News Item: HAE Marks 50 Years of Support and Dedication to the Sector with Event to Honour Previous Chairs and Leaders and Unveils Plans for Further Vital Services
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) has celebrated five decades of service and dedication to the hire sector with a lunch event attended by all those who have contributed to achieving its position at its forefront. The organisation also used the event to announce plans for an even greater and improved range of industry-vital services.
Founded in 1974, the Birmingham-based industry-leading trade association for the plant, tool, equipment and event hire sectors represents businesses from new startups to some of Europe’s largest hire companies. It has over 700 member companies based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world.
HAE held the event on the 15th of October at the Genting Hotel, Birmingham, and welcomed a range of previous and current leaders, including Graham Arundell, MD and CEO (2007-2020); current CEO, Paul Gaze; previous chair and current commercial director, Neil Bravery (2021-2024); current chair, Phil Leahy; and current vice chair, Sally Wray. Also in attendance were previous association chairs Andy Griggs (1986-1987) and Mike Dingley-Jones (1987-1988) who shared their experiences of the formation of the association and the early years of working in hire and rental.
Speaking of the milestone Paul Gaze said: “Thank you to all those who joined us to celebrate this milestone anniversary HAE. 50 years ago, the Association was formed when like-minded individuals came together to raise standards in the industry. I am proud that we stand with that same goal 50 years on.
“Over that time many leaders have come forward to drive the hire and rental sector forward through HAE. Their commitment, drive, and foresight have made a significant difference, and I thank you for your contributions.
“Without the support of volunteers through the National Council, board, working groups, and committees, we would not be here now. But crucially I believe that the sector that we all work in would also not have made it this far without their leadership and drive.
“As we reflect on the successes of the last 50 years, I am excited to be looking ahead to the bright future we are planning. We will be launching our new Crime and Theft Portal next week; this will allow members and law enforcement to collaborate and share information in a safe space.
“This project will be followed by the upgraded Accident Reporting Portal which we are beginning to plan. This update to the portal will allow the health and safety community to examine trends and share best practices to minimise further incidents.
“The Hire Industry Trusted Suppliers Scheme (HITSS) will be re-launched early in 2025 and will incorporate Safety Scheme in Procurement (SSIP). This widens the recognition of our supply chain as the SSIP portal receives more than 40,000 inquiries each month.
“Through our public affairs work led by Mark Bradshaw, we continue to lobby and work with Government(s) agencies and law enforcement bodies. We were delighted the Chancellor of the Exchequer agreed in the March Budget to expand the use of Full Expensing for hire to support the investment in greener equipment; the hire sector is the embodiment of the circular economy.
The board was forwarded thinking in making SafeHire mandatory for all hire members. Carl Bartlett, our director of certification services, and his team have been making additional improvements following workshops with members and further updates are due in the new year.
“Going forward it is essential that we all work together to continue to raise standards and deliver a high-quality service to our customers. Remember, we really are stronger together.”