Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in an additional eleven X-SOLAR SECURITY towers. This latest acquisition will strengthen their existing stock of CCTV and security equipment available for Sunbelt Rentals’ customers to hire. The X-SOLAR SECURITY towers are manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist,
Perfect Workwear – for less than perfect days. Snickers Workwear’s new range of lightweight Mid-layers are a Fusion of style and performance – built for active work in the Autumn. Crafted for full flexibility on site and optimal comfort and built for active work, they’re fully flexible and can be
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) has announced that it is developing a new Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal as it calls for vigilance ahead of the August Bank Holiday, a time typically rife with criminal activity against the construction sector. The portal could support the recovery
More than one in three construction managers in the UK say that incorrectly sized equipment has caused operational inefficiencies on site, potentially disrupting their operations. According to the findings of a new report from Aggreko, ‘A Perfect Storm for European Construction?,’ 37% of UK respondents said that they had experienced
GAP Hire Solutions based in Glasgow, has fought off global competition to win a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. GAP has retained the Gold Award, for the seventh year, in the Health & Safety Performance category and obtained Gold for Fleet Safety, demonstrating its
The new MILWAUKEE® M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah batteries bring more power and high speed cooling in a redesigned resistant housing. The M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 ah Battery Pack delivers 50% more power than the EXISTING M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 ah. The M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah Battery Pack delivers
Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for
After months of seemingly constant rain, it’s no surprise that contractors nationwide are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to put in overtime on site this summer. But for those working at height, it’s vital that they consider extra precautions and prioritise health and safety as the
Tool theft is an ongoing issue in many parts of the UK. In response to this, following the first reading of the bill in June 2022, the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 has been signed into law, with the government now consulting on whether to extend the bill’s requirements. To
In 2024, GAP Hire Solutions proudly marks 55 years of unwavering dedication, innovation, and excellence in the industry. Since our inception in 1969, we have continuously set the standard for superior service and reliability in the hire solutions industry. Built on Trust For over five decades, we’ve stood as a
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in an additional eleven X-SOLAR SECURITY towers. This latest acquisition will strengthen their existing stock of CCTV and security equipment available for Sunbelt Rentals’ customers to hire. The X-SOLAR SECURITY towers are manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist, Trime. Sustainability is a top priority for Sunbelt Rentals. They remain committed to working alongside their customers to reduce their carbon emissions and achieve their own sustainability goals. This latest product investment is a testament to that commitment, aligned with their sustainability strategy, Our Planet. They initially committed to purchasing twenty-two X-SOLAR SECURITY towers which were immediately livered in the distinctive Sunbelt Rentals green branding and instantly went out on hire, providing increased security at events, site compounds, building sites and more. Commenting on this latest investment, Ross Gibbons, Sunbelt Rentals Business Unit Director – Safety and Communications – commented, “With these X-SOLAR SECURITY CCTV towers, we selected systems at the higher end of the market to ensure they meet our high standards and reflect the quality and longevity of products associated with Sunbelt Rentals. We also took into account that these products have to withstand transportation to the site and harsh weather conditions.” “Trime was already one of our trusted partners, who we have worked with over many years regularly utilising their high-quality tower lights, so we know the company meets our expectations when it comes to quality and service. As part of our purchase process, all products must undergo stringent examination in the form of a structured product review to ensure they meet our high standards. Trime ticked all the boxes regarding quality, quantity, cost and guaranteed delivery window. As the UK’s largest rental company, swift turnarounds from our suppliers are important to us as we have to be able to react quickly to our customers’ needs,” added Ross. The Trime X-SOLAR SECURITY has been designed around the Trime award-winning X-SOLAR lighting towers. The X-SOLAR SECURITY is powered by four solar panels that recharge an internal battery pack which ensures zero emissions and zero noise. The X-SOLAR SECURITY features a 6-metre vertical galvanized manual mast, hydraulically operated for simple rise and fall. The mast is also fitted with a T-Bar head ready to support a choice of security or monitoring equipment. Up to four X-SOLAR