Plant directors an ageing breed

Research by Plimsoll Publishing shows that by the end of 2006, more than one-in-four directors of plant hire companies will be over 60 years old.

The UK’s top 1,988 plant hire companies have 3,857 directors ranging in age from 20 to 95, and if they all stay in plant hire for the next five years, 44% will have turned 60, said Plimsoll. It said the average plant hirer director’s salary rose 19% last year to £65,273, while top earners were paid more than £176,000.

However, it concluded that 37% of companies were in financial difficulties and 19% failed to make a profit.

Copies of the full analysis can be requested on m.aston@plimsoll.co.uk and cost £350.