Virtual hire company 'gets real'

Virtual hire company One Stop Hire has become reality with the purchase of two companies - SJS and PSL.

The assets of Bolton-based tool and small plant hire company PSL were bought from the administrator, while SJS was purchased from the founding family. One Stop's managing director, ex Ainscough employee Steve Hitchin, said the company now has 10 branches across the north-west England, with 40 employees and some 8,000 pieces of equipment.

He said he has expansion plans for the company and that it will also be launching its own on-line service, which will be available nationwide.