The Story So Far…
by Leigh Farmer.
Early Days
It was in the late 70’s that I accidentally had my first experience with powered access. Whilst sitting in a New York bar on holiday an electrician skilfully guided a small scissor lift into a corner to change a light, job done in minutes, no carrying steps, no climbing – effortless.
At this point in my career I was managing a scaffolding business, co-incidentally Stephens & Carter (part of the BET Group) had decided to enter the hire business as they had stock from a failed distribution deal. So, with a range of mainly trailer mounted platforms and rather large electric scissor lifts I was persuaded to head up this new division. Powered Access then were associated more with height, in other words what a scaffolding tower couldn’t reach they would use a MEWP.
Convincing customers proved challenging at first, however the labour-saving costs outweighed the £250.00 per week for a MEWP compared to the historic £30.00 per week for Scaffolding. It proved to be a very interesting time, as the platforms became more popular the range from manufacturers increased and this led to smaller scissor and boom lifts.
The Powered Access Rental Business was born
First Steps
Having personally developed this industry firstly for the BET Group, then another independent company and with the knowledge gained, I decided to form a new company, Higher Platforms Ltd. We pioneered many new products from narrow aisle scissor lifts, bi-energy boom lifts and we were the first to bring LPG platforms to the market this proved to be particularly good for Racking & Storage industry.
Higher Platforms became a market leader in the development of powered access and in recognition of this in 2007 the company was acquired by the Lavendon Group for its expertise
The Formation of Premier Platforms Ltd
After the sale of Higher Platforms, it became evident quite quickly that we lost our identity as we were integrated into the main group during the three-year exclusion period and numerous customer calls highlighting the lack of service due to not having personal contact I was asked many times to reform the company. The Cannock depot was empty, the manufacturers were keen to back and the Senior Management happy to support.
In September 2010 Premier Platforms was created using the same exact principles that had made Higher Platforms so successful.
As we approach our 10th Anniversary, we can boast one of the most diverse and unique fleet offerings, the most alternative sizes, and power sources ever. Our recent investment ensures that our fleet is the most modern in the Powered Access Industry
Thirsk Depot
Our Northern depot at Thirsk, North Yorkshire was re-established in 2013 and set up firstly in our hauliers’ yard with a small shared office and workshop. This location has grown steadily over the years to see it move recently into a brand new 2,000 square ft unit with office, workshop and welfare facilities with enclosed yard space for machine storage and customer training.
Following the move this location was chosen for the prestigious IPAF Rental + scheme audit whereby it achieved Silver status for the businesses. Our fleet mix ranges from 4m to 28m and covers electric, LPG, diesel and hybrid machines for both internal and external applications