Origins

When he founded CP Hire, John Rawnsley believed that there was a space for an independent plant hire business that could offer a high-class service on a regional level and which provided all the support and strength expected from a larger national business. One of the key factors when starting the company was ensuring that the business could maximise its opportunity throughout all of the next financial cycle. One of the key challenges was that CP Hire was not a well-known brand at all and as a new market entrant had it all to prove. However, this was a challenge that its staff relished and it was able to prove to an expanding customer base that their needs and requirements were the key factors that drove the business.

Success Factor

Recruitment of excellent staff that have shown commitment, desire, humility and a shared interest in watching the business grow has been critical. In addition, a loyal customer base has appreciated the service and equipment provided by CP Hire and customers have supported the business in the way they expect to be supported themselves. Finally, it has a very open management style that runs throughout the company which enable staff to make the necessary decisions on a daily basis to focus on the key factors that are important to business.

The Future

CP Hire will continue to expand the depot model as customers work throughout the UK and supporting them in new geographical areas is key to its expansion. Its ‘operated plant’ business continues to grow from strength-to-strength and this model will be rolled out to more of depots to support the on-going infrastructure requirements in the UK like HS2. The firm’s product range continues to grow and this has brought great benefits to the company through economies of scale as it grows. Investing in people on a continual basis has will also provide the company with a strengthening foundation and this is important to the customer service standards CP Hire prides itself on.