Press Releases

Speedy - the Newton-Le-Willows-based provider of equipment rental and support services - has been named a finalist for a National Business Award.

The business has been nominated in the Innovation category following the successful launch last year of its Getting Greener from the Ground Up and GO (GO for the Green Option) Initiative.

Both programmes, which were an industry first, are designed to help Speedy's customers meet their environmental goals and reduce costs by addressing green issues at site level.

The Getting Greener from the Ground Up programme focuses on the four key areas of waste reduction, resource management, energy efficiency and pollution, providing practical solutions through simple, easy to understand communications.

Under the GO Initiative, Speedy created a new colour coded labeling system that provides data on the energy efficiency, carbon output and cost saving of using selected products from its range, similar to the scheme used with white goods like refrigerators.

Speedy developed the system with independent environmental consultants ERM.

Speedy says GO helps clients to make more informed decisions about the products they use in order to gain efficiency savings while also reducing their environmental impact.

Steve Corcoran, chief executive from Speedy, said: "Activities relating to construction account for 10 per cent of the UK's total carbon emissions, so its role is vital in supporting the transition to a low carbon economy.

"As the UK's largest equipment provider we accept that we have a responsibility in helping the industry to deliver its targets, and our two initiatives are a key part of this. They help to communicate the key message that costs can be cut through better working practices and from the efficiency gains of greener products."

Speedy, the UK's leading provider of equipment rental and support services, has announced the winner of its inaugural Product Innovation Award.

Towerlight's VT-1 Eco lighting tower won the accolade of Product Innovation of the Year for 2010.

Speedy's judges were impressed by Towerlight's VT-1 Eco's energy efficiency features which include intelligent sensors that automatically switch the lights on and off depending on brightness levels.

It was launched at the start of this year in the UK.

Already in use, tests have shown that 12 VT-1 Ecos can create operator time, fuel and carbon savings of over £4,300 per month on an average site.

Speedy launched the award earlier this year as part of its overall sustainability strategy which includes the industry leading GO Initiative (GO for Green Option) - which provides customers with independently verified energy efficiency data on certain products.

Andy Connor, supply chain director at Speedy, said: "The VT-1 Eco is an excellent example of how a product used every day on sites can be made to work far more efficiently.

"As the leading equipment rental services provider we see it as our responsibility to make a product like this available to customers as well as to encourage manufacturers to develop innovative new designs. This is what the awards are all about."

Paul Hay, international sales manager, at TowerLight said: "We are honored to receive this prestigious award for the VT-1 Eco, which is part of TowerLight's ongoing policy to develop, with our customers, increasingly more environmental and innovative products, which offer contractors such substantial savings."

Speedy - the UK's leading provider of equipment rental and support services - has launched a new corporate website.

The improved site - www.speedyhire.plc.uk - was launched to coincide with its AGM (July 20).

New dynamic tools like a real-time share price and dividend calculators as well as email alerts and automated news feeds have been included to increase functionality as well as the amount of information available to visitors.

The entire site has been re-built by leading financial information provider Hemscott to include greatly enhanced navigation tools such as drop-down selection boxes targeted at individual stakeholder groups such as shareholders.

Speedy - which recently scooped an environmental award from both the Green Organisation and the Hire Association of Europe - has also given greater prominence to its corporate responsibility commitments, with a new section listing its promises as well as key performance indicators

Steve Corcoran, chief executive, Speedy, says that placing more information at the fingertips of potential and current investors has been the driving force behind the new project.

He said: "The new website presents Speedy as it is today, a leading business to business support services provider, and more than just a hire firm.

"It serves as a far more useful tool to our shareholders and investors by providing live, accurate information about the business' performance."

Speedy, the leading provider of equipment rental and support services, has appointed Steve McIntyre as its new group marketing director.

He joins the business following a five-year spell as marketing director for PPG Architectural Coatings - owner of the Johnstone's and Leyland paint brands.
Steve - a qualified polymer chemist - previously headed up the marketing team at French utility giant Gaz de France (GDF Suez).

