Key figures from the hire industry gathered in London on Saturday for the sector's annual awards evening - which saw entry levels at a record high.
Twelve awards were up for grabs at the Hire Awards of Excellence 2010. The annual event hosted by HAE (Hire Association Europe) and sister association EHA (Event Hire Association), took place at the Landmark London hotel, in the City's Marylebone district.
Despite a difficult year for the hire industry a record number of companies entered this year's awards and judging was harder than ever.
Graham Arundell, managing director of HAE, said: "We had a great level of entries this year, which was fantastic. The standard was also higher this year and the judging panel faced some tough decisions.
"The awards are an important date in the industry's calendar as they recognise both companies and individuals who have made outstanding contributions and achieved great success throughout the year, and highlight those who are committed to exceptional standards and best practice."
The Hire Awards of Excellence winners 2010 were:
Tool, Equipment and Plant Hire Company of the Year (up to five outlets), sponsored by Yell Group - Total Hire & Sales
Tool, Equipment and Plant Hire Company of the Year (over five outlets), sponsored by HAE Insurance Services - Lavendon Access Services; with a High Commendation to Hirebase
Event Hire Company of the Year (single outlet) - Allens Catering Hire
Event Hire Company of the Year (multiple outlets) - Ev-ent Hire; with a
High Commendation to Saville Audio Visual
Excellence in Training, sponsored by HireTrain - SHC Hire Centres; with a High Commendation to Speedy
Excellence in Customer Care - HSS Hire; with a High Commendation to SHC Hire Centres
HAE AWARD WINNERS 2010 REVEALED
Effective Health and Safety Management, sponsored by PASMA - Lavendon Access Services
Environmental Initiative - Speedy
Hire Industry Catalogue of the Year, sponsored by FT Print Solutions - GAP Group; with a High Commendation to Hirebase
Hire Industry Website of the Year - HSS Hire for their 'livehire' site
Hire Industry Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Speedy - Higher Concept Software;
with a High Commendation to The Hire Supply Company
Best Product of the Year - XLeclipse Traffic Lights from Pike Signals
The awards evening was hosted by sports pundit Bob Mills who entertained guests with a stand up routine especially for the hire industry!