CPA Bulletin

30 CPA Bulletin > February 2023 www.cpa.uk.net NEWS FROMCPA MEMBERS: 1 News from CPA Members To submit news for consideration for future issues of the CPA Bulletin, please email lisa @ lisacollinscommunications.co.uk Southern Hoist Services Celebrates 30th Year of Trading In December 2022, Southern Hoist Services (SHS) celebrated its 30-year working anniversary. The company began life in December 1992 where, under the leadership of Terry Barton, it developed a strong reputation for the service and supply of small hoists to the construction industry As a small hire company, the fleet ranged from 150kg SWL up to 1200kg SWL capacity with SHS servicing clients across the South East and London from their base in Southampton. In a growing industry SHS soon proved to be a solid company supporting contractors on small projects. Sadly Terry Barton passed away suddenly and the business was purchased by Claude Fenton Plant Hire in 2004. The investment provided further opportunity for growth and, with the backing and support of a larger company, SHS could drive forward at high speed by adding larger hoists to the fleet and bidding for major projects. Since joining the Fenton Group, the team has moved from strength to strength. Director Kirsty Archbold-Laming was quick to seize the moment, with the teamwinning flagship projects and expanding the fleet size. The firm’s customer base grew, with many of the main contractors in the industry using SHS directly. The management team also grew in 2006 with the addition of Lance Foster. SHS, along with other specialist hoist companies, championed a way forward for training and skills in a small but vital part of the industry, developing NVQ standards for hoist installers. As a founding member of the Construction Hoist Interest Group (CHIG), the safety standards and skills set have been developed to provide a safe environment for all involved. Kirsty has been the Chair of CHIG for almost 10 years now, and is the only female to hold the position since its inception back in 1996. She said: “I am so proud of CHIG and the wonderful group of people who give their time and effort to support the industry. Being in a male dominated role had its challenges when I started nearly 30 years ago, but to see how far we have come and the mutual respect shown between hire companies, safety professionals, manufacturers and the like is inspirational. It’s a different world to when we first started but the work CHIG has put into safe practices and assisting fellow members has been invaluable.” The company’s ethos of dedication, investment, development and commitment to training shows no sign of slowing down. Assisting industry associations, manufacturer development and continued support for their clients has seen the company grow further and expand its territory. As a trusted supplier SHS not only covers the UK but has provided projects in France, Netherlands and Italy. The firm now has a fleet of over 130 hoists, including passenger/ goods and transport platforms, and prides itself on the company’s reputation not only within construction but also including events, having provided prestigious projects such as Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean film sets, the Ryder Cup and Cheltenham Cup and Her Majesty The Queen’s Jubilee. The future looks bright, here’s to the next 30 years!