We have received the sad news that Phil Cutting, founder and former managing director of UK access rental company PG Platforms has died.
He was diagnosed with cancer last August and after suffering from complications from the chemotherapy, passed away on Saturday 20th April with his family by his side, he was 76.
Phil Cutting
Phil Cutting started out in 1970 when he joined John Laing and its crane and its rental division EPL which had both cranes and aerial lifts in its fleet. In fact it was a pioneer in the powered access market under Paul Adorian who went on to become IPAF's first full managing director.
Phil decided to start his own access rental business somewhere between 1982 and 1984, operating as a sole trader from a location in Strood, near the historic Chatham Dockyards east of London. The PG Platforms name dates from 1984, by which time the fleet consisted of half a dozen Versalift van mounted lifts. Over the next 25 years the business expanded at a steady pace with more truck mounted lifts, van mounts and then other platform types.
In 2009 Phil and his son Steve, who joined his father in 1992, incorporated the business as PG Platforms Ltd. In the years since, the fleet make up has grown even wider, to include most types of frequently used self-propelled aerial lifts including booms, scissors, spider lifts and mast booms etc… In 2015 the company moved into new headquarters in Snodland, Kent, while a second location was opened in Bolney, near Haywards Heath in West Sussex. The company has also added a third generation in the form of Steve’s son Charlie who joined in 2018 as a truck mounted lift operator and is now hire desk controller.
A post by Steve Cutting said: “Phil started PG nearly 40 years ago and was the driving force behind the company for many years until he partially retired, although he was still very much involved until shortly before his passing. RIP to a man we called Phil, Boss, Friend, Dad & Grandad. He leaves behind his wife Carole, three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements
Phil Cutting's funeral will be held at Thames View Crematorium, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 3JH at 13:00 on Thursday 16th May, the family has said that anyone wish to pay their last respects are most welcome to attend. The funeral will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Boat House in Strood, Kent.
In lieu of any flowers, the family has asked that any donations go to the Wisdom Hospice in Rochester.
Gordon L
Very sad news, condolences to Phil's family. I only met him a few times the first in the early 90s his enthusiasm for the industry was always inspirational. Phil was character who will be greatly missed by many.
Gordon L
Very sad news, condolences to Phil's family. I only met him a few times the first in the early 90s his enthusiasm for the industry was always inspirational. Phil was character who will be greatly missed by many.
Neil Lawrence
Sad news, my thoughts are with Steve and his family at this time.