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Northern Ireland Councils Criticised for £5m Vehicle Hire Bill

Council spend is a subject that is always hitting the headlines, with taxpayers eager to learn where their tax deductions are being spent.

Just today, it has been revealed that councils in Northern Ireland have spent £5m on rental vehicles in recent times; a figure that many believe to be completely absurd.

Causeway Coast and Glens were the biggest spenders of the area, with their rental fees accounting for almost half of the eye-watering £5m sum. According to the statistics, they forked out close to £2.3M on rental vehicles over the course of the past 5 years.

Following them as the second-biggest spenders were Belfast council, parting with just under £1m over the last three years.

At the other end of the spectrum we have Mid Ulster council who spent a respectable £20,000 on rental vehicles in 48 months.

Such information was required under a Freedom of Information request, seeing 11 councils participate. Though all sharing information covering a different number of years, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough council declined, sharing no details whatsoever on how much they have spent or are spending on transport hire services.

SDLP assembly member Colin McGrath, who was responsible for gathering and presenting this data, felt the £5m sum to be ‘astounding’, being concerned with the varying rates paid by each council as well as the frequency such services were being used. Advising Northern Ireland’s authorities to invest in their own fleet, he said the following:

“These figures are astounding. This is dead money – money that is spent hiring vehicles is money that is not being invested in council fleets long term,” the South Down MLA said.

“The whole purpose and remit of the Review of Public Administration was for there to be a consistent and cost-effective approach to public spending with a view to saving the public purse – not draining it.”

Let us know your thoughts on the £5m spent on transport hire by leaving your comments below.

by 3 weeks ago
cow

Pembrokeshire Farm Hires 110 Cows!

At Anything for Hire, we are always singing the praises of the hire/rental model, hence why we created a whole business around it! Allowing businesses and individuals to enjoy products and services without the hassle of purchase or ownership, hiring the things you need and want just makes sense.

This is why in recent years, as people have begun to appreciate the benefits of hiring, we have seen a selection of strange hire options hit the market.

Just this week, we learnt that one Pembrokeshire dairy farm has started to hire their cows! You heard correctly; you can now hire cows!

While a bit of an odd story, when learning of the challenges the farm owners were faced with, expanding their herd through renting was the perfect solution.

The Johns, a 300-acre farm in Tymeini, Tufton, has been keen to expand its herd for some time. By signing a rental agreement with another farm, they will now hire 110 additional cows, paying £180/cow, per year. This will allow the farm to breed extra cows and increase profits from sales of produce.

In order to accommodate this new influx of cattle, the business has invested £130,000 in a new accommodation facility.

“We wanted the accommodation to be roomy, especially around the feeding area because we’d had issues in our existing shed with crowding at feeding time,” he said.

“To allow for this we have created 285 feet of trough space, enough for 140 cows to feed, with a 16-foot wide passageway next to the feeding troughs so there is no pushing and shoving’’ they said.

Other unusual things you can hire

While cows are up there, they are not the most bizarre items or services we know are hired across the world. From people hiring gamers to take over their consoles while they are at work, to people hiring cats and other household pets for the weekend, the hire market it vast and just as weird as it is wonderful.

To explore hire services available in your area, make your way over to the Anything for Hire homepage.

by 3 weeks ago
evennn

Event Planning Tips: What to Hire

If you are a professional Event Planner, we understand the pressures involved in planning big dos such as weddings, corporate dos and proms. Requiring great venues, strategic planning and a whole selection of vendors, planning an event is one hell of a task.  

However, with the help of Anything for Hire, Event Planners across the nation can access a pool of suppliers and providers to help them put on show-stoppers.   

Below are just a few of the hire services professional planners can access via the platform: 

Chair cover hire  

Chairs and tables have a huge impact on décor at any event. This is why the seated area of an event needs to be welcoming and eye-catching. If this is something you want to ensure, explore the many chair cover hire providers within our network, many of which have won awards for their high-quality products.  

Transport hire  

When arranging any type of event, you will have to consider logistics. Wanting to accommodate all guests, transport hire should be on your radar. This is something we are eager to support events specialists with, being the go-to site for all of the following:  

Mobile bar hire  

Whether planning a wedding reception, birthday bash, awards ceremony or charity do, the event will simply not be complete without great-tasting drinks. This is why most planners are starting to utilise mobile bar hire, renting bars and bar staff to ensure their guests have something scrumptious to ‘cheers’ with.  

