HSS adds increased capability to power solutions division in Scotland

HSS Hire Services Group (“HSS Hire”), the UK’s award-winning national supplier of tools, equipment and related services has acquired Apex Generators Ltd, the Scottish generator hire company, from owners Nevis Capital.

The acquisition will support the Group’s existing specialist power division – which includes their successful Abird business – enabling them to better service a wider geographical area. It will also give both Abird and Apex greater ability to fulfil national power solution contracts.

Apex Generators has an established market leading position throughout Scotland as an experienced generator hire specialists offering the highest levels of service to a significant customer base in the construction, house-building, , events, industrial, marine and offshore sectors. HSS plans to retain the strong Apex brand whilst investing in the business – which will include installing their ‘RFM Smart Equipment’ technology to the Apex fleet.

Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS Hire said: “The addition of Apex to the HSS Group is another solid step in the growth of our company as we continue to increase our presence in existing markets and expand into new ones throughout the UK and Ireland. It supports our existing power solutions capabilities, bolstering our specialist Abird power business and further enhancing our position as a trusted partner and service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing and services sector.”

Darron Cavanagh, Managing Director at Abird said: “We’re really pleased to welcome the Apex team to the Group. Their expertise and established presence in Scotland will not only help us to better serve our customers in this area but together we will also be able to offer all of our customers a truly national specialist power solution.”

Robert Gibson, Manager at Apex – and previously of LCH – said: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for our business. With the support of the HSS Hire Group, we will be able to make further investment in our fleet, grow our network and deliver our excellent service levels to customers on a more national basis, whilst still retaining the specialist nature of our brand. We’re delighted to be joining the team.”

Brian Aitken, Partner at Nevis Capital, said “Apex has grown to be a successful generator hire business in Scotland across the construction, housebuilding, events, industrial and marine sectors. We have no doubt that the business is better together as part of a national operation such as HSS where it can continue to grow and develop”.

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HSS FINANCING PLC ANNOUNCES THE SUCCESSFUL PRICING OF £200,000,000 OF SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2019

HSS Financing plc (“HSS” and together with its parent and certain of the parent’s subsidiaries, the “Group”) today announced that it has priced its offering of £200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior secured notes due 2019 (the “Notes”).

The offering is expected to close on February 6, 2014 upon the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. The net proceeds from the offering, if completed, are expected to be used to (i) repay all outstanding indebtedness under the Group’s existing senior facilities and revolving facility agreement and to pay related accrued interest and other amounts thereunder, (ii) repay a portion of the Group’s existing shareholder loans and (iii) pay related commissions, fees and expenses in connection with the offering and related transactions.

Cautionary Statement

The Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), subject to prevailing market and other conditions. There is no assurance that the offering will be completed or, if completed, as to the terms on which it is completed. The Notes to be offered have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or unless pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

This announcement does not constitute and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute a public offering nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer within the meaning of the Directive 2010/73/EU of the Parliament and Council of November 4, 2003 as implemented by the Member States of the European Economic Area (the “Prospectus Directive”). The offer and sale of the Notes will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive, as implemented in Member States of the European Economic Area, from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom.  No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the Notes.  Consequently, this communication is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”), (iii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2) of the Order and (iv) other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”).  Any investment activity to which this communication relates will only be available to, and will only be engaged with, relevant persons.  Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, one of the initial purchasers will serve as stabilizing manager and may over-allot the Notes or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the Notes at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the stabilizing manager (or persons acting on behalf of the stabilizing manager) will undertake stabilization actions. Any stabilization action may begin on or after the date on which adequate public disclosure of the terms of the offer of the Notes is made and, if begun, may be ended at any time, but it must end no later than the earlier of 30 days after the issue date of the Notes and 60 days after the date of the allotment of the Notes. Any stabilization action or over-allotment must be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

In connection with any offering of the Notes, the initial purchasers and any of their respective affiliates, in each case acting as an investor for its own account, may take up as a proprietary position any notes and in that capacity may retain, purchase or sell for its own account such Notes. In addition the initial purchasers or their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements and swaps with investors in connection with which the initial purchasers (or their affiliates) may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Notes. The initial purchasers do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so.

The initial purchasers are acting on behalf of HSS and no one else in connection with any offering of the Notes and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to clients of the respective initial purchasers nor for providing advice in relation to any offering of the Notes.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes, ‟estimates”, ‟anticipates”, “expects, ‟intends”, ‟may”, ‟will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and include statements regarding the Group’s or its affiliates’ intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the Group’s or its affiliates’ results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industries in which they operate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that the Group’s or its affiliates’ actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Group’s or its affiliates’ results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA

HSS FINANCING PLC LAUNCHES OFFERING OF £200,000,000 SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2019

HSS Financing plc (“HSS” and together with its parent and certain of the parent’s subsidiaries, the “Group”) today announced that it has launched an offering of £200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2019 (the “Notes”). The net proceeds from the offering, if completed, are expected to be used to (i) repay all outstanding indebtedness under the Group’s existing senior facilities and revolving facility agreement and to pay related accrued interest and other amounts thereunder, (ii) repay a portion of the Group’s existing shareholder loans and (iii) pay related commissions, fees and expenses in connection with the offering and related transactions.

Cautionary Statement

The Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), subject to prevailing market and other conditions. There is no assurance that the offering will be completed or, if completed, as to the terms on which it is completed. The Notes to be offered have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or unless pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

This announcement does not constitute and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute a public offering nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer within the meaning of the Directive 2010/73/EU of the Parliament and Council of November 4, 2003 as implemented by the Member States of the European Economic Area (the “Prospectus Directive”). The offer and sale of the Notes will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive, as implemented in Member States of the European Economic Area, from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the Notes. Consequently, this communication is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”), (iii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2) of the Order and (iv) other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). Any investment activity to which this communication relates will only be available to, and will only be engaged with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, one of the initial purchasers will serve as stabilizing manager and may over-allot the Notes or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the Notes at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the stabilizing manager (or persons acting on behalf of the stabilizing manager) will undertake stabilization actions. Any stabilization action may begin on or after the date on which adequate public disclosure of the terms of the offer of the Notes is made and, if begun, may be ended at any time, but it must end no later than the earlier of 30 days after the issue date of the Notes and 60 days after the date of the allotment of the Notes. Any stabilization action or over-allotment must be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

In connection with any offering of the Notes, the initial purchasers and any of their respective affiliates, in each case acting as an investor for its own account, may take up as a proprietary position any notes and in that capacity may retain, purchase or sell for its own account such Notes. In addition the initial purchasers or their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements and swaps with investors in connection with which the initial purchasers (or their affiliates) may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Notes. The initial purchasers do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so.