Before studying marketing strategy at Chicago North Western University's Kellogg Institute in 2001, Steve worked in an international marketing role in the oil and gas sector for almost twenty years, which included several years in the Middle Eastern Gulf States.

Speedy's chief executive Steve Corcoran stated McIntyre's wealth of experience made him the ideal choice to lead the FTSE-listed firm's continuing expansion into industries outside its core client base in construction and into related support services, as well as its presence in the Middle East.

He said: "We have evolved from an equipment hire firm to become a leading business to business support services company within the UK construction sector and are now establishing ourselves as a provider of choice to major asset owners in industries like infrastructure, energy and facilities management.

"Steve's experience in some of these sectors both in marketing and at an operational level will make him a huge asset to the business."

Commenting on his appointment, Steve McIntyre said: "I'm joining Speedy at a hugely significant stage in its development as it continues to grow its presence in new markets as a total supply chain partner."

Speedy have been presented with a Green Heroes 2010 Shield in recognition of its award winning environmental project - Reducing Environmental Impact.

The Shields are awarded annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities that have completed projects that enhance the environment.

The judges commented: "Speedy had realised that temporary accommodation on building sites has a detrimental environmental impact due to poor insulation, water use and lighting issues. To overcome these problems, Speedy has developed the Enviro-Cabin which is built to the same environmental performance targets usually expected of a permanent commercial building. Heat loss through the floor was reduced by 90% and the unit is constructed of 95% recycled materials."

The award-winning project will be featured in the next Green Book, the world's only work of reference on environmental best practice.

Last year the business won a Green Apple Award presented in November during a special prize-giving ceremony at the House of Commons.

The Green Apple Awards campaign is run by The Green Organisation, which rewards and promotes environmental best practice globally.

Andy Johnson, head of sustainability and environment at Speedy said: "The construction industry is the main contributor to 10 per cent of UK emissions. The hire industry has a responsibility to help the UK construction industry to minimise its emissions with improved staff training on environmental issues and hire equipment such as the Enviro-Cabin which are fully functional yet environmentally sound."

National organiser Roger Wolens commented: "Organisations that go the extra mile and become Green Heroes are demonstrating a serious commitment to the world around them. They invest in a better future for us all and deserve to be recognised for their efforts."

Speedy, the leading provider of equipment rental and support services, has opened its first Scottish Superstore in Edinburgh.

Eve Muirhead, skip of Great Britain's curling team at this Winter Olympics, cut the ribbon at the official launch ceremony today (June 30).

The 15,000 sq ft facility - which will provide small tools, lifting and survey equipment, light plant, and fencing - has been designed to complement the company's traditional network of 350 smaller depots, as well as its 80,000 sq ft Multi Service Centre (MSC) in Warrington.

Employing 16 people, the Superstore will also offer customers testing, inspection and repair (TIR) services for lifting equipment.

The Edinburgh Superstore is Speedy's second following the opening of its first site in Stoke earlier this year.

The company plans to open over 30 Superstores around the UK by 2012. They will complement the traditional depot network, but will typically stock a wider range of equipment.

Leigh Cummings, regional manager at the new Speedy Superstore said: "Thanks to its central location and strong transport links, the Superstore will enable us address a much wider region, ensuring we can service both existing and new customers faster.

"With a fleet of brand new equipment and further investment planned over the next 12 months, we are well placed to help support major construction projects and industrial customers across the region."

The Superstore, located at 26-28 Russell Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2LP, will be holding an open day on 30 June from 10am to 3.30pm.

To contact the Edinburgh Superstore call 0131 337 9494.

Speedy – the leading provider of equipment rental and support services – has extended its five year Strategic Partnering Agreement with Carillion in 2008 to include the provision of plant training.

The agreement reinforces Speedy’s position as Carillion’s preferred supplier of its full range of products and services and extends across all Carillion group companies.

