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HSS focuses on digital growth

28 April 2022

HSS focuses on digital growth

In its results announced today for the 53-week period ended 1 January 2022, HSS states that its new operating model based largely on a digital platform is improving profitability, returning a pre-tax profit of £6.1 million on revenue of £303.3m compared to the previous year (£250.1 million), an increase of 21.3 per cent. 

2021 like-for-like revenues were up 20% year-on-year, returning to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. 

The company states that its technology-led, low capital intensity operating model is driving growth, with approximately 60 per cent of transactions now processed through HSS Pro, its new digital platform.

A new structure has been created, based around two complementary divisions, namely HSS ProService which is focused on customer acquisition, sales enquiry conversion and leveraging digital assets; and HSS Operations which focuses on customer fulfilment and service. 

HSS ProService is designed as a one-stop platform for customers to hire and buy equipment, accessories, parts, fuel, waste management, training and materials from the company’s own fleet or through a supplier network, via a website and app. 

HSS Operations is based around an asset management tool designed to automate the  fulfilment process including testing and maintenance, and a third party routing and scheduling system integrating with customer and driver apps. 

Capex investment in 2022 is expected to increase to between £35 million and £40 million. 

In addition, the company’s builders’ merchant presence has been expanded to 55 locations, which HSS says now represents 16% of customer orders in England and Wales. 

Steve Ashmore, chief executive officer, said: “In 2022 our focus will be to further invest in and enhance our digital capabilities, and we have a clear technology roadmap ahead of us which will be largely implemented by the end of the year. This technology provides an unparalleled, easy-to-use service, further differentiating us in the market and will be a key enabler of our continued profitable growth.” 


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