13.01.2026

Veteran lift manager for Berkeley

UK crane rental start-up Berkeley Crane Hire has appointed Bristol based crane rental veteran Dave Williams as contract lift manager.

Williams began his crane career in 1969 at the tender age of 15 when he became a trainee crane operator with a GW Sparrow & Sons, which became Grayson White & Sparrows and then Ainscough, where he was contract lift manager at its Bristol depot, until taking semi-retirement in 2020. 56 years on, he clearly still loves the business and has decided to keep his hand in for at least a little longer.

Berkeley managing director Ryan Dobson said: “With his extensive experience and well earned reputation across the crane and construction industry, Dave is a fantastic addition to our team. We are truly excited to have his knowledge and leadership on board.”

Berkeley Crane Hire was incorporated in 2024 by Ryan Dobson and is based in Berkeley, South Gloucestershire, between Bristol and Cheltenham. The company offers crane hire and contract lifting services throughout Gloucestershire, including Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester and in to South Wales.

Dobson began his career as a computer engineer, but entered the crane market around 20 years ago as a slinger signaller, going on to become an Ainscough depot manager, until working as a lift supervisor with Hinkley Point C nuclear power station joint venture Bylor, leaving in mid-2024 to set up Berkeley. The company now runs a diverse fleet of cranes ranging from an eight tonne Tadano TS75-ML named Penelope through to Dorothy, a 100 tonne Grove GMK4100-L All Terrain.