The initial purchasers are acting on behalf of HSS and no one else in connection with any offering of the Notes and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to clients of the respective initial purchasers nor for providing advice in relation to any offering of the Notes.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes, ‟estimates”, ‟anticipates”, “expects, ‟intends”, ‟may”, ‟will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and include statements regarding the Group’s or its affiliates’ intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the Group’s or its affiliates’ results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industries in which they operate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that the Group’s or its affiliates’ actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Group’s or its affiliates’ results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.

HSS Hire Services Group (“HSS Hire”), the UK’s leading national supplier of tools, equipment and related services has acquired Premiere FCM Limited (“TecServ”), the specialist provider of maintenance services for cleaning machines, from Premiere Products Group.

The acquisition will accelerate HSS’ growth in the cleaning sector – adding a national fleet of engineers famous for their “first fix” record and bringing a new dimension to Reintec, HSS’ own market-leading cleaning equipment service known for its stand-out range of green machines and unique service proposition.

TecServ’s capabilities will complement and broaden the footprint of Reintec, HSS’ fully outsourced cleaning equipment service which launched in 2011 and has grown rapidly by delivering on its promise to save facility managers time and money in equipment management – going straight to the heart of FM’s everyday problems.

TecServ has a successful track record in expert maintenance services in contract cleaning for local authorities, PFI sites and specialist food facilities throughout the UK as well as to major contract cleaning contractors. They will continue to maintain a substantial range of cleaning machines for national customers as well as supporting growing numbers of those who choose Reintec.

Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS Hire said:

“The addition of TecServ to the HSS Group is a strong step for the growth of our company in the cleaning sector. TecServ fits well within our existing equipment portfolio and will further enhance our position as a trusted partner and service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing and services sector. It is an exciting time for our business as we embark upon the next stage of growth and development – increasing our presence in existing markets and expanding in new ones throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Paul Lewis, Managing Director at Reintec said:

“Reintec remains a unique model in the market that really is helping our customers to save time, save money and guarantee their equipment compliance. However, we know that one size does not fit all and there is still a significant amount of owned cleaning equipment in use today which needs to be managed and maintained effectively. I am extremely pleased that with the addition of TecServ we will now be able to offer an even more complete cleaning equipment service to our customers – whether they use Reintec equipment or their own – designed around their needs and backed by innovative technology.”

Graham Stevens, Commercial Director at TecServ UK said:

“We believe there is enormous potential to grow TecServ with the backing of HSS – significantly increasing our combined market share, skilled capabilities and overall customer offering at a dynamic time in cleaning services industry.”

HSS and TecServ will continue to partner with Premiere Products Group to provide complete cleaning solutions for all customers.

HSS Hire Services Group (“HSS Hire”), the UK and Ireland’s leading national supplier of tools, equipment and related services, has acquired the Irish division of Mobile Traffic Solutions (“MTS”), a specialist provider of traffic management equipment, from Dublin-headquartered Rennicks Group.

MTS’ Irish business has a successful track record supplying traffic and crowd management solutions – for hire or purchase – to major road contractors as well as Local Authorities and event companies throughout Ireland.  The business is one of the largest traffic management suppliers in Ireland.

HSS will combine the Irish division of MTS with its own Irish subsidiary, Laois Hire, to complement capabilities and facilitate rapid expansion.

The transaction is the latest in a series of acquisitions by HSS Hire aimed at generating new growth and accelerating expansion throughout the UK and Ireland, with a focus on improved local service.  Other recent acquisitions include the purchase of Abird Generator Hire, one of the UK’s leading diesel electric generator hire companies, enabling HSS to offer a more comprehensive service in the growing temporary power market and UK Platforms, the powered access specialist which HSS acquired from Haulotte Group, making HSS the second-largest provider in the powered access market in the UK and Ireland.

The acquisition was managed by Investec, who acted as advisers for Rennicks.

Michael Killeen, Managing Director for HSS in Ireland and Scotland and for Laois Hire said: “We believe there is enormous potential to grow the Irish based MTS business and Laois Hire together – significantly increasing our combined market share, skilled capabilities and overall customer offering at what is a dynamic time for our group business.”

Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS Hire added: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone in the growth of our company in Ireland which continues to go from strength to strength.  MTS fits well within our existing equipment portfolio and will further enhance our position as a trusted partner and service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing and services sector.  It is an exciting time for our business as we embark upon the next stage of growth and development – increasing our presence in existing markets and expanding in new ones throughout the UK and Ireland”.

Gareth McWeeney, Operations Director at Rennicks said: “Mobile, trailer mounted Variable Messaging Boards have been an important part of the product offering at Rennicks for over 10 years but this sale of our VMS Rental business gives us the opportunity to focus on our core business of Reflectorised Traffic Signage, Maintenance Solutions, Electronic Road Signage, and other Intelligent Traffic Solutions.  We are delighted with the transaction and will work with Laois Hire to facilitate a smooth transition of the business and to ensure continuity of service for the Customer.”

HSS adds fleet and expertise to become the UK’s second largest provider of Powered Access.

HSS Hire Services Group (“HSS”), the national supplier of tools, equipment and related services, has acquired UK Platforms, the powered access specialist, from the Haulotte Group. The transaction will make HSS the second-largest provider in the powered access market in Britain and Ireland.

UK Platforms was founded in 2000 and is a nationwide hire company supplying an extensive range of electric and diesel powered access products, including scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers. Its customer base is spread across a range of industries including construction, facilities management, maintenance and signage. It has approximately 120 employees and operates from a network of ten depots.

The specialist strategic acquisition will complement HSS’ existing powered access fleet and operator training capabilities, enabling it to offer a wider range of equipment to customers and provide a more comprehensive service in the powered access hire sector. In addition, HSS will continue its relationships with other leading specialist providers to ensure that its customers continue to benefit from a single source of expertise and supply.

Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS Hire said:

“We believe that UK Platforms is a great fit for HSS and reflects our commitment to adding specialist expertise to our Group. I’m confident that it will help us to continue to deliver an unrivalled hire experience to our customers. There is great cultural alignment – we each care strongly about safety, high-quality kit, great value and industry-leading customer service. We look forward to a continuing strategic partnership with Haulotte.”

The acquisition by HSS is supported by UK Platforms’ senior management, led by Managing Director Philip James who said: “UKP is a specialist in its field, distinguished by an excellent range and service commitment. We look forward to becoming part of the HSS Group and the future service enhancements this will bring to customers and colleagues of both organisations.”

HSS Hire, the leading national supplier of tools, equipment and related services, is pleased to announce that it has acquired Abird Generator Hire, one of the UK’s leading diesel electric generator hire companies.

The acquisition will complement HSS Hire’s existing fleet, enabling it to offer a wider range of large capacity and specialist generators and to provide a more comprehensive service in the growing market for temporary power.

The deal follows on the heels of HSS Hire unlocking new investment from Exponent Private Equity last month, replacing previous owners Och-Ziff and Aurigo, as it seeks to generate new growth and to expand throughout the UK, with a focus on improved local service. HSS Hire has traded successfully and posted consistent growth during the last four years. It delivered sales of £180.3m last year, up 5% from the previous year with profits of £39.9m.

 

The acquisition by HSS Hire is supported by Abird Generator Hire senior management team led by Managing Director Chris Anspack and will enable the company to enhance its position as a market leader in diesel generator hire, building on the strong customer base it has nurtured during the last 50 years and providing a robust platform to grow its business. Abird Generator Hire, which has seven depots, employing 60 people, across England and Wales, will continue to operate under its own brand and be led by its current management team who remain in place and committed to the business.

Chris Anspack, Managing Director at Abird Generator Hire said: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone in the growth of our company. I am delighted that the deal has been successful. We have been looking at the best options to manage our growing business. While Abird Generator Hire will continue to trade as a separate brand, joining the HSS Hire Group presents a great opportunity to unlock new investment as we embark on the next stage of our growth and development.”

 

Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS Hire said: “We are excited to start this new phase of the Abird Generator Hire story with Chris Anspack and his talented management team. We at HSS Hire were really impressed by their business, the quality of product and service offering as well as a strong track record. We look forward to working with Chris and his team to further strengthen and develop Abird Generator Hire’s leading position over the coming years. We strongly believe that together we have the perfect foundation for both Abird Generator Hire’s successful future development whilst complementing our driving ambition at HSS Hire to ensure an unrivalled hire experience.”

HSS Hire Services Group (“HSS”), the leading national supplier of tools, equipment and related services, has been acquired by Exponent Private Equity (“Exponent”) in a transaction which will enable the company’s future growth plans. The transaction value is not disclosed.

 

HSS is a UK-based tool and equipment hire chain that has been serving big businesses, trade and DIY customers since 1957.  Operating under the banner of HSS Hire, the group has an established nationwide network with a 2,000-strong workforce and a fleet of over 500 liveried vehicles.  HSS operates from a national network of 230 distribution centres and branches in UK and Ireland.

 

HSS has traded successfully and posted consistent growth during the last four years.  It delivered sales of £180.3m last year, up 5% from the previous year with profits of £39.9m.  The Group is enjoying further growth in 2012, underpinned by continuing operational improvements.

Exponent is a private equity firm that invests in successful businesses headquartered in the UK and Ireland.  In line with its ethos of backing best-in-class management in order to create value, it is supporting the existing management team who are all reinvesting in the deal.

Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS said: “HSS is enjoying great success and the company continues to go from strength to strength.  This transaction and future support from Exponent will help us unlock fresh capital needed to realise the next phase of our growth plan.  Having traded successfully and expanded consistently during the last four years, this deal puts HSS in a strong financial position”.

Chris Davies also commented: “HSS has been owned by asset management funds Och-Ziff and Perry Capital since 2007 under the chairmanship of Archie Norman. I would like to thank Archie, Och-Ziff and Perry Capital for their support over the last five years.”

Oliver Bower, Director at Exponent said: “We have followed HSS and the progress of its management team for some years now. It is clear that under Chris and his team’s leadership the business has made excellent progress against its strategic development plan and is well positioned as a trusted partner and service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing and services sector.  We believe there is enormous potential for the business to grow further and look forward to supporting the management team during what promises to be an exciting time for the business.”

 

HSS Hire Services Group (“HSS”), the leading national supplier of tools, equipment and related services, has been acquired by Exponent Private Equity (“Exponent”) in a transaction which will enable the company’s future growth plans. The transaction value is not disclosed.

HSS Hire, the award-winning national supplier of tool and equipment and outsourcing services has announced the opening of a new branch in Woolwich.

Based on Woolwich Trade Park, the new branch offers local customers easy access to a wide range of tools and equipment as well as offering hire related services.

The branch is also the first in a blueprint of “selling” branches being implemented by HSS, designed to provide an ever more customer-centric hire experience and supporting their revolutionary new operating network which is driving best in class service and availability in the market.

Chris Davies, CEO at HSS Hire says: “We’re committed to offering our customers more safety, more availability, more value and more support in order to ensure an unrivalled hire experience. The new Woolwich branch will help us to perfect our sales model and deliver the highest quality service to our customers as we embark on the next stage of our growth and development.”

The new Woolwich branch will be open from 7.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. The new centre is located at Unit 1 Pettman Crescent, Woolwich Trade Park SE28 0BJ. 0208 316 6464. See www.hss.com or visit the branch for more details.

HSS Hire, the national tool and equipment hire specialist, has been named Hire Company of the Year (5+ outlets) by the industry body, Hire Association Europe.

 

Judged by a panel of hire industry experts and senior members of relevant trade bodies and associations, the award recognises “a consistent record of delivery, high standards of service, clear systems and procedures for health & safety and quality and the highest standards of professionalism in the sector”.

HSS’s latest win comes on the back of success at the European Rental Association awards last year where they were crowned European Hire Company of the Year.

