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Q&A: Joe Paterson

19 March 2021

Q&A: Joe Paterson

In the Q&A hot seat today is Joe Paterson who is managing director of the independent hirer Anglian Plant based near Norwich. The company offers a diverse fleet encompassing tools, plant and powered access. A separate finance business, Anglian Asset Finance, was established last year.  

How’s business? 

Brisk! This is certainly one of the busiest starts, if not the busiest start, to any year we have had to date.

What products are in particular demand at the moment? 

The short answer is: everything! And the demand for mobile welfare units has been stronger than usual over the last ten months because of the pandemic and the need for careful social distancing. 

What is your standout memory from the past 12 months

On 25 March after the lockdown was introduced, I announced the temporary closure of Anglian Plant and wondered what on earth was going to happen to it. However, by 30 March the Government recognised that hirers could support essential construction workers, so we re-opened and haven’t really looked back since. 

What are the main challenges facing your business or the wider industry? 

Currently it’s getting enough equipment to meet demand. We placed orders for this year as far back as last autumn so are fortunate enough to be fleeting kit. We could certainly take more though, particularly diggers and dumpers of all sizes.

And what are the biggest opportunities? 

Benefiting from making that early commitment to purchase in uncertain times. That’s why I started Anglian Asset Finance last year, to help others source and fund equipment when it is available to avoid losing out. 

What one thing would make business easier generally? 

Getting the kit I want, when I want it!

What annoys/frustrates you? 

Hire rates! They’ve been static for years despite machinery prices on the increase year-on-year. Hirers just have to be strong and stick to their rates. You don’t want to end up being a busy fool. 

What’s the oddest or most challenging hire request you’ve ever received?

We sent a JCB telehandler into the middle of Norwich to assemble a steel-framed castle set with a model dragon inside for the local GoGo Dragons Art Trail initiative. Schoolchildren paint the replicas which are then positioned on a trail across the city for people to follow and spot them, before being auctioned. We also once hired out the office Hoover for six weeks to someone who was absolutely desperate!

What was your favourite school subject?

I didn’t really enjoy any of them, but probably English if I had to choose.

How did you get into the industry? 

In 2008 I sold a Volvo EC15 that I’d bought for a building project that didn’t happen due to the recession. Then I started buying second-hand machines to refurbish and export. One day someone saw a digger in the yard and asked to hire it. I started what would become Anglian Plant shortly afterwards in 2010 as the economic recovery started. 

If things had been different, what other career might you have chosen?

I would most definitely be more involved in property development [Joe and his wife Rachel also run a barn conversion and holiday letting business, which I’ll be writing about in the future].

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given, or that you would pass on to others?

I was once told it takes ten years to build a business and the person who said that wasn’t wrong. You can’t fast track getting established! There is no magic formula: yes, you need to make the right decisions but ultimately you must be prepared to work hard.

Tell me a surprising fact about yourself or your business.

I’m no plant operator. I can move a machine, load it and dig a hole, but using plant professionally is a highly skilled job. 

Do you follow a particular sport and/or team? 

No, I don’t follow sport. I used to be an avid kite surfer and I hope to find the time to get back into that. Nowadays I enjoy snowboarding and I cycle to work to keep fit-ish!

What’s your favourite music?

I have very eclectic musical tastes but don’t listen to nearly half as much as I used to. I’ve probably been turning on the news more than anything over the past 12 months. 

What new skill would you like to learn?

I would like to learn French but I think my Naaarfolk accent is too overpowering!  

What are you most looking forward to once life returns to normal? 

Without doubt taking Rachel, our son Jack and twin daughters Bella and Grace on our annual skiing holiday. We usually go to France. 

What’s the secret of success? 

Hard graft and surrounding yourself with the right people.

What would you do if you won the lottery (after charitable acts)?

Buy a ski chalet, a 2.7RS (classic Porsche 911) and obviously more plant!

Finally, is there anything you would like to add about the business, the current trading outlook or future plans? 

I am passionate about Anglian Plant. It’s built on strong moral principles which are embraced by the whole team. We have plans to continue growing and to better ourselves wherever possible.


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