SECURITY towers can be fitted onto a single truck. It also has forklift pockets and a central lifting eye to simplify transport and storage. Trime has its’ headquarters in Cassinetta di Lugagnano, near Milan, Italy, and operates two production facilities. One is based in Cassinetta adjacent to their head office, and a further facility is situated near Pavia, just south of Milan. Aside from its security tower range, the company also manufactures a wide range of sustainable lighting towers, water-recycling equipment wash bays and dust suppression products. Trime UK is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Sunbelt Rentals is the UK’s largest equipment rental provider, with 200 depots throughout the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Perfect Workwear – for less than perfect days. Snickers Workwear’s new range of lightweight Mid-layers are a Fusion of style and performance – built for active work in the Autumn. Crafted for full flexibility on site and optimal comfort and built for active work, they’re fully flexible and can be worn as an outer layer when it’s warmer or a mid-layer when it’s a bit cooler. They’re full of handy technical features and innovative fabrics to tame the wind, plus brand new energising colours to brighten your spring-time workday. Choose from new street-smart styles such as the Windblocker Half-zip Hoodie or the Lightweight Flexiwork Mid-layer Jacket – creative workwear solutions designed to make your job easier. Whatever Snickers Workwear Mid-layer you choose, you can be sure that they all have body-mapping designs for a great fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) has announced that it is developing a new Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal as it calls for vigilance ahead of the August Bank Holiday, a time typically rife with criminal activity against the construction sector. The portal could support the recovery of almost £3m worth of equipment within the year*. Working in conjunction with the National Construction & Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT) and The Official Construction and Agricultural Equipment Security & Registration Scheme (CESAR) the new Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal will be aimed at HAE EHA members. They will be able to effectively share information on incidents with each other and specialist policing teams, enabling HAE EHA members to better safeguard their businesses against the rising threat of crime. Construction and agricultural machinery theft has increased by 200 per cent since February 20221, with global events, like the war in Ukraine, driving up demand for stolen goods of this type. With Bank Holidays typically rife with crimes of this sort, as businesses close up shop for longer periods, making them prime targets for criminals, the hire industry is disproportionately impacted. At the same time, the equipment hire sector is experiencing a huge spike in fraudulent hires. The collaborative initiative, which HAE is supporting with a significant investment over a three-year commitment, is made up of businesses, police and industry bodies, to tackle the growing crime rates against industry. A report, published by NCATT and CESAR, revealed that the total value of tools and equipment recovered from the sector in just the first quarter of this year was almost £700k. The report also shared that 32 arrests had been made and 127 items recovered in Q1 2024, with some as far afield as Romania and Italy. It also revealed that Essex was a prime target area for these crimes, with the regional police force being supported by CESAR and NCATT in 12 cases in Q1 2024. This is followed by Kent (eight cases), and Lancashire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and South Yorkshire forces being supported six times each in the same period. Mark Bradshaw, public affairs manager at HAE EHA, said: “The rising crime rates against businesses in the hire sector is very worrying but the progress that the CESAR and NCATT teams have made is truly commendable and we are very proud at HAE to be part of this drive to combat crime affecting hire companies. “Ensuring that we can gather as much information as possible about these crimes and work collaboratively across industry and the police is key to tackling this wave of organised crime against our hire sector. That’s why we are creating the Theft & Fraud Reporting Portal for our members to ensure that they have a way of getting this information directly to the policing teams that can help, as well as sharing their experience with other members, something which could help someone else to reduce their risk and keep their team and business safe. “As the August Bank Holiday approaches, this will undoubtedly be an anxious time for those in the hire sector as a long weekend. I urge all these businesses to ensure that security procedures are followed, and that staff are fully briefed on how to make the sites as safe as possible. If incidents do occur, please do report them, both to the police and to us, the information will go directly into supporting the activity of the CESAR and NCATT teams.” Superintendent Andy Huddleston, head of the NCATT and head of the National Rural Crime Unit, said: “NCATT finished its first year of operation with over £6 million in seizures of stolen machinery from criminals. This is as much an indication of the scale of the threat we face as well as well as a measure of the success of NCATT. The