Delivering outstanding service is at the heart of everything we do at Plantforce. Every month, we take time to recognise those who embody our core values through their dedication, hard work, and willingness to go the extra mile. This month, we’re proud to present our Above & Beyond award to two exceptional team members, Owen Clevely and Steve Sanders.
Owen Clevely – Digital Fitter
Owen brings a “can-do” attitude to every challenge he faces. As a Digital Fitter, Owen’s role is critical in updating, installing and collaborating our GPS technologies, ensuring our customers’ machines operate efficiently. His determination to go the extra mile is clear in the way he tackles any issue head-on, no matter how complex. Owen’s approach is not just about fixing problems, it’s about providing solutions that enhance machine performance and deliver true value to our customers.
Customers regularly praise Owen’s commitment to service and his refusal to settle for anything less than quality. Whether it’s ensuring the latest digital systems are perfectly calibrated or supporting clients in the field, Owen’s technical expertise and positive attitude make him an invaluable member of the team. His contribution ensures our customers receive not only the equipment they hire, but a premium level of aftercare and support that sets Plantforce apart.
Steve Sanders – Exeter Workshop Fitter
Steve Sanders has built a reputation for reliability and dedication at our Exeter depot. As a Workshop Fitter, Steve plays a vital role in ensuring that machines are fully serviced, maintained, and ready for the next hire. His focus on quality, efficiency, and teamwork highlights his strong work ethic and the pride he takes in supporting both the operations team and our customers.
There have been several occasions where Steve has put in the extra work to turn machines around quickly, ensuring customers are never left waiting. His flexibility and willingness to step up whenever needed help us maintain our promise of delivering reliable, top-performing equipment on time, every time. Steve’s dedication supports both the wider operations team and our customers by keeping downtime to a minimum and ensuring high service standards are consistently met.
Congratulations to you both on this well-deserved award. Your commitment makes a real impact, not only within the team but across every site we support.
We recently collaborated with Taylor Woodrow to host a dedicated People Plant Interface (PPI) Stand Down Day—an important initiative focused on improving safety around mobile plant machinery. The event aimed to raise awareness around safe behaviours for those working in proximity to heavy equipment, always ensuring visibility and communication with operators.
A key focus of the day was teaching safe approaches to working machines—where to stand, how to be seen, and how to interact with operators clearly and safely. Understanding operator blind spots and visibility limitations is essential for preventing incidents and creating safer working environments.
The event also provided a great opportunity to showcase the latest innovations in safety systems for construction plant. Talyor Woodrow also welcomed a number of clients and suppliers to take part in the event. Our team members Alex Willis, Business Development Manager, and James Smith, Health and Safety Manager, supported the stand down and shared their insights into evolving industry safety standards.
Our Digital Lead, Matt Milkins, demonstrated some of the cutting-edge technology we are bringing to sites across the UK, including our human detection camera systems and our digital thumbs-up confirmation system. These tools are designed to enhance operator awareness and enable clear, non-verbal communication between workers and operators—especially vital in high-noise or low-visibility situations.
Safety systems like these provide an additional layer of protection on site, helping to reduce risk and prevent accidents. By improving awareness and accountability, they not only safeguard lives but also reduce delays and improve site productivity.
As digital technologies continue to develop, safety systems are becoming more intelligent, integrated, and user-friendly. Real-time alerts, AI-driven human detection, and advanced communication protocols are changing the way safety is approached, giving our customers the tools to lead on best practices and compliance.
Events like this PPI Stand Down Day highlight the importance of collaboration and innovation in building safer construction sites. Sharing knowledge, embracing new technology, and working together as an industry are key to long-term improvements in health and safety.
We’re proud to have hosted this initiative alongside Taylor Woodrow and look forward to continuing our efforts to promote a safer, more forward-thinking future in construction.
We are proud to recognise two members of our team, Matt Boyle and Chris Woodward, who have gone above and beyond in their roles. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment have earned them our recognised Above & Beyond reward.
