Type Public (LSE: HSS) Area served United Kingdom Website Official site CEO Chris Davies (2006–) Parent organization HSS Hire Group | Founder Bert Taylor Key people John Gill, CEO Headquarters Heathrow Founded 1957 | |
 | ||
Services Tool and equipment hire Subsidiaries Apex Generators Limited, Hydrex Training Limited Profiles | ||
HSS Hire Group plc (LSE: HSS) is a supplier of tool and equipment hire in the United Kingdom & Ireland, as well as being a logistical and technical partner to businesses of all sizes. Operating under the banner of HSS Hire, the group has a network of over 300 outlets. HSS Hire originated in Kensington, west London in 1957. Today, it employs over 2,900 workers, and has a fleet of over 800 vehicles.
Contents
Luke cain from hss hire in liverpool talks to pension square
History
The company was founded in 1957, by Bert Taylor on Baron’s Court Road, Kensington, in London. Initially known as “The Hire Service Company”, the shop focused on tool and equipment hire. Bert Taylor opened a further 5 shops during the 1960s across the West Central London area, and towards the end of the 1960s, The Hire Service Company was later acquired by scaffolding conglomerate SGB, which owned eight tool rental shops under the name “Hire Shops Ltd”. These company names were merged to create “Hire Service Shops Limited” or “HSS Hire” for short. In February 2015, it floated on the London Stock Exchange as HSS Hire Group plc.
Minimum wage accusations
In June 2014, HSS Hire Service Group Ltd. was accused of paying several workers below the legal minimum wage.
In October 2013, the company acknowledged that 15 employees were underpaid by a total of £149, but attributed this to an administrative error that had been quickly and proactively rectified. They confirmed a commitment to paying all colleagues fairly and legally, and to investing in people. They were reported to be 'outraged' at the accusation, in that they hadn't complied with minimum wage legislation and demanded an apology from the publisher of the report for falsely accusing the company.
Business structure
Key United Kingdom services of HSS Hire Service Group:
HSS Hire won the Large Rental Company of the Year 2011 award at the European Rental Awards in Amsterdam.
The company holds a 4* British Safety Award. In addition, HSS are ISO9000:20, ISO 14001, Safe-Hire accredited and holders of Investors in People status. HSS Hire also work with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) and the government's Health & Safety Executive to promote safety in the hire industry.
HSS Hire have also contributed to community support efforts, with youth training schemes set up for disadvantaged youths in London.
Network
The tool hire market comprises customer sectors ranging from the occasional DIY user to the largest national construction companies. In between falls just about every other industrial group, public sector organisation and specialist trade contractor. HSS is a logistical and technical partner to businesses of all sizes. It has a 250-strong network of Supercentres, hire centres and agencies.
In 2007 HSS Hire bought one of Ireland's biggest independent tool and plant hire businesses. They have developed and opened many branches since then.