Nixon Hire makes ‘bold’ strategic shift

UK rental company Nixon Hire is positioning itself as a specialist supplier of equipment for “sustainable sites” and has sold of its larger, traditional plant hire fleet.

The strategic shift will see the company focus on portable accommodation and renewable power, alongside site welfare and portable toilets, for construction, events and other projects.

Nixon Hire is investing in renewable power and modular buildings. (Photo: Nixon Hire)

Nixon sold its fleet of larger construction equipment in July this year and will now supply such machines through re-hire partnerships.

The company said the shift will allow it to invest in its “strongest areas of differentiation with the most compelling growth opportunities.” Around £4 million is being spent on new modular buildings, with a further £5 million next year, and the company has invested £15 million in renewable power since 2019.

In tandem with the strategy change, Nixon has recruited some experienced rental managers. Brian Cornett, previously UK operations director at Cross Rental Services and, before that, co-founder of Speedy Hire’s power division, has been appointed to the new role of chief operating officer.

Andrew Shaw, formerly of modular space company Procomm, has been appointed head of modular buildings and Simon Gibbs, previously with Hybrid Power Hire and Speedy Hire, leads the renewable power division.

Graham Nixon, CEO of Nixon Hire (Photo: Nixon Hire)

Graham Nixon, CEO of Nixon Hire, said: “A common thread throughout our journey has been a willingness to be bold and ambitious, evolving with the times.

“This new strategic direction is consistent with that approach, concentrating on what sets us apart, focusing on the sustainable site equipment our customers have told us they value the most, and investing in our technical expertise and capacity for innovation.

“The planned changes we have made have paved the way for our long-term national growth aspirations, and we are excited about the future.”