GAP Group records record results

Profit has almost reached the figure of £15.8 million, with GAP pushing ahead of many of their major competitors.

Joint managing director, Douglas Anderson, was delighted with the figures, stating that having the right attitude was the reason for GAP’s success.

He said: “If you are running a business and you are happy, it means you are complacent. If you are complacent it means you are only going one way. We are never complacent.”

Chairman Danny O’Neil was similarly pleased with the results, stating “I think we have done a good job over the last few years”, when asked to consider GAP’s success in what he classed as the “intensively competitive” pricing environment of the last few years.

GAP sees its diversification in to new areas of the equipment hire industry as key to its success. With the addition of new divisions; including Survey and Safety, Non-Mechanical Plant and Welfare Services; to its already successful Plant and Tools operation, GAP has been able to increase its share of the market.

With over 130 depots nationwide, and a total workforce of 1,502, GAP is the UK’s largest independent hire company.

Mr O’Neil added: “This year, we will probably grow by about 10 per cent. We don’t think our margins will deteriorate…The employee numbers will follow the growth in turnover and profit really.”

2016 also saw the arrival of new Financial Director Chris Parr, previously Managing Director of paper manufacturer Tullis Russel. He shared the sentiments of his fellow board members, and highlighted the growth opportunities in GAP’s future as well his personal excitement to have joined the group:

“It is fascinating…being in a market that is highly-fragmented, with a market share of just four per cent. It is a fantastic point in my career to be stepping into something different.”

Founded in 1969 by Gordon Anderson, GAP is now run by Joint Managing Directors Douglas and Iain Anderson. With 8 divisions encompassing over 130 depots, GAP have developed from a single depot in Glasgow to a truly nationwide organisation.