Hear from a customer whose top priority is the condition of the aerial platforms he buys…

International Platforms sells used access platforms ‘as seen’ or our own team of mechanics can refurbish and service them on behalf of our customers if they prefer.

For our latest customer review of International Platforms, we recently caught up with an existing UK customer who’s been in the access platform industry for 25 years and now co-owns his own busy hire company in the Midlands. For him, it is essential any machines he buys are in in perfect working order and will withstand heavy use for 5 to 10 years to come.

So what does he think of International Platforms? We encourage customer feedback and he was happy to spend some time talking about his experience:

Tell us about your business…

Our machine hire business was established in the late 1940s as a direct response to the need to hire machines and tools to rebuild houses, factories, shops and offices after WWII.

My own 25 year career in access platforms actually started on the other side of the desk – hiring equipment for use in safety nets and scaffolding. I started working for this firm in the 1990s and am now the co-owner.

We’re now proud to be one of the best equipment hire companies in the UK and employ around 19 people – our stock includes access platforms as well as tools, excavators, dumpers and telehandlers.

Many of our clients are repeat customers from construction, factory maintenance, highways and even D.I.Y enthusiasts. They all expect their equipment to arrive quickly and to work properly, and our business depends on making sure that happens.

What equipment do you buy from International Platforms?

We have our own very experienced engineers on site and stock a core range of Genie and Skyjack platforms, although we are now starting to take more from Nifty Lift too. Vicki and Jade know that we have very high standards and want any machines we buy to be in great condition, fully refurbished right down to the paint respray.

Has there ever been a time when the machine you received was not in the condition expected? If so, what was the outcome?

We are very particular about the condition of the machines we buy and I am confident that International Platforms is the best firm to provide exactly what we need. I do remember one time where, unusually, there were problems with one machine because, on that occasion, it came straight to me from the seller instead of through the International Platforms depot. Vicki and Jade were fantastic at sorting the issue out and we were quickly back on track.

Why do you choose to buy from International Platforms?

I met Vicki at Vertikal Days in 2015 and it was no surprise to me that she and Jade went on to start their own business. I know from experience how much work that involves! I now buy all my used access platforms from International Platforms because of the excellent working relationship I have built up with Vicki and Jade – you buy from people not companies. It is helpful to see photos and videos of machines on offer but I also trust their verbal appraisals.

When I need a specific platform I call them up and we can discuss what is available. They know what machines I need and they know exactly what condition I need them in.

Occasionally I am tempted to buy extra machines I’ve seen on their LinkedIn posts and find the regular email list helpful too. It is important to keep reminding people you’re there and what you do.