Under the agreement Speedy will be Carillion's first choice to supply plant and equipment (safety and operator) training on a nationwide basis.

Training will be delivered from a nationwide network of over 100 locations and directly on Carillion sites.

A dedicated bookings desk has been created within Speedy to provide Carillion with a single point of contact for course bookings, administration, certification and delegate management information.

Angela Turner, head of external training at Speedy added: “Our commitment to customer satisfaction and developing a customer-focussed service has enabled us build a training operation that adds value to the core Speedy customer base.”

Nick Chammings head of Carillion Learning & Development Shared Service commented: “We are delighted to have extended our existing preferred supplier relationship with Speedy to cover plant training which reflects the strong relationship that we continue to develop with Speedy.”

Speedy’s training offering, which forms part of the Branded & Advisory Services division’s service offering, can deliver a portfolio of over 200 core operator and manager courses. It also works in partnership with its customers to develop and deliver bespoke courses to meet the customers’ specific requirements.

For further information or advice about training call 0844 561 8830 or to view the full range go to www.speedyhire.com/training.

Speedy - the leading provider of equipment rental and support services - has won the Hire Association of Europe's (HAE) award for Environmental Initiative.

The business, which has now secured an environmental award from the HAE for three consecutive years, was also highly commended in the Excellence in Training category.

Over the last 12 months Speedy has launched a number of new programmes aimed at helping its customers reduce the environmental impact of their work.

This included the 'GO Initiative', which saw the launch of the industry's first ever green labelling code, that provides information on the energy efficiency performance of certain tools and equipment.

Meanwhile, the firm has continued to strengthen its training offering and now operates over 200 courses for its customers, across a network of more than 100 test centres nationwide.

Speedy also offers its clients a series of tailored 'Tool Box Talks', which it delivers on construction sites, about issues such as safety and environmental awareness.

Martin Knott, managing director, business and customer excellence from Speedy, said: "The hire industry has a huge role to play in helping construction work to become safer and less damaging to the environment.

"Providing our customers with clear information and better training is essential to this and has become a cornerstone of our business. This award, which is the third in as many years, is testament to that commitment."

HAE represents over 1,000 members across the UK and Europe and offers a wide range of services and member benefits. For more information visit the website www.hae.org.uk.

Speedy Hire (“Speedy”), the leading provider of equipment rental and support services, is pleased to announce the renewal of its existing arrangement and an extension to the scope of the services it provides to Galliford Try Plc under a new agreement which will run until 2015.

Under the agreement, Speedy will be Galliford Try’s first choice to supply tools, safety gear, lifting and survey equipment on a nationwide basis. A bespoke hire desk has been created within Speedy to provide Galliford Try with a single point of contact for ordering, administration, management information and payments.

The extension of the relationship with Galliford Try has particular value to Speedy as this is Speedy’s longest standing preferred supply agreement, dating back to 1996 when Speedy purchased the then internal fleet activity of Vine Plant.

This latest renewal, together with the extension in the range of services, emphasises the quality of the relationship that has been developed, as well as endorsing Speedy’s competitive position and service quality.

With the extension in the service portfolio Speedy anticipates that the contract could have a value up to £20m over the term of the agreement.

There needs to be an ‘urgent and collaborative response’ from Government and the industry if UK construction is to face up to its challenges and become a world class market in the next decade.

That is the key message from Speedy, the leading equipment rental and support services group, in the company’s first ever pre-election manifesto – ‘Positive change through leadership’.

Launched today (Tuesday 16th March), the document outlines a package of what it calls ‘priority measures’ designed to fuel future growth, while delivering on the ‘biggest industry challenges in a generation’ such as low carbon and skills development.

Amongst the measures is a call to sustain investment in the built environment across all key government departments, echoing recent remarks by the CBI’s Construction Council and UKCG. 

On health and safety, the company said it supported the Government’s current targets for reductions in fatal and major incidents work related illness but ‘strongly opposed’ any reduction in funding for the Health and Safety Executive or diluting of its role, calling instead for additional front line inspectors to improve compliance.