Chris Davies, Chief Executive at HSS Hire commented: “I’m delighted that HSS has been recognised by the industry in this way. We have a great team of people that do a fantastic job to ensure our customers get an unrivalled hire experience and this award reflects the efforts, the enthusiasm and the commitment of them all.

“Our approach is simple; we focus on the things that matter most to our customers – safety, value, availability and support. We work hard to get the basics right and to be better every day but we also push the boundaries and embrace innovation in order to deliver an industry-leading hire service and ongoing commercial success.

“This award celebrates our achievements and successes over the last 12 months but importantly it also recognises the investment we’ve made in our business and in our revolutionary new operating platform to support our growth and success into the future too.”

HSS Hire secures a contract with Gatwick Airport in an innovative partnership agreement for all tool and equipment hire

In an innovative partnership approach, HSS Hire will become a partner to not only Gatwick but also to all of their associated contractors. As well as helping to drive competitive and consistent rates and delivering to rigorous service levels, HSS will offer one point of contact and a 24 hour service to any and all onsite contractors at the airport for the provision of reliable, safety-compliant tools and equipment.

Gatwick will also be using HSS’ revolutionary online equipment management system, ‘HSS LiveHire’, giving an unprecedented transparency and control over their equipment portfolio.

HSS Chief Executive Chris Davies, commented: “We’re committed to helping our customers to work safely, efficiently and cost-effectively and this partnership with Gatwick will help to manage and control all onsite equipment requirements with more transparency and operational efficiency that ever before. We also have a good understanding of – and ability to respond to – the unique working environment of the airport, so we are better equipped to deliver against their particular service level requirements”.

Liz Townsend, Head of Procurement at Gatwick added: “For us, it’s important that we continue to improve the airport in the most sustainable way and ensure that we continue to deliver a real word-class welcome and a great passenger experience.  All of our suppliers have a big part to play in this and the innovative equipment solution offered by HSS is another positive step forward in our relentless drive for efficiency, quality and safety, as we transform Gatwick into London’s airport of choice for the future.”

HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has secured a contract with Gatwick Airport to supply all tools and equipment used on the airport.

HSS Hire Service Group (“HSS Hire”), the national supplier of tool and equipment hire and related services, today announced full year results for the period to 31 December 2011.

Financial Highlights 
• EBITDA of £39.8m for the full year, an increase of 2% over 2010.
• Revenue of £180.2m for the full year, up 5% or £9.2m from £171.0m last year.
• EBITDA of £9.1m for the fourth quarter, down 3% from the same period last year.
• Revenue of £43.9m for the fourth quarter, down 1% from last year.

HSS delivered continued revenue and EBITDA growth in the year despite the loss of its Network Rail contract and significantly lower than usual revenue from air-conditioning and heating due to the mild weather. In addition, the Group incurred significant transitional cost from its major investment in a new operating platform to deliver improved customer service levels and operating efficiencies.

Net capital investment was higher in 2011 than 2010, reflecting ongoing investment in the hire fleet. Particular focus was powered access equipment aimed at meeting core customer requirements across the Retail and FM markets; HSS is now the second largest provider of low-level powered access in the UK.

Operational Highlights
• Fully implemented new operating platform (logistics and maintenance management)  increasing customer availability, delivering greater cost control through a move from fixed to variable costs and reducing CAPEX requirement going forward through better utilisation rates.

• Significant growth in key accounts, up 13% year-on-year, and representing 30% of revenue, despite the loss of the Network Rail contract.

• Notable new contract wins including a five-year sole supplier agreement with British Waterways and a multimillion pound strategic alliance with Enterprise, the leading UK infrastructure maintenance businesses, under which HSS manages and maintains Enterprise’s owned fleet as well as its equipment rental requirements throughout its UK operations.

• Successful launch of the HSS Outsource cleaning range of Reintec equipment aimed at the long-term rental market for contract cleaners.

• Continued strong performance and revenue growth from HSS Training, the Group’s specialist training division.

Growth plans and outlook for 2012.
• Underlying core business demand remains strong and the Group expects continued growth subject to broader market conditions.

• The Group remains focused on organic growth, particularly through its regional and key accounts and customer-centric proposition.

• After delivering a major new operating platform in 2011, the Group’s focus for 2012 will be on leveraging the utilisation and cost benefits whilst continuing to drive equipment availability for customers.

Statement from Archie Norman, Chairman
“HSS has made good progress against its strategic development plan in 2011, and the business is well positioned as a trusted partner and service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing and services sector.”

Statement from Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer
“I am pleased with the progress of the business in 2011. We achieved both revenue and profit growth against a tough market whilst implementing major change to our logistics and maintenance operation to provide increased fleet availability for our customers.

“Key accounts have continued to be an important part of our growth in 2011 and I am delighted that, through focusing on the key customer needs, we have won significant new opportunities with a number of large national accounts in the fourth quarter, including an outsourced equipment management partnership with Enterprise Group that demonstrates innovation in our service model.  We continue to benefit from excellent customer relationships in Retail, Fit-out, Facilities Management and Airports.

“HSS Training has continued to grow organically – it now leads the market in PASMA and is
the second largest provider of IPAF training in the UK. We have continued to invest in our training venues and facilities for our customers and have launched a fully interactive course booking website to provide customers with ease of transaction.

“As planned, we invested heavily in the roll-out of our new logistics and operating platform and while costs associated with supporting this transition did impact our earnings in the short-term, we have laid excellent foundations for efficiency gains, higher utilisation and service-level improvements into 2012 and beyond.

“2012 will undoubtedly present us with challenging conditions – not least with the unseasonably mild winter continuing into the start of the year – but we are well positioned to keep building our business. We’ll continue to drive sales growth whilst focusing on improving margins. As always we will continue to concentrate on the things we know matter most to our customers whilst investing in our colleagues and managing our cash generation and costs in order to take our business forward.”

The 30,000 sq ft purpose-built facility on the Aztec Business Park will become a key regional distribution hub for the group’s activities in the South West and Wales – providing extensive and more accessible hire services and support including specialist training.

With huge storage facilities on two levels as well as state of the art training facilities, the new supercentre continues HSS’ network transformation from small high-street branches to large industrial supercentres and reaffirms their position as a logistical and technical partner to trade and business.

