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06 Spring 2021 INDUSTRY NEWS M artin Plant Hire, a leader in the tool and plant hire sector and an independent family- run Scottish tool hire business, has signed a large franchising and licensing agreement with easyHire, a specialist in the supply of digital solutions for the rental sector, that will see the business launch easyToolhire Scotland. Martin Plant Hire, which has more than seven depots across Scotland, has partnered with easyHire and purchased the exclusive brand rights to easyToolhire Scotland to achieve greater local expansion, capitalising on digital channels and the 98% consumer brand recognition the easy family of brands holds in the UK. Martin Plant Hire’s customers will see the easyToolhire brand alongside the Martin Plant Hire brand. This new dual-branded partnership will enable Martin Plant Hire to digitalise the business, giving customers the opportunity to order tools, plant and equipment at the touch of a button. Managing Director of Martin Plant Hire, Andy Martin, said: “For 47 years, Martin Plant Hire has been serving customers in Scotland, everyone from large construction companies to DIY and home improvement enthusiasts. Our business model has served us well but we felt that the time was right to invest in our future. Lockdown proved how important it was to be able to take online orders, answer customer queries quickly, and have a strong online presence on every platform.” Andrea Guzzoni and Dennis Helderman, directors of Rentuu and easyHire , explained: “We are delighted to be working with Martin Plant Hire and launching easyToolhire Scotland. It’s our mission to make tool hire and plant rental easy.” Graham Arundell, retired CEO of Hire Association Europe, and industry advisor to easyHire, said: “It’s great that easyHire has recognised the opportunity for local independent plant and tool hire businesses to grow by going digital.” Josh Nickell, Vice President of the Equipment Segment at the American Rental Association, is also an industry advisor to easyHire. He said: “As someone who has run a successful equipment and plant hire company myself, I know how difficult it is for many local businesses to show they are highly professional, safe, and reliable.” DIGITALISATION DECISION FOR FAMILY FIRM “Our business model has served us well but we felt that the time was right to invest in our future.”