New trends focus at Access Link

UK-based Access Link held its Spring meeting this month, hosted by Snorkel.

More than 30 Access Link members travelled to the North East of England for the meeting on 1 May, which was held at the Hilton Hotel on the scenic Gateshead Quays. During the meeting, members listened to a number of high quality presentations. Glenn Pearson of Rent It Online.com and Leanne May of Big Change Apps gave presentations on how digitization of the rental process can improve efficiency and the customer experience in the industry – a topic that prompted a lot of interest and discussion.

Rupert Douglas-Jones, in his new role as general manager of the Hire Association of Europe (HAE) gave an interesting update on the association’s activities and future plans, and this was followed by an update on the Snorkel product line and member offers from Snorkel UK sales director, Linda Betts. Gordon Leicester also raised the issue of how the members, as a group, could raise support for sending used safety clothing and equipment that is still in good working order to construction workers in developing economies.

Following the meeting, the members were transported to Snorkel’s manufacturing facility and European headquarters in Washington, Tyne & Wear for a facility tour.

Led by Betts and John Gill, president of the Snorkel manufacturing site, the members were shown around the Snorkel assembly lines, spare parts warehouse, powder coat paint system and PDI/test areas, learning about the lean manufacturing techniques employed at the facility. Following the tour, the group enjoyed a dinner in Newcastle, hosted by Snorkel UK.

John Ball, chairman, Access Link said, “On behalf of our members, I would like to thank Snorkel UK for their hospitality. In particular, the members really appreciated the detailed tour of the Snorkel manufacturing plant and were impressed with the quality of the assembly, paint and testing processes being utilized here in the UK.”

Access Link is a UK association of professional hirers and suppliers of access equipment, who are strategically placed to offer national coverage in both the UK and Ireland. The members adhere to high standards of safety, and are able to provide local, personal service with the benefit of access to a nationwide fleet of equipment.