Plimsoll report finds top firms not doing well

Despite 6.5% growth in the UK plant hire market, a report from Plimsoll Publishing finds that 83 of the top 100 plant hire companies are performing less well than they did three years ago, and 15 are losing money.

It concludes that three years of stagnation and the inability to control costs have left many plant hirers in a perilous situation, with 25 of the top 100 heading for trouble.

Three quarters of the top 100 are spending more on salaries than three years ago (28 employ less people), 60 have more debt and 45 are making less profit. Twenty-three are selling less and Plimsoll gives 42 a 'danger' rating.

Copies of the report cost £500 from Plimsoll on 01642 626400.