08.10.2025

James Richard Hagan 1943-2025

We have received the sad news that UK/Saudi Arabian crane rental industry veteran Jim Hagan has died following a period of ill health.

He passed away on Thursday 25th September at the age of 82. He leaves behind his wife Olga and children Elisha and Sean.
Please register to see all images

Jim Hagen in 2019

Born in Liverpool he graduated from university in 1964 but did not enter the crane industry until 1970 when he joined BCHC - the British Crane Hire Corporation, a rebrand of Richards & Wallington - as a sales representative. After a few years with the company he moved to a similar role at Roadcraft Crane and Plant Hire.

In 1978 he joined G.W. Sparrow and Sons and was posted to Damman as contracts manager on a major port handling contract. The contract sparked off a long standing joint venture with Saudi Arabia based Rezayat Group - Razayat Sparrow Arabian Crane Hire.
Please register to see all images

The early days in Dammam, Jim Hagen (L) changing the tyre while Alf Sparrow looks on

Once the contract was completed and the venture running smoothly he returned to the UK as director of Sparrows Heavy Cranes, remaining until the company was acquired by BET in 1985.

The following year he joined two former colleagues, Gordon Sparrow and Derek Flatley to acquire Coventry Crane Hire, followed by the formation of Gordon Sparrow Crane Hire in Bristol.

When the financial crisis hit in the late 1980s early 1990s, the partners agreed to major restructuring of the business and Hagen returned to Dammam, initially working as general manager for Crescent Transportation. In 2002 he rejoined the Rezayat group as general manager of Rezayat Projects, adding Rezayat Sparrow to his responsibilities in 2006. He finally retired in 2009 and returned to Bath.

One of those who worked closely with him said: “Jim was a competent manager and will be remembered for his no-nonsense management abilities, loyalty to his staff and friends and his wonderful sense of humour.”