When advice is needed

3 January 2024

An earlier blog post highlighted a knowledge gap faced by a younger generation of people who want to undertake home and garden improvements themselves to save money but lack the necessary knowledge. 

That story pointed out that traditionally these would-be DIY-ers seeking advice would have asked their parents or peers - but they very likely don’t know either, having got used to buying in services on a DIFM (do it for me) basis. 

And the decline in print media means that people increasingly look online and on social media for guidance on topics from operating equipment to undertaking specific projects. 

One hirer which has recognised this need for providing advice is WHC Hire Services, whose MD James Clutterbuck told me that the company offers helpful advice in a dedicated Resources page on its website. 

“We have made several videos now on how to correctly start and operate equipment like rotavators, scarifiers and turf aerators. We started doing this last year and it has proved to be a big plus-point for us.” 

WHC, which has depots in Tewkesbury, Worcester and Chipping Norton, also offers advice on topics like rotavating a garden (“things a professional won’t tell you!”), using a wood chipper, starting a mini excavator correctly, building stable construction footings, understanding plant hire insurance, using keycode ignition on an excavator, and working near overhead power lines. 

Clearly the need for such advice will increase and so those hirers offering it will reap the benefits. 

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