In the 12 months since we last caught up with Quick Reach, the company has once again demonstrated its seemingly insatiable appetite for progress, as the powered access specialist has not only further cemented its high standing within the marketplace, but continues to build on the legacy of much-missed co-founder of the business, John Barton.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s three years since we lost my brother John and the fact that we’re still growing so strongly is testament to his vision and passion in creating the company,” says David Barton, CEO. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him and it gives me great pride that the business that he formed continues to perform so strongly.”
This drive and determination is thoroughly embedded into the company’s DNA and while many businesses are content to stand still, this is certainly not an accusation that can be levelled at Quick Reach. One such example of its forward-thinking approach has been its move into Teesside, a development that was still in its infancy when we spoke to David last year. To say things have moved on since then would be something of an understatement.
“Teesside is going extremely well for us, and we’ve certainly hit the ground running,” explains David. “We’ve got some really experienced people managing the business for us in the North-East. You only have to listen to the Mayor, Ben Houchen, to get a flavour of the companies that are going into the area and the buzz around the region. It’s tremendous.
“We’re talking about billions of pounds being invested and large numbers of factories that are being constructed as a result. Politics is definitely bringing business front and centre in Teesside and it’s certainly booming as a consequence. No matter what your political stance is, there’s no denying it, and many businesses are thriving from the opportunities that are currently available. We’ve got in at the ground floor so are reaping the benefits now.”
Integral to Quick Reach’s development has been its ability to improve its service offering in-line with the investment it continues to make in its machinery and its people.
“Our strategy from the very beginning when we started in 2014 has been to work outside the envelope of the building, before moving more towards the internal trades as we develop our equipment,” adds David. “We always knew the Holy Grail would be to move into the multinational industry, and I still do believe this is where the growth is for our business. The industry is not renowned for its environmentally friendly practices but we’re a company that is driven by operating sustainably, as we’re constantly looking to reduce our carbon footprint and win hearts and minds in this particular area. This is winning us headway in the marketplace.”
Given the success of this approach so far, it makes sense that Quick Reach is sticking with this winning formula. It has therefore been keen to make the most of the innovation that Chinese manufacturers are increasingly bringing to the powered access sector, especially as the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt.
“Covid’s effects on the marketplace are still lingering and businesses all over the world are looking to recover and rebuild market share, with some having more success than others,” says David. “In this time the powered access industry has seen many good entrepreneurial young businesspeople enter the market, all looking to differentiate themselves in some way, shape or form. As the West has struggled to reactivate products, it’s fair to say China has really gained market share.
“What I call the ‘Eastern Promise’ of no supply issues, quality and innovation, is now talked about widely. I for one was initially very cautious and in my mind, it would only stack up as a viable option if the products held their resale value and didn’t overly depreciate. In a buoyant used market, I’m happy to say the last two Chinese valuations have pitched many products in-line with Western manufacturers, which is great to see.
“The arrival of the Chinese manufacturers in the UK has really shaken up the market. We all take a view about who will become the leaders in this process. With Western employee experience behind most of the distributors, they really do talk the language and relate transactions to our needs around value and supply.
“In terms of the manufacturers themselves, by the end of 2022 LCMG was reported to have over 2,000 machines working within the UK and Ireland. That’s no small feat given supply issues from the West. Quick Reach, as a more progressive business, has expressed interest in the lithium battery powered models, although we’re conscious that diesel machines are going to be around for many more years.
“Another manufacturer, Sinoboom, has provided us with some excellent machines and, as the old saying goes: ‘If you don’t hear from clients using the machines onsite, it makes for a happy client’. We generally have few issues with these products and our engineers have really taken to them. Quick Reach and Sinoboom have recently been the first to introduce the new 18m working lithium rough terrain scissors, called the 5389, to the UK market with a super-sized deck. This is going to give many large deck diesel-powered scissors a run for their money so ‘watch this space’.
“The last Eastern Promise candidate is Dingli. I’m not sure about market share but you only have to visit construction sites to see that the Dingli orange is becoming an increasingly common sight, while the reaction on social media is testament to its rapid growth. It’s fair to say they are at the forefront of developing alternatives to traditional diesel solutions. Products such as the 2223DC and the 1823DC clearly demonstrate that innovation in battery power is a match even at the highest height level of powered access.”
Despite the rise of Chinese manufacturers, David Barton is utilising all his experience by keeping his options open and viewing the evolving marketplace with interest. “The big question many of us ask is: ‘Are we geared up to support such machines?’ In my many years of hiring plant into the industry, I thought there would be a reluctance to change. However, more main contractors are being encouraged morally and financially to improve practices and reduce their carbon output. We are now seeing this change with many Tier 1 contractors.”
David’s desire to keep an open mind is sure to see Quick Reach continuing to make the most of the opportunities that come its way regarding the supply of equipment, regardless of where in the world they’re manufactured. “It’s not all doom and gloom for the West and some manufacturers have followed suit and produced some excellent models. To name a few, Snorkel compact scissor RTE lithium battery, AA46 JRTE boom, while the Genie 60/34 FE has proved very popular. The new Haulotte 60ft boom HA20 LE has recently been favourably compared against the Genie 60/34 FE. Haulotte has taken this one step further with the HA20 LEP crab steer and extra lift capacity, as well as having other benefits. These all come with an increased price tag and for me it’s trying to explain the benefits to our clients of cost versus price.
“The West don’t like to be second best and I know behind the scenes they are researching and developing even better models. JLG are investing in the move towards electrification and in 2021 announced a partnership with a leading innovator of next generator battery technology for commercial and special electric vehicles called MICROVAST. This is now picking up momentum and we are in discussions with JLG about bringing this technology to market.
“It’s also encouraging to see optional extras given to operatives that make life more productive and safer. These include lights at height, telematics and universal pipe handlers that will fit on all machines supplied by MewpSmart Ltd, to name but a few.”
By making the most of what both the Chinese and Western manufacturers can offer, Quick Reach remains well placed to take advantage of the variety of supply, choosing the right equipment based on their range, power benefits and function. “The manufacturers are now engaging us in what the future technology looks like. Let’s face it, we are closer to the client and the end-user than most of them. More recently, my approach to buying machines is totally engaging clients and engineers to have the final say in what our future CAPEX looks like. Price rises have proven a challenge, but it has also provided the spur for high degrees of great innovation. The initial cost therefore might be higher but what you’re getting for your money will increase productivity substantially, while also being much safer. It’s a great industry to be working in as it’s moving so rapidly.”
As it searches for increased growth, with a new RBS three-year funding line, Quick Reach is well positioned to explore new areas of the country to develop its business. This will help pave the way for further progress, as the foundations laid by John Barton continue to be built on by David and the rest of the team within the company.
“My brother (our kid) always said surround yourself with good positive vibes and employees that share the same company core ethics and life values that treat work as a support for a better home and social life,” says David. “Empowering our staff is therefore the only way I know how to run a business and what I believe attracts many employees to join Quick Reach rather than a PLC.
“With the support of our funders, we will continue our quest to change and challenge working practices by thinking outside the box in order to become more environmentally supportive of our clients and employees. Our new strap line is ‘Reaching for greener’ and this is our recognition that we work in one of the worst polluting industries and so accept that we need to do our bit to make improvements in this area constantly. We’ve got a long way to go, but the signs of improvement are evident today.”
It is clear that Quick Reach is meeting its environmental responsibilities head-on, while also remaining committed to growing further by making the most of what manufacturers are adding to the marketplace. The company is sure to match this level of innovation and ambition as it continues to keep pushing forward by increasing its influence within the marketplace.