The existing local HSS Hire branch in Bristol will be closed with existing members of staff transferring to the new site and more than 30 additional new jobs being created as the company invests in the region.

Chief Executive at HSS Hire Chris Davies comments:

“At HSS, we’re committed to offering our customers more safety, availability, value and support, and as part of this commitment, we’ve made some significant investments in our logistical and operational platforms over the past year that have enabled the transformation of our entire national network.

“The new facility in Bristol will enable us to deliver a bigger and better service to our customers across the South West and Wales as well as supporting our wider UK activity.

“By investing in our future we ensure that we always offer an unrivalled hire experience.”

 

HSS Hire, the national supplier of tool and equipment and outsourcing services, today announced the opening of a new Regional Distribution Centre in Bristol.

HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has been appointed exclusive plant outsource provider to Simons Group in a agreement set to be worth around £5 million across 3 years with a further 2 year option.

In a move that continues to extend their tool hire offering to the realms of complete equipment solutions provider, HSS will supply and manage all site establishment, accommodation and security requirements as well as all plant and equipment for every Simons Group project nationwide. They will also provide health and safety training.

CEO at HSS Hire, Chris Davies comments: “The best hire experience comes from understanding your customer and delivering what they need whilst helping them to drive cost-efficiencies and safety. It’s about being a partner not just a supplier and that’s what we’re all about at HSS. It was an intensive six month tender but we demonstrated that we are best placed to fulfill this contract so I’m thrilled that Simons Group has chosen to work with us. There is also great congruence between the things our two organisations most value so I’m sure it will be a fantastic partnership.”

Supply Chain Manager at Simons Group, Steve Martin said: “We’re focused on delivering value, quality and safety and we needed a plant provider that would do the same. HSS not only showed real understanding of the challenges we face and presented innovative solutions but we were also hugely impressed by the support they offer and the energy and enthusiasm of their team. We believe that the partnership with HSS will be instrumental in helping us to deliver projects on time and to specification whilst supporting our core values and we look forward to working with them.”

Simons Group is a property solutions business providing quality, integrated solutions to brands and household names in the private and public sector. As well as funding schemes they offer the full range of design and construction services, from complex new-build to all sizes of fit out, maintenance and aftercare.

HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has been appointed as sole supplier by British Waterways in a 5 year multi-million pound equipment management deal.

Through their innovative new Outsource service, HSS will supply, manage and maintain all the tools and equipment held on long-term hire as well as providing all additional and reactive equipment requirements for British Waterways’ nationwide canal and riverside maintenance work. They will provide operational staff with online access to manage the hire/off-hire of equipment, review costs and provide management reports whilst ensuring full compliance requirements are achieved. They could also provide health and safety training.

 

CEO at HSS Hire, Chris Davies comments: “We work hard to deliver the things we know matter most to our customers – safety, value, availability and support – in order to give them an unrivalled hire experience and we’re looking forward to showing British Waterways just how good hire with HSS is. Following what was a rigorous tender process, we’re delighted that they have chosen to work with us – it’s yet another example of a big company recognising the value of the great service we offer, the expertise of our people and our open and transparent approach to business.”

Senior Procurement Manager at British Waterways, Rob Williams said: “We are constantly reviewing the way we work to bring more efficiency and economy into our contracts whilst ensuring that Health & Safety and compliance legislation are not compromised so we’re really pleased at the benefits the HSS Outsource service offers us when it comes to managing our equipment obligations and costs. We were very impressed by the people in the team as well as the innovative asset management systems HSS offers, the visibility of costs and the level of compliance.”

British Waterways maintains and cares for over 2,200 miles of the country’s nationwide network of canals and rivers across 11 regions in the UK.

HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has been appointed as preferred supplier for the outsourced management of the equipment needs of infrastructure maintenance support services company Enterprise in a multi-million pound deal.

This pioneering alliance will see HSS source and manage the supply of all equipment requirements and maintenance across the Enterprise business in the UK. Whilst Enterprise will continue to work with and maintain contractual relationships with its established supply chain on existing framework contracts, HSS will manage all areas of hire operations, order processing and equipment management on their behalf.

CEO at HSS Hire, Chris Davies comments: “We are delighted – we fought off stiff competition to win this contract and it’s a great testament to the service we offer, the people in our team and to our open and transparent approach to business. It’s a partnership based on the things we do best and value most – safety, value, availability and support – and in the sectors we specialise in, maintaining and operating.

“We will work with Enterprise to deliver the most cost-effective hire solutions as well as driving up service quality, ensuring best value, continual innovation and investment and delivering best practice safety and environmental standards. This also gives us a great opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our HSS Outsource service as we audit Enterprise’s owned assets nationwide and take over the management and maintenance of their ground care fleet”.

Enterprise Asset Director, John Farrell said: “Enterprise continually seeks to improve the services we offer our customers by driving value, safety, best practice and cost-effectiveness. We selected HSS to oversee all of our equipment management after an intensive competitive process based on service – we were impressed by their systems, absolute commitment to safety and compliance and by the shared values between our organisations. We are confident that this progressive partnership will deliver even better service to our customers and communities.”

As part of the agreement, HSS will welcome a number of new hire desk consultants, fitters, engineers and ground care experts who will transfer over from employment with Enterprise.

Enterprise is a £1.2 billion business that maintains the infrastructure of the UK. They are the UK’s largest dedicated maintenance and frontline service provider to the public sector and utility industry.

HSS Hire, the national tool and equipment hire specialist, has been named European Hire Company of the Year at this year’s European Rental Awards, in recognition of the most outstanding contribution to the industry by a large rental company.

 

Announced during the International Rental Exhibition (IRE) and the European Rental Association’s annual connection, both held during 7-9 June in Amsterdam, the awards were presented to an audience of some 450 industry professionals gathered at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam.

 

HSS’s win constitutes the most prestigious prize at the awards, which is jointly organised by International Rental News and the European Rental Association.

 

Chris Davies, Chief Executive at HSS Hire commented:

 

“At HSS we have pioneered some great initiatives and hire related services. We’ve been resolute in always putting the customer at the very heart of what we do and driving up standards of best practice for safety in our business, and across the industry so we’re delighted to have won the award for European Hire Company of the Year.