high level of seizures and recoveries has continued throughout 2024 and crucially we are seeing more arrests and, with the support of the CESAR donor board including HAE funding support, the team now have a financial investigation capability. “The Hire Association Europe’s three-year funding commitment to help fight plant equipment theft and fraud is absolutely crucial to us continuing this work and targeting construction machinery thieves. Having this specialist team of police officers that cover the whole of the country not only identifying stolen equipment but also coordinating forces and pushing legislative changes is making a difference in tackling organised criminal groups that target HAE members. We are a small unit and whilst we can’t support every theft investigation, what we are able to do is make a tangible difference and I thank the industry for its crucial support in helping us do this.” HAE EHA is a Birmingham-based industry-leading trade association for the plant, tool, equipment and event hire sectors with membership representing businesses from new startups to some of Europe’s largest hire companies. It has over 700 member companies based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than one in three construction managers in the UK say that incorrectly sized equipment has caused operational inefficiencies on site, potentially disrupting their operations. According to the findings of a new report from Aggreko, ‘A Perfect Storm for European Construction?,’ 37% of UK respondents said that they had experienced issues with sizing equipment in the past year. Incorrectly sizing equipment can have a negative impact on both the sustainability and efficiency of a construction site as businesses will inevitably waste power and fuel. This can also pose a higher risk of equipment failure, in addition to unnecessary carbon emissions and increased costs. Specifying the correct solution for an application can change this. Getting the size right first time optimises performance over a project’s duration which can be a huge benefit for those who must hit sustainability targets as part of their contract. Tom Adlington, Sector Sales Manager, Building Services & Construction at Aggreko, said: “The strain on construction managers is already exceedingly high, so adding the stress of having inefficient and incorrectly sized equipment is something they could do without. “Using the expertise of their solutions provider to choose the correct equipment for the job is a vital step in achieving efficiency. Correctly sized and specified equipment offers savings on energy and is key to sustainability – making it a true win-win situation for the operator.” Different technologies should also be considered when sizing power equipment effectively. Hybridisation of generators is a prime example of this, where combining battery energy storage systems alongside modular and flexible power allows operation with greater efficiencies, lower noise levels and less emissions. “New technologies are giving stakeholders a real selection of viable solutions for their energy needs,” added Tom. “Combining these solutions in one efficient package can provide savings and give construction managers the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is taken care of.” Despite the right-sizing challenges facing UK construction managers, the situation fairs better in the UK than Europe as a whole, where the Aggreko research found that 50% of 853 construction managers questioned thought incorrectly sized equipment had impacted site efficiency this year. To read the full report from Aggreko, ‘A Perfect Storm for European Construction’ click HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GAP Hire Solutions based in Glasgow, has fought off global competition to win a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. GAP has retained the Gold Award, for the seventh year, in the Health & Safety Performance category and obtained Gold for Fleet Safety, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring its staff get home safely at the end of every working day. The esteemed RoSPA Awards program now celebrates its 68th year as the UK’s largest and most impactful health and safety programme. With almost 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, impacting over seven million employees, they offer a platform to spotlight an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in health and safety. Whether entrants seek non-competitive excellence recognition or vie for competitive awards across 32 industry sectors, the RoSPA Awards provide an unparalleled opportunity to stand among leaders shaping safer, healthier workplaces. As of this year, the RoSPA award entry process can be used as reflective practise to contribute to continuing professional development (CPD). Malcolm Campbell, Performance and Improvement Specialist at GAP Hire Solutions commented: “We are thrilled that GAP has once again earned these prestigious RoSPA Gold Awards for 2024. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in Health & Safety and Occupational Road Risk. It’s a testament to the dedication of all our operational teams in ensuring safety is at the heart of everything we do.