Half century at Lords

12 July 2021

On 15 June, Lord Hire Centres celebrated the remarkable achievement of its 50th anniversary.

Based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the company is a highly respected name in tool and equipment hire and has eight depots throughout the north east of England.  

The business was founded in 1965 by Reg Lord, adopting the Lord Tool Hire name in 1980. Reg Lord’s sons-in-law, Chris Rowley and the late Tim Hodgkiss, became Directors in 1980 and drove the business forward. The expansion of the operation led to the current trading name of Lord Hire Centres, which is still a family-owned business, with Chris Rowley being Director. 

Chris tells me that part of Lords’ success is largely due to the strength of its management team and they certainly have a considerable total length of service between them.

“There’s also no great hierarchy of management here, which enables the team to react quickly and make rapid decisions about new fleet investment and the like.” 

Malcolm Morris, Lords’ operations manager, says that business is brisk, particularly from DIY customers, landscapers and small builders. “It was the same last summer. Home owners were making house and garden improvements, and our cash business boomed.

“Many of these customers are now doing more as they aren’t going on overseas holidays because of Covid. They’re installing decking, patios, pizza ovens and, even, bars to make outdoor entertaining areas.” 

Sales manager Ian Richardson tells me this has led to a corresponding demand for the company’s retail activity. 

“Sales of power tools have been strong, such as impact drivers for decking installation work. Demand for consumables like drill bits and diamond blades has also been considerable and we have a reputation for stocking a very comprehensive range.” 

Lords, which has a team of 48 people, is also embracing the move towards carbon zero where practicable. All staff with company cars, for example, now have hybrid vehicles.