 

“I am thrilled that HSS is being recognised in this way and honoured that all the hard work and commitment of our colleagues is held in such high regard by the industry.”

2010 Full Year Results for Period Ending 1 January 2011
Solid growth driven by continued focus on customers, colleagues, costs and cash

HSS Hire Service Group (“HSS Hire”), the national supplier of tool and equipment hire and related services, today announced full year results for the period to 1 January 2011.

Financial Highlights

• EBITDA of £39.1m for the full year, up 33% from £29.4m for the same period last year

• Revenues of £171.0m for the full year, up 15% or £21.8m from £149.3m last year

• EBITDA of £9.4m for the fourth quarter, up 48% from £6.3m for the same period last year

• Revenues of £44.5m for the fourth quarter, up 19% from £37.4m last year

• Double digit revenue growth achieved in every quarter of 2010 – Q1: 11%, Q2: 15% Q3: 13% and Q4: 19%

[2009 results are adjusted for a 53rd week to allow for a correct like for like comparison with 2010]

Operational Highlights

HSS made strong progress against its strategic development plan, positioning the business as a service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing, and services sector

• Significant growth in key accounts – up 25% YOY and now representing 30% of revenues – as well as notable wins in target sectors including airports, retail, FM and utilities

• Capital investment brought forward to support growth, including significant powered access fleet investment to make it the second largest in compact segment

• Real-time online management system, Livehire, incorporating PDA technology to deliver control over every aspect of hire, now has more than 8,500 customers live on the system

• Strong growth in HSS Training, up 54% for the year, bolstered by acquisition of Hydrex Training in the second quarter

Statement from Archie Norman, Chairman

“The HSS team under Chris Davies‟ strong leadership has delivered another year of change and growth despite very challenging market conditions. This demonstrates that our model of focus on customer service built around a unique network of large branches and fully integrated logistics is capable of delivering real competitive advantage and better results for customers.”

Statement from Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer

“I am delighted with our progress in 2010. We achieved double digit revenue growth in every quarter in a very tough market. Our strategy has customer service at its core and we work hard to attract, retain and develop quality colleagues to deliver it while maintaining strong financial control. I want to thank all our colleagues for their hard work and commitment.

2011 will continue to present us with challenging conditions. Our model, based around a customer service philosophy, builds on our people and their capability. We will invest further through our innovative technical apprenticeship scheme and fast track young leader’s programme. We will also continue to invest in our fleet and logistics network giving customers even more availability and support.

Our growth in key accounts has been significant in 2010 in our target sectors of FM, airports, retail and utilities. Our strategy throughout has been to focus on the highly demanding maintain and operate segment rather than ground up construction. We remain a very focused business concentrating on stable parts of the market that afford better growth prospects in these difficult times. We differentiate ourselves through a service proposition which provides cost savings, transparency and risk management for our customers.

An important part of our commitment to transparency in the hire industry has been our real-time online management system, Livehire, which now has more than 8,500 customers using it. In addition to real-time on and off hire, online payment and financial statements, customers can now view live estimated times of arrival (ETAs) as well as instant electronic proof of delivery and equipment photographs. This management system is driving down costs and driving up control for customers.

HSS Training expanded by over 50% during the year, through the acquisition of Hydrex Training and rapid organic growth. It also gained the first endorsement from the Facilities Management Association (FMA) and the largest market share from the Prefabricated Access Suppliers‟ Association (PASMA) during the period.
Training is just one part of our absolute commitment to safety. Our Serious about Safety programme embeds safety at the heart of HSS.

 

We have focused on keeping costs low without compromising customer service. Equally as important, especially in such a difficult economic environment, is keeping cash flow strong. This has been achieved by improved gross cashflows enabling an increase in capital expenditure over the prior year, ensuring the hire fleet is fully invested in line with current trading volumes. As a result we generated trading cashflows ahead £3m on the prior year at £18m. We have started 2011 solidly and will retain our total focus on customers, colleagues, costs and cash in the year ahead.”

A survey and whitepaper sponsored by HSS, the national supplier of tool and equipment hire, in association with the Facilities Management Association (FMA), has discovered that almost one third of Facilities Managers are spending almost a day a week on the management of their equipment. Launched today, the whitepaper based on the survey results, written by leading FM consultant and journalist, Martin Pickard, known to many as “The FM Guru” can be viewed online at www.hss.com/outsource.

The survey, conducted amongst a sample of 330 Facilities Management (FM) professionals, working both in-house and for outsource specialists, found that:
• almost 30% of managers spent between 10% – 20% of their time on equipment matters. 
• 81% report that margins fell in 2010
• 48% anticipate that the Public Sector Spending Review will have a negative impact on their business
• 40% report that equipment problems are responsible for service related issues in more than one out of five cases   
• the economic environment is impacting on capital decisions with more than half of the survey respondents admitting to keeping kit beyond its useful life, with a quarter admitting losing productivity as a result of the age of their kit.

Other issues raised from this “groundbreaking” survey include 31.6% of respondents being worried about prosecution for non-compliance with health and safety legislation and a quarter reported that they could not prove their compliance with regulations. In terms of training, 90% reported their operatives had been trained to use the equipment but only 70% thought they could prove it through paperwork.

“The majority of FMs do see benefits in outsourcing with less than a quarter buying all of their own equipment,” writes Martin Pickard. “Despite this, equipment is still consuming a lot of management resource and equipment related issues are far too common. Equipment is being kept beyond its useful life as a result of the recession by those who have retained ownership while those that have outsourced have less exposure to the problems that creates.”

It is apparent from the whitepaper that for equipment outsourcers to be successful they have to demonstrate the ability to add value through specialist knowledge and technical innovation. Martin Pickard adds that solution driven commercial products are increasingly required by equipment users and that the most prudent facilities managers are those engaging successfully with leading equipment providers to develop new strategies in support of corporate objectives.

HSS works with many facilities management companies to deliver bespoke managed equipment plans through its “Outsource” service. HSS Outsource allows FMs to benefit from a move from fixed to variable costs, the minimisation of capital investment, equipment innovation and guaranteed compliance. 
“The solution provides all the benefits of ownership with none of the responsibility,” says Chris Davies, HSS CEO. “It also provides a 24 hour helpdesk, advanced planned preventative maintenance regime, and the most rigorous reactive service delivered via our national network and maintenance staff. Most importantly however, Outsource provides an opportunity for facilities managers to only pay for what is in use, managing their costs efficiently in line with customer needs in challenging times.”

