Short term hire, long term strength

For GES, a reliable materials handling partner is essential. The company works with Briggs Equipment, the UK’s leading independent provider of materials handling solutions, which is its sole provider of equipment on a short-term hire basis. Briggs plays a key role within the GES team, helping to deliver the consistently high standards that are required for this market leader.

Typically, GES takes responsibility for incoming freight handling, customs clearance and export/import transportation, including unloading goods from lorries and aircraft. To meet these commitments, it hires in Yale and Hyster diesel counterbalance forklift trucks, with capacities ranging from 2.5 tonnes to 16 tonnes. These tough, fuel efficient machines are designed for high intensity applications, particularly where continuous strength and reliability are vital. With a range of configurations, they can be tailored to suit the job in hand, no matter how challenging.  

GES also relies on Briggs Equipment for JCB telescopic handlers and rough terrain equipment.

The JCB rough terrain forklift was part of GES’s equipment of choice for the temporary fit out of venues for the London 2012 Olympic Games. It also hired in two telehandlers and 16 forklift trucks from Briggs Equipment to build a stage in the gardens of Buckingham Place for a special opera performance to celebrate HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Complete solution

For Steve Mott, Technical Heavy Lift Manager at GES, it is the broad range of equipment that Briggs can provide and its network of depots around the country that help set it apart from the competition.

Steve says: “There are plenty of materials handling suppliers out there, of course, but Briggs Equipment does so much more than drop off and collect machines. We get the latest specification trucks at competitive prices backed by truly exceptional service. Briggs gives us a complete solution that we really value.” 

Availability

Like the majority of logistics specialists working in events management Global Experience Specialists does not employ a huge number of permanent drivers. Its core operations team of 14 people, including an in-house warehouse manager, is supported by 40 part-time equipment operators during shows and events. Although the company has a small fleet of forklifts, which were purchased from Briggs Equipment, Steve finds it more efficient and cost-effective to hire in the latest models as and when he needs them.

“Anyone working in our industry will tell you it’s not for the fainthearted. We’re always operating to strict deadlines, which can make for a highly pressured environment,” he adds.

“Luckily, no job is too small for Briggs Equipment. Also, because of its huge fleet and regional capabilities, we can rely on Briggs to make sure the right equipment is in situ at the appointed time.” 

Driving innovation

Year after year GES supports specific exhibitors at Farnborough Air Show. The company also lifts boats, small yachts and catamarans into position at the London Boat Show and Southampton Boat Show. One of the company’s more unusual projects was to help Graceland bring its exhibition of Elvis Presley memorabilia to London in 2014. 

Steve Mott says: “Whether you’re supporting longstanding customers that you’ve got to know well over the years or are working with new customers on a major, one-off initiative, the level of innovation in our industry knows no bounds.

“No two shows are the same and we’re always trying to make each one, fresh and exciting. Working with such an experienced materials handling partner as Briggs Equipment helps us meet whatever challenges may come our way and gives us the confidence to incorporate new and innovative ideas into our events. All in all, the support we receive from Briggs adds real value to our business.”

Briggs Equipment has noted a distinct change in the short-term hire market in recent years. Flexible, customer-centric solutions are now the norm, and the company has invested to ensure it can continue to satisfy customer requirements.

National Rental Manager Allan Parsons says: “Operating as a ‘one stop resource’, we offer a wide range of equipment on flexible contracts, coupled with quality servicing and that all-important fast response.

“We advise customers, to ensure they hire the right machine for the job, which is particularly important where aerial access equipment is concerned, and we can assist with driver training.”