The fast pace of the rental sector that dominates our industry has seen just how important it is to deliver a successful and competitive market that is unique to the UK construction sector.
We have seen how quickly it can react to the crisis of the pandemic and the challenges of the changeover from red to white diesel, combined with the energy crisis. But more recently, it's the coming together of the industry with the formation in August of the Plant & Hire Aid Alliance to support those in need in Ukraine, which has shown how willing it is to help others.
To find out more, I caught up with its spokesperson and CEO of founder member Ardent Hire Solutions, Jeremy Fish, who explained how the alliance has come together and how others can join.
Jeremy: "In March this year, I was involved in a convoy to deliver aid to Ukraine. It was a rapidly pulled together team who collected food and other items like clothing, delivering it to Eastern Europe for distribution to refugees.
"Like many others, including those in the plant and hire sector, we raced to act and managed to work our way through the challenges of fundraising, transportation, documentation, paperwork mistakes and exhaustion.
"Our aid was well received, but there was much more to do. We also learnt about the need for specific items like mattresses and suitcases for those fleeing the country, launching a specific appeal for these items, delivered earlier this year.
But the key, like with any other major project, was to work together to create an organisation which could pool resources, experience and scale up. In August, this led to the formation of the Plant & Hire Aid Alliance, which has brought together like-minded companies in the plant and plant hire industry.
"Together, we have been able to join up our efforts to provide aid as a group and raise public awareness about the hardships that have been inflicted on millions of Ukrainian families. Our first combined aid convoy in partnership with Rotary International takes place on 16th October, where a convoy of vehicles will travel from the UK to a warehouse in Kosice, East Slovakia.
"Here, the supplies we are able to gather will be despatched all over Ukraine by local volunteers. It's a tried and tested route that has made an impact on the lives of thousands of Ukrainians.
"With the winter months now fast approaching, I appeal to other industry players to join and support the alliance, so we can work together to make an even bigger difference moving forward."
Since its formation, the alliance has already grown to 31 members, with more pledging support and donating key supplies, including long-lasting food and baby food, hygiene items, medicines, bandages, blankets, duvets and sleeping bags and Winter clothing. To join or support, visit www.aid-alliance.com
