Barlens: Be in it to win it

IN 2023, BARLENS WAS NAMED HIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR — EVENTS DIVISION AT THE HRIA HIRE INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS. BARLENS CEO PETER TAYLOR, GENERAL MANAGER, ALBURY, MORRIS MCKEEMAN AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ISAAC TAYLOR LOOK BACK ON THE WIN AND WHAT IT MEANS TO THEIR BUSINESS.

H&R: Congratulations on winning the Hire Company of the Year Award — Events Division.

Peter Taylor: Thank you, it was an exciting accolade to receive and we’re grateful to the HRIA for allowing our industry and brand to be spotlighted in this way. Barlens has been lucky
enough to win this award twice (2023 and 2017) and we have been beyond appreciative each time.

H&R: What key strategies or initiatives do you attribute to your award-winning performance?

Peter Taylor: Various puzzle pieces fit together to ensure our business performs at the highest level, from both a customer service and logistical side. Organisation and adaptability are key.
We use our ‘off-peak’ periods to revise our structure and strategies to best set ourselves up for success in the peak season.

H&R: It’s been an extraordinarily challenging period for the event sector — how did you get your ‘mojo’ back?

Peter Taylor: The pandemic shook our industry. There was a period when everything was cancelled yet we still had staff on the books and bills to pay. During that time, our team was proactive, deciding early on that we needed to adapt to the changing environment.

H&R: Why did you enter the Hire Company of the Year awards?

Peter Taylor: As a business, we survived an incredibly challenging time following the pandemic. We adapted our business model to support our communities. Our award application acknowledged all that work and the amazing dedication and drive of our incredible staff.

H&R: How valuable has winning the award been to your staff and the business?

Peter Taylor: Winning the award has been a valuable accolade to list in recent tender opportunities, strengthening applications with an industry acknowledgment of excellence. Morris Mckeeman: This win has strengthened our already strong reputation in the community. Staff were proud of the win and clients celebrated just as much as us (well… almost!).

H&R: What advice do you have for other events companies considering joining the HRIA and entering the awards?

Peter Taylor: You won’t regret it! The application process was beneficial, giving us a holistic look at many aspects of the business, including what we were doing well and highlighting
where there was room for improvement. I encourage applicants to take onboard the feedback from the judging panel, remembering they have valuable insights into the industry and
how other event hire companies operate.

H&R: Why is being a member of the HRIA important to you?

Peter Taylor: The HRIA is helping grow the industry which ultimately, brings value to each member.

H&R: What does the future hold for Barlens?

Peter Taylor: Continued growth and reinvention. Every year, every event, we reinvent. Clients can expect outstanding service and high-quality hire equipment and structures to suit any event. Isaac Taylor: We recently invested in new products to better serve our clients’ needs, from sophisticated seating to larger scale marquee capabilities.

The future is bright for Barlens.