Interface

Spring 2022 03 A VIEW FROM ON HIGH Paul Gaze CEO PAUL GAZE, CEO UPDATES ON THE LATEST AT HAE EHA LOOKING AHEAD DURING CHALLENGING TIMES A s we move through spring and following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Statement to the UK Parliament, the hire and rental sector is faced with a number of significant challenges. The rising costs of fuel as a result of international uncertainty, coupled with rises in the cost of living, are a major factor for both members and clients/customers. Added to challenges within the supply chain to obtain equipment and an on- going skills shortage, these are all having an impact on members. The debate around the removal of rebated red diesel is now over and HMRC has removed the allowance under the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979. In March we held a webinar with HMRC representatives to outline practical steps that members could take to ensure they comply with the new regulations that came into effect from April 1st. For those who missed the event, advice can be found in the members area of the HAE website. On March 24 th , HAE EHA hosted a regional members’ event at Hyperdrive’s Turntide Technology Centre, in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. The event focused on sustainability using lithium-ion technology and Carl Bartlett, HAE EHA Director of Certification Services, led proceedings. Presentations included Dean Jennings, Sales & Marketing Director at Hyperdrive Innovations, Scott McCall, Net Zero Specialist from Snorkel UK, and Peter Moody, Director of Gap Group North East Limited. Carl Bartlett also presented on the development of SafeHire and its use within the industry as a business development tool. The event also included Anders McLocklan from HAE EHA Insurance Services who presented on developments in sector specific insurance products, including HireSecure, the exclusive short term hired option for HAE EHA members. This will be the first of several to be held this year around the UK and Ireland, so please look out for updates on social media, the Interface on Hire magazine, and HAE EHA’s weekly newsletter. We must also recognise the heart-breaking scenes of the war in Ukraine. It is estimated that several million people have already fled their homes, with many going to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, and further across Europe. This is an ongoing humanitarian crisis where we have seen generosity from neighbouring European countries and people across the UK. A number of HAE EHA members have arranged collections to send life-saving supplies, food and provisions to help. HAE EHA has made a donation to support the work of the Disaster Emergency Committee and we have agreed, as a trade association, to get behind a campaign to help support the humanitarian cause. Finally, looking ahead to the Hire Awards of Excellence on May 7th, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to those organisations shortlisted as finalists. We had a significant number of entries for 2022 and it was amazing to see so many great examples of new products, innovative approaches to deliver for customers and individuals making a difference in the sector. I look forward to seeing you at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London to find out who our winners are. As the sector faces a host of challenges, we have plenty to make us look to the future.