Martin Pickard concludes: “Emerging from a recession is a critical time for companies and it is at this time more than ever that management need to concentrate on their core business and proposition. Fixed costs and capital investment are unpopular with businesses under pressure. What could be more convenient than guaranteed availability of whatever kit you need, wherever you are and replaced with new or fully maintained equipment when you need it?”
The FM Whitepaper contains a wealth of information gained from the survey divided into five sections: Industry Outlook, Management of Equipment, Equipment Innovation and Replacement, Compliance and Training. You can view the complete white paper, Facilities management and facilities equipment, written by Martin Pickard (FBIFM) on the HSS website at www.hss.com/outsource or click here.

HSS Hire, the UK‘s awarding tool and equipment hire company, has secured a 5 year, multi-million pound contract for the hire of tools and equipment to Thames Water. The agreement will see HSS supply any contractors working on Thames Water projects throughout the region from their extensive range of small tools and equipment as well as safety & survey equipment and health & safety training.HSS Hire has teamed up with Thames Water in an innovative partnership agreement for tool and equipment hire.

HSS Hire, the UK’s awarding tool and equipment hire company, has secured a 5 year, multi-million pound contract for the hire of tools and equipment to Thames Water. The agreement will see HSS supply any contractors working on Thames Water projects throughout the region from their extensive range of small tools and equipment as well as safety & survey equipment and health & safety training.

It’s the latest in a series of big contract wins for HSS based on their innovative ‘through the line’ approach which sees them supplying all contractors working on behalf of the end-customer. Acting as a supply base for any of the equipment requirements at all Thames Water projects, HSS will offer onepoint of contact and a 24 hour service to any onsite contractors for the provision of reliable, safety-compliant tools and equipment at centrally preagreed, competitive rates. This will not only ensure consistently low costs and encourage a level playing field for those contractors but will also guarantee HSS’ rigorous service levels throughout all areas of the supply chain.

Thames Water will also be using HSS’ revolutionary online business management system, ‘HSS LiveHire’, which will provide them and their contractors with unprecedented transparency and control over their equipment hire portfolio.

Announcing the contract, HSS Chief Executive Chris Davies, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Thames Water on this exciting new agreement. We believe firmly in helping our customers to save time and money and this new collaborative partnership model is a pioneering approach that will do just that by promoting price transparency and operational efficiency. It will also encourage the cross-hire of equipment between contractors which will help reduce both any potential downtime and the environmental impact of multiple deliveries to site.”

HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has secured a multi-million pound contract with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) to be a preferred supplier for the hire of all tools and equipment.

In an innovative ‘through the line’ approach, HSS Hire will become a vital supply chain partner to HAL and all of their associated contractors with the key aim of driving competitive and consistent rates as well as ensuring rigorous service levels. HSS will offer one point of contact and a 24 hour service to any and all onsite contractors at Heathrow Airport for the provision of reliable, safety-compliant tools and equipment at centrally pre-agreed, competitive rates.

HAL will also be using HSS’ revolutionary online business management system, ‘HSS LiveHire’, which will provide them an unprecedented level of transparency and control over their equipment portfolio.

Announcing the contract, HSS Chief Executive Chris Davies, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Heathrow Airport Limited on this exciting new agreement. We believe firmly in helping our customers to save time and money and this new collaborative partnership model is a pioneering approach that will do just that by promoting price transparency and operational efficiency. It will also encourage the cross-hire of equipment between contractors which will help reduce both any potential downtime and the number of deliveries to site.”

Dennis Darwent, Senior Category Specialist Logistics at BAA added: “We needed a supply partner that could not only satisfy all of our equipment needs but that could do so in such a way as to promote operational excellence.

Partnering with HSS Hire has offered us an innovative solution to ensuring our own supply chain is as effective and as efficient as possible and that, by consolidating deliveries to site, will also help us achieve our environmental objectives.”

Chris Davies, Chief Executive of HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has been heralded as the ‘European Rental Person of the Year’ by the European Rental Association.

The judges said they wanted to recognise his contribution in making HSS “one of the most modern and innovative companies in the industry” and one that is “at the forefront of using the internet to market its services”.

Chris comments: “HSS has always led the way when it comes to hire, perhaps never more so than over the past few years. We’ve pioneered some great initiatives and hire related services; we’ve been resolute in always putting the customer at the very heart of what we do and in making hire easy for them and all of this has helped us to outperform the market despite some very challenging times.

“I’m delighted that these achievements have been recognised – it’s a reflection of the efforts of the great team we’ve got at HSS. I am lucky and genuinely honoured to be the leader of the company at this time and I am very proud to receive this accolade on behalf of everyone in the business.”

HSS was also one of the three finalists to be Highly Commended in the ‘European Rental Company of the Year’ category.

HSS Training, the specialist training division of HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has announced it will be expanding operations to now also offer training courses throughout Ireland.

The announcement comes just days after HSS confirmed the acquisition of the Hydrex Training business, adding specific rail and plant training capabilities to their portfolio.

HSS Training offers over 100 industry-recognised technical and safety courses, delivered in more than 20 locations around the UK by a team of trainers that are expert in their field. For the past 10 years, they have been dedicated to enhancing and developing the skills, knowledge and safety of delegates all around the country and helping organisations of all sizes aspire to the highest levels of health and safety. Now, they will be taking that expertise to delegates in the Republic of Ireland too.

HSS Training will deliver courses in Ireland through a network of purpose built ‘centres of excellence’ including Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway as well as Belfast in Northern Ireland. Courses will also be offered at customer locations.

Mark Winfield, HSS Training Director, explains: “Over the past 18 months or so, we’ve been really concentrated on growing the training part of the HSS group. By investing in new training centres, in new courses and in our fantastic team of trainers, we’ve enhanced our reputation as a leading provider of health & safety and technical training courses.

