09.07.2021

The life of Brian

Brian Symcox of Sunbelt Rentals UK (formerly A-Plant) has received a lifetime achievement award having celebrated 50 years with the company.

Symcox, 72, began his career in 1970 as an apprentice, when he joined the Derby depot of Keyplant - a subsidiary of Norwest Holst Holdings - which was acquired by A-Plant/Ashtead in April 1987. His salary in those early days was just ‘five bob’ a week – the equivalent of 25 pence in today’s money. He was later employed as a workshop based fitter/service engineer, before becoming being a mobile service engineer, a job he held for close on five decades. Since 2019 he has been office based, working three days a week, supporting the training of apprentices, helping them with learn the basics of maintenance and repairs.
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Brian Symcox

Looking back over his career Symcox, said: “In the 1970’s there was no electric equipment, but that has all progressed to batteries and now it’s key-coded start-up. Machinery is now a lot easier to use, as technology has advanced there is more flexibility. I am really pleased to be celebrating 50 years with the company and I will just carry on and keep going while I’m fit and well. I have no plans for retirement just yet and am not sure what I might do when I have to retire.”
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Symcox now has a rare '50 years’ service' badge

Chris Hanley, Sunbelt UK service centre manager, added: “We are delighted to join Brian in celebrating his 50 years with the company, it is a truly commendable achievement. Brian has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share and he’s a good teacher. The apprentices really appreciate and value his skills and experience and over the years he must have mentored quite a few apprentices.”
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(L-R) Brian Symcox with Chris Hanley of Sunbelt