Paul has almost 40 years’ experience in the hire industry, working at a top level for both independent hire companies and PLCs. He started as a hire coordinator at Lord Hire Centers before progressing on to hold branch, area and regional management positions at Johnson Hire, Rentokil Initial, Elliott Group (now trading as Algeco) and Mabey Hire.

Paul said: “Chippindale has 75 years of fantastic family heritage and has established some beautiful foundations. The core values of safety, innovation and service are aligned to mine, and the people are superb, truly dedicated and very professional. It’s also an absolute privilege to be working alongside Nigel and Peter. There’s a huge opportunity to build on the success they’ve created so far, and I’m really looking forward to working with the team to grow the business significantly without losing that family-run feel or customer-focused service that Chippindale is known and loved for.

“I have a history of building exceptionally strong teams full of creativity and innovation that support each other and the business, to generate organic growth through exceptional customer service. I encourage above-the-line behaviours, creating teams built on foundations of shared goals, trust, challenge, commitment, accountability and attention to results, to give customers the best experience possible”.

Gavin Pitt, CEO of AER Rents, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to Chippindale and the wider AER team. With his extensive industry knowledge and very people-focused approach as well as his experience in leadership, strategic and financial planning, he will be instrumental in our plans to keep growing the business”.