Fydle coast family firm's awards joy

Smiths Hire, which late last year opened its 11th depot, at Cleveleys, has won the 2018 HAE Plant, Tool and Equipment Hire Company of the Year award at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

The award is based on the high levels of customer service that nominees achieve, putting the customer first and ensuring high quality training of all staff to be able to meet customers’ needs.

It is also dependant on the provision of innovative equipment hire methods.

With this aspect, Smiths said its depot experience and online directory, supported by the rebranding of its 12 Hire Centres and our four training centres helped secure the win.

David Smiths, joint managing director said: “We are so proud to have been voted the HAE – Best Plant, Equipment and Tool Hire Company of 2018 by our peers. This award reflects the professionalism and dedication of all the staff at Smiths Hire, it’s their award.”

David Turner, marketing director said: “Our business has gone through a challenging period of transformation, modernisation and market realignment and has come out of the other side triumphant which has been recognised by this HAE Award, we are thrilled”.

He added that the award was a huge honour for the company and the team were very proud to share this news with all of the customers.

A spokesman for the awards said: “The awards celebrate the amazing achievements of hire and supply companies across the UK’s plant, tool, equipment and event hire industry.

"All winners have been independently judged against stringent criteria, with the awards providing an excellent way of acknowledging and showcasing some of the best practices that the hire industry can offer.”

Founded as SmithsEquipment Hire in 1971 it now has 11 centres in the region plus its head office at Squires Gate.

The business originated from a coal merchants operation run by the Smith family at Marton Depot.