Chocolate fountain hire  

Want to really impress guests? If so, you should certainly invest in chocolate fountain hire, giving them something delicious to eat whilst at your event. Being a real, indulgent treat, melting chocolate foundations are the epitome of luxury!  

If you are interested in hiring any of the above for an upcoming event, get your search underway on our homepage!  

by 4 weeks ago
skip

Axe Skip Hire Expand Fleet

As you will know by reading many of our previous posts, we are passionate about sharing skip hire solutions to those that need them, providing a platform in which consumers can search, compare and book such services with ease. This is why we are always keen to learn of skip firms investing in their services and products, adding value to the UK’s flourishing hire industry.

This week we learn that Axe Skip, a rental firm based in Axminster, has invested in its fleet, adding additional skips to its collection. Signalling great expansion for the brand, these new skips will have a huge positive impact on the brand, allowing them to facilitate a larger number of customers.

This investment has been made possible by an asset funding line from Santander Business Banking, allowing them to purchase a 7.5-tonne DAF lorry. This is the second lorry of its kind to be purchased by Axe this year.

James Bostock, Director at Axe Skip Hire Ltd, said the following:

“Axe Skip Hire continues to see strong local demand for our low-cost, reliable service, and it’s great to be able to upgrade our fleet with a new DAF lorry with help from Santander.

“We know that our customers value the recycling aspect of the business and we are now focused on taking our brand deeper into our current markets and hopefully further afield.”

Having been in business since 1985, this skip hire company boasts 5 lorries and over 500 skips, making them a huge player in the local market.

Shop for skip hire providers

If you are on the search for affordable skip hire solutions in your area, then you are in luck. Here at Anything for Hire, we allow our users to access the best deals from suppliers across the country.

So, head over to our homepage now and get your search underway!

by 1 month ago
ess

Popular Events for Luxury Self-drive Car Hire

Luxury car hire is a service that most UK residents indulge in at one time or another. Whether it be a limo for prom or a posh chauffeur car for a business trip, these once in a lifetime trips are fun and unique.

However, it appears that as a nation, we are enjoying high-end car hire more than ever, with trends showing a huge increase in hiring activity. This is especially the case when looking at self-drive car hire, with more and more people wanting to get behind the wheels of their rental cars and experience what they are like to drive.

Below we look at the top events us Brits are hiring luxury self-drive cars for.

Weddings

Wedding and high-end cars naturally go together. But, where most brides and grooms would look at Rolls Royces and limousines to get them and their wedding party to the destinations of the day, many brides and grooms are now wanting to drive themselves!

Loving the impact of pulling up in a self-drive supercar on their big day, many brides and grooms are taking the unconventional approach when planning their wedding transport.

Proms

Proms are another big event that require good-looking cars. Here at Anything for Hire, we have seen a surge in prom kings and queens exploring the idea of self-drive car hire. Wanting to impress classmates and lecturers with their arrival, it appears graduates are going to great lengths to leave a lasting impression!

Business meetings and events

The world of business is all about giving off a certain impression, with businessmen and women eager to impress colleagues, clients and affiliates. This is something many of our community’s business minds are achieving through self-drive car hire.

Top luxury self-drive car to hire

Below are a few of the most sought-after self-drive cars being hired in the UK all year round:

Get a quote for luxury car hire today through AnythingforHire.Com.

by 1 month ago
jag

Hertz Go British With New Service

Popular car rental firm, Hertz, has this week announced details of their latest service. Honing in on the British theme, the brand has launched ‘The British Collection’ in the UK. Putting our country’s wonderful cars of a pedestal, the collection comprises of stunning Jaguars and Land Rover marques.

Available at three different locations, London Heathrow Airport, Marble Arch and Edinburgh Airport, this best-of-British collection will give its customers the option to experience the luxury of some of the world’s greatest cars. These will include popular models such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar F Pace, E Pace, XE and XF.

Those that decide to rent any of these cars will also be given a free additional driver on their policy and unlimited mileage, with Hertz eager to showcase the wonders of these vehicles.

But, getting behind the wheel isn’t even the best bit! When waiting to collect these British masterpieces, customers will be able to wait in a dedicated lounge; one filled with UK-inspired furnishings. Offering a relaxing ambience, these unique lounges are said to offer a heightened ‘premium experience’ for Hertz customers to enjoy.

