Hire and Rental News - February 2018

INDUSTRY in FOCUS t was this feedback that helped the business change and implement systems to streamline processes and bring the ultimate success. Barlens Hire General Manager, Darren Guides talks frankly about becoming Rental Company of the Year – Events. Q: What was involved in the award entry? A: Our 2017 entry was no small feat. It took a few weeks because we aimed to capture every aspect of the business. We spoke to all of our key team members to ensure we achieved this goal. The process was actually a fantastic exercise that saw us take an in-depth look into our business structure, identifying any room for improvements while also gaining a deeper love for all of the employees that keep the wheels in motion. Success is a process of change Members of the HRIA for many years, Rental Company of the Year – Events in 2017, Barlens Hire went on a journey to reach the pinnacle of industry acknowledged success, making three submissions to the award to gain knowledge and grow from feedback offered by the judges. Q: Did you learn anything about your business while considering the entry criteria? A: More so than we can write. We learnt so much about the stock we move (and where) overall; we learnt even more about our customers and how they felt about our service/hire equipment; we learnt about the twitches involved between the sales and operations systems. Q: What did you learn about your business when the judges came to visit? A: The whole process was a learning curve for us and the business. Each year (or visit) we would be encouraged to improve on specific areas; from there we would create our own plan around how we might best address each concern. And, we must have been listening because three attempts later, our hard work paid off. Q: What is Barlens Hire background? A: Barlens was originally established in 1965 as ‘Stewart Barlen Hire’ and reformed as Barlens Event Hire in 2009. While we might have had a few name changes over the past 52 years, Barlens has continued to grow to become Canberra’s and nowAlbury’s, biggest event hire supplier. With our growth, we have still maintained our commitment to quality hire equipment and our professional and friendly service. Barlens is distinguished in the market place by our size, experience and professionalism. Most importantly we have the know- how to help make events a success. Our skilled and friendly team are keen to share their experience, provide advice and support to help with all our events. Q: Why enter the award? A: Why not, we had nothing to lose and everything possible to gain. Along with a wonderful title, we learnt so much about our business. Throughout this process we have changed and implemented processes suggested by the judges; we have learnt so much about our employees; we have celebrated a wonderful win and years of hard work were recognised on a national level. Q: What would you tell other HRIA members about entering the HIEA? "...we learnt so much about our business. Throughout this process we have changed and implemented processes suggested by the judges; we have learnt so much about our employees..." I