WORKING AT HEIGHT: ONE STOP HIRE LTD
TOTAL SERVICE SOLUTIONS
One Stop Hire Ltd is the fastest growing hirer of Power Tools,
Access Systems and Small Plant in the North of England. HSE
International spoke to their Managing Director Steve Hitchen, about
the history of the business and their goals for the future.
O
ne Stop Hire Ltd was formed in 2009 by Steve and
Danni Hitchen with a view to providing clients with
a complete service solution. The couple purchased
SJS Hire Tools Ltd and PSL Ltd, two tool hire companies
based in the Northwest. These two businesses were
merged into one, renamed and rebranded as One Stop Hire
Ltd, and since its conception, the company has led the way
in specialist tool, equipment and access rentals in the North
of the UK.
Steve and Danni were previously employed by Ainscough
Crane Hire Ltd. The couple worked at Ainscough for 17
years; Steve was a Board Director and Danni worked as
their Marketing Manager. The chairman of the company
(and Danni’s father) Martin Ainscough sold the business in
2007 to a Management Buyout team funded by BOSIF (Bank
of Scotland Integrated Finance). Steve remained on the
board of the new Ainscough crane hire business until May
2009.
One Stop Hire was originally conceived by Martin in
2003, as a concept ‘Virtual Hire’ business under the name
onestophire.com. However, the project was put on hold
when the family sold the crane business.
Prior to his career at Ainscough, Steve Hitchen worked in
tool and plant hire for 7 years. Ironically, Steve worked for
PSL, one of the companies he later went on to buy.
Steve and Danni decided to set up their own business.
The two tool hire companies came onto market and
the couple saw purchasing them as an ideal business
opportunity. As the family still owned the name One Stop
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HSE INTERNATIONAL
Hire Ltd, they decided that it was perfect for their new
venture.
One Stop Hire originally employed 35 people across 7
depots. By 2014, the company had expanded to 9 depots
across Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside, Cheshire and
Greater Manchester. Steve Hitchen continued:
“We made plans for two more depots in West Yorkshire
and Staffordshire. In Feb 2015, we opened in Leeds and
also bought and moved into a new head office in Chorley. In
July 2015, we opened in Wythenshawe, South Manchester,
as the demand in this area was so large our branch in
Central Manchester simply wasn’t big enough to cope. In
December 2015, we relocated our Liverpool branch to a
new depot that is double the size of our previous location.
Our steady growth has of course led to an increase in staff
numbers, and we now employ 102 people.”
The company’s depots are strategically placed
throughout the region and they are well stocked with the
latest equipment the market has to offer. Coupled with
a modern fleet of delivery and service vehicles, a rapid
response and reliable service is assured for all their clients.
“In 2016 we are looking to progress with the
Staffordshire branch,” Steve added.
One Stop Hire has recently expanded its portfolio to
include a competitive tool sales division. The company
continues to evolve year on year, and its turnover increased
from £1.5m in 2010 to £5.6m in 2013. One Stop Hire
surpassed their projected £7m target for 2014/15 with