products and that shows, with us being the first company to order them. They look like very well-built trucks and will slot into our operations very well. We look forward to continuing our good relationship with the Liebherr team as time goes on.’

Official handover of Thomas Plant Hire’s first TA 230 Dump Truck. Left to right: Daniel Sullivan, Gwyn Thomas and Wyn Thomas of Thomas Plant Hire; Lee Palmer, Richard Gee and Michael Atkinson of Liebherr GB

Speedy and B&Q Roll-Out National Partnership to Meet DIY Demand

Speedy and B&Q have formally extended their partnership which offers tool hire to DIY customers.

The partnership builds on an initial trial and will enable customers across the UK to hire the latest high quality tools and equipment from Speedy stores within B&Q, for their home improvement projects. B&Q says it is committed to making it easier for customers to improve their homes and make life better. Partnerships are an essential part of this, with shop-in-shop and concession partnership models enabling B&Q to adapt quickly to changing consumer demands in order to get closer to customers and ensure that their needs are met. The Speedy Hire partnership demonstrates the pace, scale and agility that’s central to B&Q’s growth strategy. The Speedy in-store outlets will provide B&Q customers with access to the firm’s national four-hour delivery promise on its 350 most popular products. These range from angle grinders, floor sanders, hammer drills and mixers to tower scaffolds, generators, lighting and dust extraction units, and can be ordered in time to enable DIYers to get on with the job same day. Speedy has seen rising demand for hire from B&Q customers since the start of the trial last summer. Hiring a wide range of tools and equipment enables homeowners to be more confident and ambitious with their DIY, and provides them with a convenient and accessible way of completing improvement projects where buying bigger ticket DIY tools may not be feasible. With sustainability high on the agenda, hiring tools that would be used a handful of times and then stored away potentially destined for landfill will also benefit the environment, reflecting a more circular economy in the re-use of DIY tools and equipment. Speedy’s existing customers will also have access to the new trade counters 7 days a week to order and collect products, adding to its existing 200-strong national Service Centre network. The roll-out follows the successful trial in 16 B&Q stores with a further 23 in-store outlets scheduled to open by January. Russell Down, Chief Executive, Speedy said: “Following a successful trial, we are delighted to announce this formal agreement to extend our partnership with B&Q. This new agreement demonstrates the power of the Speedy brand and our market leading customer service proposition. “We have seen growing demand from B&Q customers for our products since we opened our first in-store outlet last year, and we’re excited about supporting more DIYers up and down the UK as we continue to grow.” Chris Bargate, Director of Business Development, B&Q said: “We’re delighted to be rolling out tool and equipment hire service concessions to 23 more of our stores with Speedy, following a trial at 16 stores. “Our customers are continuing to adapt and change to new ways of living and shopping, and the Speedy concessions are just one way in which we’re making it easier for people to improve their homes.” “We’re excited by the potential re-use of our space to offer new services in store and the positive response we’re seeing from our customers.”