23.08.2023

Derek Paul Warren 1939-2023

We have received the sad news that Derek Warren of UK based rental company Warren Access has died.
He passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning following a short illness, he was 83.

Derek Warren founded the company that bears his name in May 1993 after he was laid off from his 28 year career at rental company Marshall Branson, where he was general manager of its plant and access division. He was 53 at the time and wondering what to do next.

He decided to utilise his severance pay to acquire two used Acklift van mounted platforms and go into business for himself, using the knowledge and experience he had gained. He set the business up and soon found work for the two platforms, renting them to the local council and marking the beginning of a successful new career as an entrepreneur.
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Derek Warren at the wheel

In the years that followed the company expanded its fleet with additional truck mounted lifts and ventured into the spider lift rental market. The growth obliged a relocation to larger premises and included the addition of a training centre, which soon gained IPAF and PASMA training centre accreditation. In 2012 the company acquired the Huntingdon based Height for Hire rental business and APS Training operation from APS, establishing a second location and southern presence, moving to larger premises in the area in 2018.

In 2018, as he approached his 80th birthday, Derek decided to retire from the business, handing over to the second generation in the form of his son Graeme and daughter in law Michelle who had joined the company in 2005. He did though remain a director of the business and retained a keen interest in its activities.
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Derek Warren in the office earlier this year

The family commented: “Our hearts are filled with sadness and grief over the sudden passing of Derek, he touched the hearts of everyone he met. It is quite unthinkable that only three months ago, we were celebrating the 30th anniversary of Warren Access. The world has lost a wonderful person and it will never be the same again. Anyone that knew Derek will agree that he was a selfless, true gentleman.”

The funeral is due to take place at 11.15am on 1st of September at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church, Waterloo Road, Blyth, NE24 1DE - Everyone welcome - followed by the cremation at 12:15, Blyth Crematorium, Cowpen Road, Northumberland, NE24 5SZ.