“I’m delighted that we can now extend our training provision into Ireland. We’ll be offering the same broad curriculum of courses that we do in the UK and will also be able to deliver training in bespoke areas too. We now have a network of locations throughout Ireland and training can also be offered onsite at the customer’s location if they prefer”.

HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has opened a new Supercentre in Oxford. The official opening was presided over by Catherine Stratton, author of the renowned Plant Hire Investment Report.

The new branch opens only a few weeks after the new Brighton Supercentre opened its doors and just months after HSS launched a number of new Supercentres in Camberley, Liverpool and Leeds in the latter part of 2009.

Chris Davies, CEO at HSS Hire says: “”We’ve basically been investing in a series of new branches and Supercentres at strategic locations throughout the country in order to complement our nationwide presence and consolidate a spine of logistical capability throughout the country. Despite the difficult economic conditions of 2009 we felt it was important to keep investing in our branch network, opening 12 new locations in as many months, and we’re now carrying that momentum into 2010. We’re very focused on being accessible to our customers and making it easy for them to work with us.

 

“The new supercentre will help us to deliver an improved scale and scope of service for customers in the heart of the country. It offers much more floor space, allowing for an extended product range including specialised Powered Access and Lift & Shift equipment and has increased parking in a much better location.”

HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has opened a new Supercentre in Newtown Rd, Hove. The new branch opens only a few months after HSS launched a number of new Supercentres in Camberley, Liverpool and Leeds in the latter part of 2009, complementing their nationwide network and with particular emphasis on securing a spine of logistical capability throughout the country.

Chris Davies, CEO at HSS Hire says: “The new Sussex Supercentre will help us to deliver an improved scale and scope of service for customers across the Southern region. It offers much more floor space, allowing for an extended product range, including Powered Access and Lift & Shift as well as increased parking in a much better location.

 

“We’ve been investing in a series of new branches and Supercentres at strategic locations throughout the country in order to consolidate our nationwide presence. We’re very focused on being accessible to our customers and making it easy for them to work with us.”

HSS Property Director, Kurt Mather, confirmed that another new Supercentre is due to open in Oxford in the next few weeks continuing the company’s programme of network investment.

HSS has opened a new branch in St Helens, Merseyside, at St Helen’s Retail Park, located adjacent to the town’s main Linkway thoroughfare.

The new branch opens just one month after HSS launched its latest new Supercentre in Camberley and only a few months after other new Supercentres in Liverpool and Leeds. It is the 12th branch to be opened by HSS in as many months, complimenting the nationwide network and with particular emphasis on securing a spine of logistical capability throughout the country.

Chris Davies, CEO at HSS Hire says: “The new St Helen’s store will help us to deliver an improved scale and scope of service for customers across the North West region. It also offers more floor space, allowing for an extended product range, as well as increased parking in a better location.”

HSS Hire was hailed as highly commended in the innovation category at Network Rail’s prestigious Partnership Awards in Birmingham last night.

Network Rail’s innovation award is designed to reward organisations or individuals who have created new approaches for mitigating or solving a problem that Network Rail faces. Judges were looking for genuine innovation and for measurable results as to how these new products or new ways of working have brought benefits.

Throughout their 5 year partnership, HSS has worked with the Network Rail team to implement innovative solutions to practical problems, offering real benefits that have helped Network Rail deliver against their significant performance targets as well as contributing to achieving time and resource efficiencies and improved occupational health within the organisation.

HSS Hire, has announced a 2 year extension to its sole supply agreement with major facilities management customer Romec.

HSS Hire will continue to work as Romec’s preferred hire partner, providing a range of tools and equipment, cooling and heating solutions as well as all training requirements. The new agreement represents a significant expansion in the equipment and services supplied by HSS to the FM provider as they service major contracts including national retailers, the Post Office and the Houses of Parliament.

HSS, the national tool and equipment hire company, has opened a brand new supercentre at Focus Park, Solihull.

The 32,000 sq ft branch will be the Midlands flagship for the HSS brand, with a state of the art training area, a refreshments point, product demonstration zones and a glass viewing area. It will be a centre for HSS’ safety and work skills training courses and will feature the entire range of stock. It is ideally situated two miles from Junction 4 of the M42 to service key HSS clients such as Network Rail and Otis, as well as offering its range of hire and retail products for walk-in customers.

HSS regional managing director Peter Child says, “the new branch will reinforce HSS’ total coverage of the region, with other existing branches at Merry Hill and Erdington and extended opening hours meaning that the company can deliver mission-critical kit to customers at any nearby location at short notice.”

In addition to the entire standard range, stock at Solihull will also include powered access, safety and protection gear, specialist welding apparatus and surveying equipment. It will also feature retail stock including consumables and work wear.

HSS Hire has seen an exciting start to 2008, with the launch of five new supercentres across the UK. Beckton in East London, which covers 35,000 sq ft, was the first supercentre to launch, to support ongoing and intensive construction and engineering projects in advance of the London 2012 Olympics. It joins existing stores at Park Royal, Hackney and Heathrow in the Greater London area.

Following this success, supercentres have also opened in strategic locations across England and Scotland: Manchester Piccadilly (32,500 sq ft), Glasgow (20,000sq ft), Solihull (40,000sq ft) and Inverness (11,000sq ft). Further to the extra 150,000 sq ft of floor space, HSS has increased its stockholding in these branches by an additional £5m, enabled 150 staff to join the supercentre teams – all supported by a fleet of 60 vehicles (including several 18 tonners).

The supercentres have extended opening hours and many are even open 24 hours, in order to meet with customer demand. They carry an extended range of HSS equipment, including powered access, safety and protection gear, specialist welding apparatus and surveying equipment, as well as consumables and work wear retail stock. Many are also equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, which will complement HSS’ ever increasing number of accredited training courses.

Fiona Perrin, HSS Marketing Director comments: “Our supercentres redefine the way the hire industry serves its customers. They act as strategic logistical hubs for our network of branches, offer excellent working environments for our colleagues driving up skills concentration and enable us to serve our customers – from large businesses to consumers – in an ever more efficient way.” Since 2007, HSS has opened supercentres throughout the UK and Ireland at the following sites: Aylesford, Park Royal Edinburgh Airport (Newbridge), Sheffield Parkway, Dublin Greenogue, Belfast Kennedy Way and Coatbridge (Scotland).