ADVERTORIAL
Glasgow-based vertical access equipment specialist Scot Hoist Ltd explains the secrets of its success as the firm marks 21 years in business this month.
Q) What’s the history of Scot Hoist and how has the business grown over the years?
A) We started out in June 2004. Initially equipped with ladder hoists and small brick hoists, our fleet has grown from 18 to nearly 200 machines, ranging from 150kg to 2300kg payloads, and platform sizes of 0.9m – 4.2m
Our team has also seen significant growth going from an initial five employees to now 14. Our focus remains solely on providing high quality hoisting services, ensuring efficiency and excellence in every project we undertake.
Q) What range of services do you offer today?
A) We specialise in the installation, commissioning, certification, servicing, and maintenance of construction hoists and transport platforms. While our core services remain consistent, our operational scope has evolved to encompass diverse sectors. Initially focused on construction, we now cater to MoD, nuclear, petrochemical, and most recently, events.
Exciting developments are on the horizon as we embark on the IPAF Approved Training Centre accreditation journey. Our strategic roadmap for the upcoming year involves initiating training programmes for hoist operators, with subsequent plans to train hoist installers.
Q) What have been some of the milestone moments and biggest achievements for the business?
A) Breaking into specialised sectors like petrochem and nuclear, we have established ourselves as Scotland’s foremost hoist provider based on our extensive experience, most recently supplying a range of hoists to Ineos at their site in Grangemouth, and EDF in locations throughout Scotland.
In terms of accreditations, we hold esteemed certifications including SafeContractor, Constructionline Gold, Acclaim, and Achilles. Additionally, we are actively engaged in industry groups like the Construction Hoist Interest Group (CHIG) and are proud members of the CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association). Our dedication to excellence and safety is evident through these affiliations, showcasing our commitment to upholding industry standards and best practices.
Q) How would you sum up the company’s culture and approach to workforce development?
A) Our culture is incredibly open and welcoming. We believe in honest communication and maintaining a great atmosphere where feedback is valued. This approach has contributed significantly to our impressive staff retention rate. Our employees are the backbone of our operations.
Training is a cornerstone of our philosophy, with all our staff holding NVQ qualifications. The average service of our team members is around 14 years, highlighting the loyalty and dedication of our workforce.
We pride ourselves on having a highly experienced and qualified team, renowned for their expertise across the industry.
Investing around £10,000 annually in training underscores our commitment to continuous improvement. This ongoing investment ensures that our employees remain at the forefront of their respective fields, reflecting our dedication to their professional development and our collective success.
Q) What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry over the past 21 years?
A) As part of the Construction Hoist Interest Group, comprising of all the major hoisting companies nationwide, we’ve witnessed significant shifts towards prioritising health, safety, and legislative compliance.
In the past, hoists were an afterthought, but now they’re considered integral to all project design and logistics. This change underscores the industry’s enhanced focus on safety and efficiency for users and suppliers alike. Our commitment to quality is one of our priorities, relying solely on top manufacturers such as Maber and GEDA for their cutting-edge technology and stellar reputations across the UK and Europe. The evolution of hoist capabilities, technology, and product quality has been remarkable.
Partnering with suppliers like Mace Industries, we’re now providing training courses that empower individuals to take charge of hoist operations responsibly, highlighting the growing importance of skilled hoist operators in the industry.
Q) How important have partnerships and working relationships with other businesses been over the years?
A) Crucial.
Our strong relationships with industry partners lead to a significant portion, approximately 80-85%, of repeat business. This loyalty speaks volumes about the quality of our services.
Our teams are renowned and respected on various sites, a testament to their dedication and the culture they embrace. Rather than clash, we focus on finding solutions collaboratively. Our approach centres on professionalism, respect, and integrity, ensuring that safety is never compromised. At the core of our success lies the belief that each party excels in their domain, creating relationships of mutual support and excellence.
Q) What can you tell us about future plans?
A) There is opportunity for growth for us, but we’re quite happy with where we’re at.
From a point of view of development, we’ll probably grow another couple of installation squads and perhaps another engineer. We’ll also look to move into bigger premises, but from an expansion point of view, we’re where we want to be.