Speaking on skills development, Speedy calls for a cross-industry ‘skills map’ to enable employers to quickly access available labour when the recovery is secured, arguing this should form part of ConstructionSkills’ national and regional skills strategies.
 
The company also outlines a range of solutions designed to help the industry tackle the low carbon agenda. Its proposals include a new government-endorsed ‘green labelling code’ requiring all tools, plant and equipment to carry independent data on their energy efficiency and emissions, similar to schemes in the automotive industry and for white goods. Any equipment which fails to meet the minimum standard should, it argues, be decommissioned.

Taking a lead from the 2012 Olympics Games site, where Speedy is part of the Construction Site Solutions consortium, it claims emissions caused by site deliveries could be dramatically reduced by with shared on-site facilities for projects over an agreed contract value threshold, as well as mandatory use of low-emission electric vehicles for the movement of goods and equipment – a move pioneered by Speedy in 2007. 

Commenting on the manifesto, Steve Corcoran, Speedy’s chief executive officer, said: “We need to create a world-class society. To do this we need the best road and rail networks, the greenest power supply, the fastest communications infrastructure, the most inspiring schools for our children, the most modern hospitals and the highest quality housing. What’s more, we need to deliver them cost-effectively and safely, with a healthy and proud workforce, using methods and materials which minimise environmental impact.”

“If that’s the vision, then creating a world-class built environment industry, whose skills, technologies, standards and services can be delivered domestically and exported globally, has to be the solution.”

“What is required is an urgent, concerted and creative response to encourage commercial investment while promoting and protecting these industries’ contribution to social improvement, to economic prosperity, to regeneration and to environmental protection.”

He added: “Tackling these challenges against the current economic backdrop won’t be easy, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. It will require a new era of partnership between client and supplier, based on collaborative leadership, shared responsibility and a combined commitment to innovation. At Speedy, we’re ready to play our part.”

Speedy Hire (“Speedy”), the UK’s leading provider of equipment rental and support services, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a new 5 year Strategic Supply Agreement with Connaught plc (“Connaught”), the UK’s leading integrated services provider, operating in the social housing, environmental, public sector and compliance markets. The agreement will run until 2015 and is estimated to be worth in excess of £20 million over the term.

Under the terms of the Agreement Speedy will be Connaught’s exclusive provider of tools and equipment hire across the UK, operate a single dedicated hire desk and acquire, under an outsourcing arrangement, a range of equipment currently operated by Connaught in house to a maximum value of £1 million.

The agreement builds on a contractual relationship established in 2008, since when Speedy has become a key strategic partner to Connaught. 

Steve Corcoran, Chief Executive of Speedy, commented: “We are delighted to be able to announce the latest in a string of long term contract extensions with a client with visible workflows and strong growth prospects.  Clients such as Connaught continue to see the benefit and value of our network and service offering, our fleet investment, our award winning safety and environmental support programmes and our industry leading IT infrastructure.”

Speedy, the leading provider of equipment rental and support services, has opened its first ever Superstore in Stoke-on-Trent.

The 20,000 sq ft facility - which will provide small tools, lifting and survey equipment, light plant, and fencing - has been designed to complement the company's traditional network of 350 smaller depots, as well as its 80,000 sq ft Multi Service Centre (MSC) in Warrington.

Employing 20 people, the Superstore will also offer customers testing, inspection and repair (TIR) services for lifting equipment.

The company plans to open over 30 Superstores around the UK by 2012. They will complement the traditional depot network, but will typically stock a wider range of equipment.

Craig Smith, general manager at the new Speedy Superstore said: "Thanks to its central location and strong transport links, the Superstore will enable us address a much wider region, ensuring we can service both existing and new customers faster.

"With a fleet of brand new equipment and further investment planned over the next 12 months, we are well placed to help support major construction projects and industrial customers across the region."