Richard Davies, Country Manager for Hertz UK, says:

“The unveiling of The British Collection and dedicated lounges represents Hertz’s continuing commitment to providing its customers with unique and exclusive tailored experiences. The British Collection is a new, upmarket offering, built with creativity and luxury in mind. Working with premium British brands and talent, we’ve been able to build an adventure from branch to the road.”

While something new and exciting for us, this is not the first time Hertz has singled out a country’s car making triumphs. Just last year, the Italian side of the business launched the “Selezione Italia” range, promoting the country’s stunning vehicles to residents and tourists alike.

Let us know what you think, would a posh waiting area and free millage persuade you to book with Hertz?

by 1 month ago
del

Deliveroo Signs Scooter Hire Deal

Deliveroo is regarded as one of the greatest online businesses of our time, having successfully streamlined the fast food delivery industry. Permitting users to order food from any establishment and have it delivered via them, Deliveroo has well and truly filled a gap in the market.

But, how have they scaled up their small operation to be a multimillion-pound household brand? Well, through the use of vehicle rental of course!

If you have ever used Deliveroo, you will see that their drivers deliver on scooters or bikes, with hundreds of these branded vehicles speeding past us in most UK cities.

Now, the ever-expanding brand are looking to change things up, launching an electric scooter rental scheme. In a plea to ‘electrify London’; the scheme has been formed in partnership with moped rental firm, Elmovo. Omitting zero emissions, these scooters will both improve their delivery times while positioning Deliveroo as a brand that cares about the planet.

Scooter hire from £.183

The scheme will offer riders scooter hire services for just £1.83, providing that they dedicate themselves to a 6-hour slot. This includes tax, insurance and any other costs involved in running the scooter.

“Deliveroo wants every meal we deliver to be truly amazing but that is only possible if the delivery is sustainable alongside the great food we offer” says Deliveroo UK and Ireland’s managing director, Dan Warne.

“Electric mopeds and bikes represent an environmentally friendly, neighbourhood-conscious solution to cut emissions and save riders money in the long run.”

At present, there are 72 of these mopeds on their way to the city. However, with over 500 riders already pre-registering to hire them, there is evident demand for a whole lot more.

Let us know what you think about this partnership. Would knowing your food was being delivered through environmentally-friendly means impress you? Leave your comments with us.

by 2 months ago
ent

Enterprise Acquires SHP Hire

It has been a big week for the UK rental market. From the BVRLA releasing a detailed report on the industry’s economic worth to witnessing the decline of yet more bike hire companies.
However, today we learn of a pretty exciting new business venture, with Enterprise Rent-A-Car announcing that they have made yet another acquisition. Investing in SHP Hire, a vehicle hire and management business, Enterprise look to further extend their of rental products offering across the UK.

Who is SHP Hire?

Based in Romsey, SHP Hire is a successful rental business that operates in 16 different areas of the UK. These include large bases in Manchester, Newcastle, Nairn, Shrewsbury, Calne and more.
With a huge, diverse fleet, the business is currently in possession of 18,500 vehicles. These range from cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), tippers, gold buggies and much more!

The plan for this meeting of minds if for the SHP Hire operation to work under Enterprise’s Flex-E-Rent sub-brand. With these additional vehicles, the company will be able to promote an overall fleet of 45,000.

“We needed to find the right partner to acquire the SHB Hire business,” said the business’ chairman, Mike Street.

“Enterprise and SHB Hire employees share a commitment to delivering the best customer care.

“The fact that we are both family-owned and run has enabled us to take a long-term view. The acquisition secures the future of the business and will provide customers with a greater diversity of product lines, as well as access to industry leading technologies and infrastructure.”

Enterprise is equally as thrilled to see this deal come to fruition. The brand’s Managing Director, Khaled Shahbp, said the following:

“The Street family established and built SHB Hire into an industry-leader with an impressive customer base and reputation for customer service.

Let us know what you think about this high-profile deal by leaving your comments below.

by 2 months ago
yyf

BVRLA Report Reveals Economic Impact of the Rental Industry

Having been working in the hire and rental space for many years now, we at Anything for Hire like to stay abreast of what is going on in the industry.

Ensuring we are working with businesses operating in an ethical, modern fashion, we were intrigued to learn the details of a recent report from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA). 

Entitled the ‘Car and Van Rental in the UK Report’, the document offers a clear insight into the industry and how it performing when compared to other industries.  

The main points of the report 

Uncovering how the industry is catering to its customers and ever-changing travel needs, the report compiles details from six different research projects, as well as findings from a national survey. Its creators quizzed over 4500 consumers, interviewed senior executives in the space and evaluated the economic impact of the rental industry on the overall British economy.  

BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney, said the following:  

“Whether you need a picture of the vital role that the rental sector plays in daily life or want to understand how the market is adapting to new technology and business models, this report is a must-read. 

“The vehicle rental sector has an annual turnover of over £5 billion, buys 400,000 vehicles per year and delivers flexible, affordable transport to millions of people and businesses. 

“This is a story that needs to be told and we hope our new report does it justice.” 

The BVRLA  

The BVRLA is the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association which is a UK trade body that represents companies in the vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management space. Concerned with the changes that the industry will face as Brexit approaches, this report gives both businesses and authorities a complete, detailed guide of the industry’s position in the world of business.  

The BVRLA has now decided to give the full report to all of their members, able to be downloaded straight from the organisation’s website.  

by 2 months ago
HAE EHA

New Hire Industry Training Event to promote Wellbeing at Work

Shocking statistics reveal that male workers in construction have a suicide risk that is three times higher than the average for England and even those in skilled construction jobs also have an increased suicide risk.1 To address this unacceptable statistic, Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA), along with their training partner HAE Business Guard, are organising the first of a series of courses aimed to improve the ability of the hire industry to support the mental wellbeing of its workforce.

The two-day training event, which will be delivered by St John Ambulance and is endorsed by Mental Health First Aid England, will take place on 21st and 22nd May at the association’s headquarters in Birmingham. The course is available to all members and non-members wishing to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace. This new training programme is designed to raise awareness of common mental health issues that affect the workforce and that can lead to a negative impact on an individual’s wellbeing at work.

The course will give employers practical ways to open up a helpful conversation on this topic and then be able to provide their workers with the care and support they need at the most appropriate time. Ultimately, the aim is to change business cultures so that mental health issues are taken as seriously as other health and safety matters.

Mental health problems in the construction sector are often due to the innate characteristics of the industry; it is a highly mobile industry with lots of casual workers, uncertain contracts, exacting timelines and is quite macho in culture. Often people don’t feel comfortable in raising personal issues and then muddle along until they can cope no longer.

HAE EHA has made it a priority to educate the industry to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression before they get out of hand as well as giving businesses the tools and knowledge to assist employees with recovery. Being able to spot the signs of mental illness and offering help and support rather than judgement, should allow employees to thrive at work with the positive and significant knock-on effects that brings to the industry.

HAE EHA’s Commercial Manager, Paul Gaze added:

“Our main aim is to raise awareness and help support employers to tackle this issue in an informed and positive manner. We want to help the industry and society in general. Everyone has mental health. Some days it’s good and some days it’s bad. It is just a question of making sure that employers are sensitive to this and can support people in the correct way.

“As an industry, we have a great opportunity to come together and help our workforce now and in the future. If we all work together to address this issue, then some real progress will be made. None of us is as strong as all of us.”

HAE EHA believes in leading by example and has already signed up to the Building Mental Health (BMH) charter to support its own staff by embedding a wellbeing strategy for its workforce and is encouraging members to do the same. Training staff to become mental health first aiders is a way to provide discreet support for individuals and encourages them to achieve a healthy work-life balance to minimise work-related stress levels.

For pricing and further details about the May course and other courses to be rolled out later in the year, contact HAE on 44 (0)121 380 4617 or visit the website www.hae.org.uk/courses

For more information on how to become a member of HAE/EHA go to www.hae.org.uk

1 Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-data-reveals-suicide-prevalence-in-england-by-occupation

Background
Hire Association Europe (HAE) was formed in 1974 and is often referred to as The Association. It is a Birmingham-based industry-leading trade body representing plant, tool and equipment hire with over 900 members based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world.
The Association assists businesses, from sole traders to larger independent and privately owned organisations, by providing operational resources to support the hire industry. Membership provides access to products and services covering all aspects of hire, including terms & conditions, safety checks, publicity, equipment, responsibilities and general day-to-day requirements.
Accompanying services include legal advice, training, publicity, safety checks, leaflets, lobbying and finance advice; necessary documentation and information that will hold organisations in better stead for the long term. In addition, safeguarding can also be made easier for members, who have access to HAE’s essential range of health & safety, economical and credit control services.
All members are invited to become part of a board with the choice of Tool, Plant & Equipment Board, Event Equipment Board or the Supply Chain Industry Board.  Alternatively, members are able to take part in a technical panel to review and develop new practices which impact the industry and subsequently, their own business.

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by 2 months ago
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