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Workplace accidents don’t just pose financial risks and operational disruptions; they significantly impact the quality of life for individuals. This is why acknowledging and rewarding excellent safety performance is vital. “We congratulate GAP Hire Solutions for winning a prestigious RoSPA Award and showing an unwavering commitment to keeping employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.” Sponsored by Croner-i, the RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry. Ben Chaplain, Managing Director at Croner-i, said: “We are proud to sponsor the RoSPA Awards for a second year, which emphasises our dedication to prioritising health and safety—an essential foundation for lasting success and wellbeing at work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new MILWAUKEE® M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah batteries bring more power and high speed cooling in a redesigned resistant housing. The M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 ah Battery Pack delivers 50% more power than the EXISTING M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 ah. The M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah Battery Pack delivers M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 Ah power while being 20% smaller and 30% lighter. The FORGE™ batteries are MILWAUKEE®’s most powerful and fastest charging batteries. Both batteries deliver high speed cooling whilst charging for less downtime in high demanding applications, 45 minute supercharge to 100%*, and have the longest life vs REDLITHIUM™ batteries. Both the 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah battery are COOL-CYCLE™ capable. COOL-CYCLE™ Active Cooling System provides high speed cooling for less downtime. Patented ingress coating provides increased protection to maximise active cooling through an upgraded venting design. The high speed cooling feature works with M18™ Dual Bay Super Charger that has COOL-CYCLE™ capability. This lithium-ion battery has the longest life, the most recharges, and the best performance over the life of the battery. It is also designed with resistant housing for increased protection against exposure to common oils, greases, and solvents. REDLINK™ Intelligence protects the battery from overloads, preventing you from damaging your cordless power tools in heavy duty situations. The M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah battery is fully compatible with 290+ M18™ solutions. *With the M18™ Dual Bay Super Charger Specifications M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah Battery M18 FB8 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ FORGE™ 8.0 Ah Battery M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 Ah Battery M18 FB12 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 Ah Battery Perfect Match: M18™ Dual Bay Super Charger (4932492531) To find out more about M18™ FORGE™ Batteries, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/. Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for lithium-ion battery storage and transport. Its unique cable gland design allows users to safely charge their batteries within the case, ensuring maximum safety and convenience. The case’s lightweight and robust construction, coupled with its easy handling, makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Key features of the BSK-1 fire protection case include: • Affordablility: BSK-1 is available for less than £500 per unit • Fire-resistant interior fittings: Derived from cutting-edge fire and explosion protection technologies, including dust-free PyroBubbles cushions. • Maximum protection: The case maintains an outside temperature below 100 °C, with no emission of flames or splinters in the event of an emergency, providing top-tier protection for people and their surroundings. • High dielectric safety: Suitable for strong power tools or defective batteries, ensuring versatile use. • Tested technology: Developed according to the latest hazardous goods technology and successfully tested in real-time fire scenarios. • Capacity: Accommodates a maximum dangerous goods weight of 8 kg with inner dimensions of 520 x 320 x 245 mm. Rising incidence of lithium-ion battery fires There has been a significant rise in the use of lithium-ion batteries globally, driven by the growing popularity of power tools, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. However, this surge in usage has also led to a concerning rise in lithium-ion battery fires, with UK fire services attending 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 than 2022. The impact of lithium-ion battery fires can be devastating; a factory fire in South Korea in June 2024, involving exploding lithium-ion batteries tragically resulted in 22 fatalities and highlights the urgent need for reliable and safe storage solutions . Speak to the experts As the go-to experts for lithium-ion battery storage, Chemstore has become the preferred partner for industry leaders across multiple sectors, including construction, education, logistics and motorsport, where the demand for safe battery storage is paramount. The BSK-1 represents the latest addition to Chemstore’s expanding range of lithium-ion battery storage solutions, which includes safety products at every stage of the process when working with lithium-ion batteries, including: – Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore, commented on the launch: “The BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case is a simple yet effective solution to the increasingly common problem of safely charging, storing, and transporting lithium-ion batteries. Whether for power tools, ebike/escooter charging or defective batteries, the BSK-1 offers peace of mind that batteries are protected.” “We are thrilled to expand our lithium-ion battery storage offering, reinforcing our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers and ensure the highest safety standards.” For more information on the BSK-1 fire protection case and other lithium-ion battery storage solutions, visit: www.chemstore.