The Superstore, located on Unit 1, Centre 500, Lowfield Drive, Stoke on Trent ST5 0UU.

To contact the Stoke Superstore call 01782 271 333 or to view Speedy's full range go to www.speedyhire.com.

Speedy, the UK’s largest tool and equipment hire company, is rolling out the next phase of its extranet service - My Speedy – to help customers better manage all of their hire needs online.

The secure internet-based system - which follows ongoing in-depth consultation with customers, including Interserve, Galliford Try and Jackson - provides customers with real time data on all equipment on hire, including the quantity of kit, location, hire rate, scheduled off hire date and dispatching depot.

With a customisable homepage and advanced filter and sorting options, users can quickly view critical business reports and view data in their preferred format.  Reports can be saved, printed out or exported as an Excel, csv or pdf file.

My Speedy users will also be able to view their hire history, manage loss and damage transactions and print or download copies of previously issued invoices.  

The extranet has been designed to give Speedy’s customers complete control of their accounts, 24/7.  It’s straightforward to set up or disable accounts and specify access levels, defining the areas of the site that users can access.

All customers regardless of size can access the account management system with just one log-in and password to view their current hire package.  Searches can be performed by customer order number, Speedy contract number, product code or by individual asset number.

The site includes a library of useful health, safety and environmental information, a branch locator, links to the Speedy product catalogue and a secure area for storing useful documents - such as contract terms and Speedy contact information.

Martin Knott, MD of Business and Customer Excellence from Speedy said: “This ‘next generation’ extranet has been developed to empower our customers, helping them drive out inefficiencies and streamline their invoicing process.

“As we continue to expand our services, we wanted to give customers a fast, intuitive and simple platform for assessing and reporting their increasingly complex asset hire requirements, as well as providing a resource of information on legislation and regulatory issues that affect their businesses.”

Speedy has involved its customers with the development of the extranet since day one, factoring in their needs and requirements and getting feedback along the way. 

Query facility and User Reports have already been added to the system based on customer feedback during the trial and the company is continuing to work with its customers to add further functionality throughout the next phase of development.

Steve Cook, Specialist Application Support at Jackson said “Anything that assists Jackson Civil Engineering in resolving invoices queries or monitoring existing plant on hire has to be of benefit.  Speedy’s extranet service provides just that.”

Speedy has developed the system in partnership with digital agency Reading Room using leading content management system Tridion.  The extranet is fully integrated with Speedy’s ERP system Microsoft Axapta.

For more information on Speedy’s extranet, go to www.speedyhire.com/-Extranet_signup.asp  or call 0845 601 5129.

Speedy, the UK’s largest tool and equipment hire company, has signed a partnership deal with leading biometric and identity management consultancy Human Recognition Systems (HRS) to offer MSite - an all-in-one biometric site access security solution.

MSite delivers a comprehensive and easy-to-use management and reporting system, as well as clear site security and health and safety benefits.

Housed in a robust, vandal-resistant steel cabin, the HRS MSite solution features full-height turnstiles connected to a biometric reader that uses either hand geometry or iris-scanning technology to verify the identity of those entering or leaving the site.

The software holds details of individuals’ Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), providing auditing capabilities and ensuring that only those with the right accreditation are allowed on site, according to rules set by site managers.

MSite – in use by many major contractors including Carillion, BAM, Balfour Beatty and Wates -also includes a comprehensive reporting system that provides accurate management information including real-time muster reports, site safety records, time and attendance reports and accurate financial reporting against hours worked.

Darren Evley, managing director of accommodation at Speedy said: “The advantages of MSite were clear to us.  Safety and security are both major concerns for the construction industry and they can lead to high operating costs due to the manpower and administration required to enforce CSCS accreditation on site.

“This innovative solution – capable of linking multiple site entry points using 3G technology - provides comprehensive site management that is both robust and highly efficient, improving reliability and reducing running costs.”

Nick Wilkinson, business unit manager at Human Recognition Systems said: “The MSite solution provides significant value above and beyond the standard biometric access control solutions on the market.

“HRS has worked with major contractors to take MSite from concept, through to design, build and roll out.

“The application has been built specifically for the construction industry and aligned to their specific requirements in order to solve very real problems, whilst reducing the time spent on labour intensive reporting.

“The value of the system can be realised from site through to corporate level, with options to integrate a centralised reporting system for health and safety and workforce management.”

To find out more about MSite rentals, please contact Speedy on 0845 850 0210, or email moreinfo@speedyhire.com

Speedy Hire, the UK’s largest provider of tool and equipment for hire, is pleased to announce it has secured a contract with BT to supply mobile generators to support the Company’s nationwide network of more than 6000 telephone exchanges.

The agreement will run for one year with an option to extend for a further year and follows on from a recent award from BT for the provision of fuel bowsers and sub pumps.  The exchanges, managed by BT’s Operate division, provide network services to almost every business in the UK.

An additional contract has been secured with Tube Lines, the company upgrading three of the busiest lines on the London Underground. Tube Lines has signed a two-year sole supplier agreement with Speedy.

Speedy will provide a comprehensive package of tools and equipment to Tube Lines, including tools, lifting gear, accommodation, communications solutions and bespoke training packages.

In addition to these new awards, Speedy announces two contract extensions. ExxonMobil is extending its five-year preferred supplier agreement with Speedy for a further three years to 2016. The contract is for the provision of managed services including rental equipment, maintenance and planning to the ExxonMobil refinery at Fawley, Southampton.

Also, Speedy has renewed its existing preferred supplier agreement with Osborne, one of the UK’s leading privately owned construction, civil engineering and property services contractors for a further three years. The contract will now run until 2013.

Speedy will be providing a range of equipment and support services including power generation, lifting, temporary accommodation and survey equipment.

Commenting, Steve Corcoran, Chief Executive of Speedy Hire said:

“These recent contract wins and extensions demonstrate the Group’s ability to win and retain good quality work in its target sectors. These contracts are together anticipated to provide an overall revenue in excess of £30m, with an annual value in the first year of £9m.”

Speedy Hire (“Speedy”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a five year Strategic Services Agreement with Al Futtaim Carillion (“AFC”), Carillion plc’s long standing joint venture in the Middle East and North Africa with the Al-Futtaim Group.  The entering into of a formal agreement follows on from the announcement of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Speedy and AFC in July 2009.

Under the terms of the Strategic Services Agreement, Speedy will, in addition to becoming AFC’s exclusive provider of light plant and equipment across the Middle East and North Africa, provide a full range of asset management and logistical services using its new and innovative IT and business process platforms.  Under a separate agreement signed with AFC, Speedy has acquired certain light plant and other assets from AFC for a cash consideration of £4.1 million which, together with existing equipment transferred from the UK and investment in new equipment, takes Speedy’s overall investment to support AFC’s specific requirements to some
£8.5 million.

In addition to supporting a number of long-term AFC projects in the UAE, under the terms of the Strategic Services Agreement, Speedy will in due course extend its support to other projects in the region.

Formal completion of the above arrangements, which is subject to Speedy finalising the establishment of its local trading entity and obtaining relevant local trading licences, is expected to take place later this month.

The Agreement with AFC means that Speedy’s International Asset Services Division is on track to deliver exit run rate turnover as at March 2010 of in excess of
£10 million in line with previous guidance.

Steve Corcoran, Speedy’s CEO, said: 

“We are delighted to announce this further development of our strategic relationship with Carillion.  This underlines the long term value of our strategy of deepening our relationships with leading international contractors and industrial clients and highlights Speedy’s rapid progress in becoming an international services business”

John McDonough, Carillion’s CEO, said: 

“Building long-term relationships with our key suppliers is important to our ability to deliver increasingly efficient, high-quality services for our customers.  We look forward to working with Speedy in the Middle East and to building on the strong relationship we have already developed with Speedy in the UK.”