Billingshurst firm sees lockdown surge in trade

BPH Plant Hire said it has seen an increase in short hire domestic customers and smaller contractors during lockdown. Machines popular with domestic customers include mini excavators and rollers.

The company has brought in changes to allow them to remain open safely with a core team at each branch.

The increase in demand from domestic customers has been attributed to the increased popularity of garden renovations in recent months, of which plant vehicles are often required, a spokesman for the firm said.

He added: “BPH has taken numerous steps to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 from their normal business operations, working to ensure their customers can expect continued provision of the same great service.

“On site, hand sanitiser dispensers and anti-bacterial hand wash have been provided at entry and exit points of depots, prominent personal hygiene and social distancing signs are on display, and screens have been installed at counters and desks.”

Staff are also required to wear face masks, and drivers have been equipped with appropriate PPE and face visors.

Plant hire tools and equipment are cleaned and sanitised to the highest standards prior to site delivery, with contactless deliveries and collections as standard, the spokesman said.

Simon Bastable, director at BPH, added: “BPH has been lucky as we’ve been able to keep going during a time of crisis.

“Whilst we’ve had more interest from domestic clients, the larger house building sites have almost ground to a halt, with house builders reluctant to begin new developments until they are certain of demand.

“We’ll be sustaining these new business changes for the foreseeable future in order to ensure we continue to serve and support our valued customers.”

For more see https://www.bphplanthire.com/