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After months of seemingly constant rain, it’s no surprise that contractors nationwide are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to put in overtime on site this summer. But for those working at height, it’s vital that they consider extra precautions and prioritise health and safety as the mercury soars. That’s why Werner, a leading ladder and access solutions provider, has put together a series of safety tips to ensure building professionals don’t end up with a summer to remember for all the wrong reasons. Mark Robson, Product Manager at Werner, explains: “With the warmer weather finally here, there’s never been a better time for tradespeople to familiarise with the behaviours essential for maintaining optimum health and safety when working at height in the sun. “By putting together this guide for tradespeople, we’re hoping to help take advantage of the better weather – without risking their health or livelihood in the process.” Werner’s key considerations include: Creating a solid foundation with equipment: Ensuring ladders have the correct classification is important, as poorly made imports are a leading cause of injuries when working at height. This would be EN131 Professional for trade, heavy duty and industrial usages, purchasing a ladder that is to the EN131 standard means that users can have peace of mind it’s been manufactured and tested to ensure maximum safety. Undertaking risk assessments: As a manufacturer, Werner is keen to encourage the importance of working at height safely in all conditions and has a wealth of guides on its website to advise users of ladder and access equipment best practices. When it comes to ladders the user must check the following for suitability and damage: Should a user find any signs of wear and tear, loosening, bending or lack of stability they must inform their employer straight away and they should not attempt to use the equipment under any circumstances. Staying safe in the heat: When focusing on getting the job done, it’s all too easy to forget to hydrate, which can cause dehydration and severe heatstroke. Alone, this is a huge risk to health. However, for those working at height a lack of hydration can mean danger is increased, due to the risk of falls if feeling drowsy, dizzy, or weak. Drinking water at regular intervals helps to cool the body’s temperature and replaces the fluid that may be lost through sweating, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion, so it’s important to have fresh water readily available for all working on site. Additionally, it is suggested that all workers to get a CPR certificate to be prepared for possible emergencies during working hours. Wear sunscreen: For those working outside and at height, sunscreen should be worn all year round. Even on cool or overcast days, harmful UV rays still penetrate cloud – and prolonged exposure to them can increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. The Health and Safety Executive found that construction workers are among the most ‘at risk’ of developing this form of cancer, so layering up with sunscreen is essential. Wear suitable clothing: Using the PPE required to undertake a specific job is essential, so while it may be hot it is important not to make choices that will put safety at risk. However, there are types of clothing that can be worn to ensure maximum comfort when working at height in the heat. Clothing made from natural fibres, like cotton and linen, are made from compounds that allow the skin to breathe. Darker colours like navy and black absorb more heat. In contrast, whites and beiges deflect the sun’s wavelengths making them the most suitable choice in extreme temperatures. For broader information on ladder safety, which includes guides on how to choose the correct ladder for the task at hand, how to correctly inspect equipment and for general working from height guidance, visit: https://www.wernerco.com/uk/ladder-safety. For further information about Werner’s range of ladders, access solutions and training visit: www.wernerco.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tool theft is an ongoing issue in many parts of the UK. In response to this, following the first reading of the bill in June 2022, the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 has been signed into law, with the government now consulting on whether to extend the bill’s requirements. To make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen tools and to help reunite them with their owners, manufacturers and resellers of high-value equipment will need to ensure that their items are registered and traceable if stolen. Additionally, forensic marking will assist police with investigations, making it easier to hold those who steal tools accountable. A recent survey found that power tools are the most sought-after items by thieves. Kent Police recovered more than 3,500 power tools, worth over a million pounds, in the South East of England. Officers from Kent Police and Thames Valley Police worked together to uncover the ‘large haul’, which was found at an address in Swattenden after thieves took a tool with a tracker on it. The tracker led Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, who began the investigation, to execute a warrant at the address on April 26, 2024. Besides power tools, other suspected stolen goods were found, including a quad bike confirmed to be stolen from Ashford and six caravans stolen from locations nationwide, including Bristol, Wales, Southampton, Staffordshire, and Sussex. Five local men, aged between 18 and 44, were arrested alongside a 19-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of multiple offences relating to theft. They have since been bailed. Officers are now working to identify the rightful owners of the tools and are appealing for members of the public to get in contact if they believe their property could have been recovered. Recovered Items The recovered items include a variety of power tools and other equipment: Brands of the recovered items include DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Hitachi, Stihl, and numerous other brands, such as those frequently purchased from SGS Engineering, a reputable supplier known for providing a comprehensive range of tools and equipment to various industries. The Impact of Tool Theft According to the Tradespeople Against Tool Theft white paper, 78% of tradespeople have had their tools stolen, with 38.5% having tools stolen from their van outside their home. Of these, only 1% fully recovered their stolen tools. On the Tools found that the average UK tradesperson is likely to have between £1,000 and £5,000 worth of tools stolen in just one incident, with self-employed tradespeople being 38% more likely than employed tradespeople to have their tools stolen. 10.6% of tradespeople said they had to take time off work while they found new equipment, and 13% had to pay for damage to repair their vehicle. A survey conducted by On the Tools found that the most common factor directly impacting a tradesperson’s mental health is their finances, with 65% of UK tradespeople surveyed reporting that their financial situation directly impacts their mental health. The average salary of tradespeople in the UK is £35,056 annually, equivalent to £535.78 per week after tax. This means that replacing tools worth £1,000 would take around two weeks’ worth of work, while the higher loss of £5,000 would take just over nine weeks’ worth of work. Factoring in additional costs such as van repairs or having to turn down work, the reality of this issue becomes clear. Notably, 83% of UK tradespeople did not have tool insurance at the time of their experience with tool theft. Personal Accounts Lee Dyer, a Water Hygiene Engineer, said, “I store work tools in my van and my concern is that if they get stolen, they aren’t insured and I’ll have to pay out of my own pocket to replace them. If I can’t afford them at that time, it will leave me out of work. Parking on the street, especially at night, used to always be a worry for me before we double-secured all of our vans.” Moreover, more than 2 in 3 (68%) tradespeople worry about tool theft daily, with over 1 in 3 (39%) agreeing that having tools stolen has had a strong impact on their mental health, a figure significantly higher for self-employed tradespeople. This isn’t an isolated issue; 37% of tradespeople said they had their tools stolen twice, and 4% said they had their supplies stolen more than five times. Jeff Macfarlane, a landscape gardener, currently stores his tools in his van, despite having tools stolen from it in the past. Initially, to avoid tool theft, he moved his tools from his van to his garage, only for thieves to later break into his garage and steal the tools again. This represents the catch-22 situation that many tradespeople face, and without adequate punishment for those who steal, many are beginning to see this as an inevitable part of their profession.
In 2024, GAP Hire Solutions proudly marks 55 years of unwavering dedication, innovation, and excellence in the industry. Since our inception in 1969, we have continuously set the standard for superior service and reliability in the hire solutions industry. Built on Trust For over five decades, we’ve stood as a pillar of support for construction projects and industries across the nation, earning their trust every step of the way. Our commitment to providing top-quality equipment and personalised service has been the cornerstone of our success. Innovation at Every Turn From modest beginnings to becoming a leader in the hire solutions industry, we’ve embraced innovation at every turn. From day one, innovation has driven our success. We’ve embraced new technologies and approaches to meet the evolving needs of our customers with precision and efficiency, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. Gratitude & Growth As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey. To our loyal customers, dedicated team members, and valued stakeholders, thank you for your unwavering support. Since our 50th celebrations in 2019, we have grown our turnover by 49% in just 5 years. This remarkable growth is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of everyone at GAP Hire Solutions. Here’s to the Next 55 Years! Join us as we celebrate 55 years of excellence and toast to the many more ahead. Thank you for your support, partnership, and trust. Here’s to the next chapter! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals