News Item: Celebrating 50 Years of HAE
Founded in 1974, Hire Association Europe (HAE) has been at the heart of the hire industry for 50 years and we can’t wait to celebrate the legacy of our organisation as we look ahead to the next 50 years.
We will be celebrating on 15th October at the Genting Hotel, Birmingham, and invite our members to save the date and come along to celebrate with us. We are grateful to all those who have trusted us over the last 50 years to represent them and would love for you to commemorate this major milestone with us.
Since our inception 50 years ago, the sector has changed so much and new challenges, successes and innovations have shaped us into the resilient, passionate and dedicated body we are today, and that is all thanks to our members.
Those who put their trust in us to campaign on their behalf and be their voice, locally, nationally and internationally.
Looking back
In the first six months of HAE, the Association had 61 members and after 10 months, HAE’s name was registered and was issued with a certificate of incorporation. This first year also saw the Health & Safety at Work Act pass through Parliament, a major milestone for the sector.
In 1995, HAE moved from Maidstone to Birmingham, the city we still call home today. This property on Tame Road was where we bought our very first computer, safe to say a lot has changed since then! But, while the world has changed and innovated, looking back at our archives from this time, many of the same challenges remain, with inflation and health and safety continuing to be at the forefront of discussions.
Looking ahead
50 years on, the future is looking bright for the hire sector. HAE EHA currently has 700 members across the hire and events sectors, and we are proud to offer an incredible range of benefits for those members:
We have appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair after our 2024 AGM, Phil Leahy of Sunbelt Rentals and Sally Wray of GoHire, respectively.
Looking ahead, our CEO, Paul Gaze, said: “We are delighted to recognise those individuals and hire organisations who came together 50 years ago to create the Hire Association. Half a century of supporting the sector is an amazing achievement. Indeed, it is a testimony to their commitment that we are here today following in their footsteps. For those who have served on the National Committee, various Industry Boards, as Association Chairpersons, and the staff who have worked at the Association I pay tribute to you all.
“We are very proud to build on their hard work and showcase the impact the Association has made on society. With the introduction of the Event Hire Association in 2008 we have also supported raising standards in the event sector.
“Remember, nothing gets built, maintained, or repaired and no events take place without the professional services provided by HAE EHA members. We look to the future and continue to support member organisations to raise standards within the hire and rental sector moving forwards for the next 50 years.”
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