29.09.2006

The Access Link meet

The Access Link, the UK/Ireland based association of independently owned access rental companies, that work together to provide a national coverage of the UK and Ireland met at Tanfield’s premises in Stanley yesterday.

This was the first meeting since the departure of UpLift, earlier this month and discussion naturally centred around the future direction of the grouping.
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Access Link members at yesterdays meeting

It was decided that the chair would rotate between members on a meeting by meeting basis, but that a permanent secretary would be appointed and Richard Philpott of Light Hire in Exeter was duly appointed to that role. His number is 01392 255211.

Subjects included a review and consideration of the original charter for the Link and its original aims and objectives. A number of prospective new members were also discussed and Max Access of Abingdon, was approved to provide specialist access equipment. (Largely Falck Schmidt spiders).

As far as filling any voids in the geographical coverage, some territory boundaries were redrawn and additional branches from certain members were added to the network to give satisfactory support levels.

A number of new member applications were considered but it was agreed that no new appointments would be considered until these changes had settled down.

The Link now consists of Fourteen member companies:

Light Hire – Exeter
Orion Access – Dartford
AJ Access – Chepstow
Skyhigh – Ipswich
Glo Hire – London
2 Cousins – Oxford/W.London
Max Access – Abingdon (Falck Schmidt )
Midland Access – Lutterworth
Central Access – Nottingham
ES Access – Durham & Batley ( incl trucks )
North east Access – Tyne & Wear
Plantfinder – Scotland
Highway Plant – Belfast and north Eire 7 & N Dublin
Skylift Hire – Southern Eire and S Dublin

Vertikal Comment

The Access Link has been a real success story and one of the more dynamic associations in the UK rental business. Such groupings can and do play a very positive role in raising standards and levels of professionalism within the industry.

Over the years some Link members have moved from being local independents to national companies in their own right and then part of a group company.

When this has occurred the form has been for those members to resign. Departures included AFI, one of the founder members, who left in 2002 and then Panther, AMP and UpLift this year as they were acquired by National players.

In every case the departing members have expressed their strong appreciation for the Link and acknowledged the important role that the Link played in their success. All still have a soft spot for the association.

Regular contact to keep developing the association and to air of any grievances before they become major issues, is essential to the success of such a grouping.

An impressive point yesterday, as at most Link meetings, is the high turnout that the regular meetings attract. The success of such groupings depends entirely on high minimum standards of service and quality, and trust between members.

After all each company is entrusting its loyal customer the other member to look after.

The Access Link is a good example for like minded independents to follow in other countries as well as Other industries. The National Crane group in the UK for example, could look to the Link for inspiration if it is to grow and prosper.