Matt Boyle – A Commitment to Quality
As a Yard Team Leader at our Weston depot, Matt Boyle plays a crucial role in ensuring that every machine sent to our customers meets the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation. Matt’s thorough attention to detail and unwavering reliability makes him an invaluable asset to our Weston team. His dedication to keeping the fleet in pristine condition helps us maintain our strong reputation for quality and reliability.
Matt’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality work ensures that all equipment is not only clean but also well-maintained, reducing potential downtime and improving our customer’s overall experience. His work ethic and positive attitude set a high standard for others, and his contribution is essential to the smooth operation of our Weston depot.
“Matt is a fantastic team member—well-trained, dependable, and always works seamlessly with the rest of the team. He is always on time and brings a great attitude to the workshop every day.” mentioned Matt Benyon, Workshop Manager.
Chris Woodward – Going the Extra Mile
Chris Woodward, one of our Crushing & Screening Fitters, has shown an extraordinary level of dedication to supporting various areas of the business. Whether it’s during busy periods or quieter times, Chris is always willing to step in and assist wherever needed. His recent efforts truly represented his commitment when he undertook a short notice trip to ensure a customer’s machine was ready for a 6 AM start the following morning.
The customer was highly impressed with the outstanding service provided, specifically praising Chris’ technical knowledge and willingness to go above and beyond to meet their needs. His ability to troubleshoot, repair, and ensure that machines are fully operational in the shortest possible time is invaluable to both our company and our customers.
Nathan Shrigley, Operations Director at TDSE, shared his appreciation: “Chris travelled down one evening as we couldn’t afford to have our Finlay J-960 down for another day. He quickly diagnosed and resolved the speed wheel issue, taking the time to guide our team on how to manage it in the future. The entire Crushing and Screening team have been fantastic—big hats off to Chris for making that journey at such short notice. We couldn’t ask for a better experience.”
Recognising Excellence
The Above & Beyond award is our way of recognising employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment, work ethic, and dedication to Plantforce’s values. Both Matt and Chris embody these qualities, ensuring smooth operations and outstanding service for our customers.
A huge congratulations to them both for their well-earned recognition. Their efforts make a substantial difference in the success of Plantforce, and we are proud to have such committed individuals as part of our team.
Plantforce, a leading provider of plant hire, is excited to announce its partnership with Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) as its official charity partner for 2025. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and support for the vital services that CHSW provides to children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West.
CHSW has been a vital source of care and support for families since its inception over 30 years ago. The charity offers expert medical care in a home from home environment at its three hospices. Everyday its team strives to make the most of the short and precious lives of the babies, children and young people it supports. Through this partnership, Plantforce is committed to contributing to the ongoing fundraising efforts that enable CHSW to continue delivering its essential services to more than 500 families across the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with Children’s Hospice South West for 2025,” said Jade Jackson, Accounts Payable / Charity Team Lead at Plantforce. “The support they provide to families during some of the most challenging times in their lives is incredibly important. Together with the Community Team at Plantforce, I am really looking forward to engaging our employees, customers, and the wider community in a variety of fundraising initiatives throughout the year.”
The partnership will kick off with a series of events and activities aimed at raising funds for and awareness of CHSW. The Plantforce team members will participate in community events, sponsor challenges, and organise fundraising activities to support the charity’s mission.
“We are really excited to have Plantforce join us as a regional partner in 2025. Their support this year will bring fantastic opportunities for us both,” said Hayley Wallbank, Regional Partnerships Fundraiser at CHSW. “Their support will help us continue to provide our vital services to families when they need us most. We are grateful for Plantforce’s commitment and are excited to work together to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
For more information about the Plantforce partnership with Children’s Hospice South West and upcoming events, please visit plantforce.com or chsw.org.uk
Plantforce is proud to announce our commitment to The 5% Club, reflecting our dedication to fostering skills development and career opportunities. This initiative signifies our pledge to build a future where at least 5% of our workforce will be engaged in ‘earn and learn’ positions such as apprenticeships and graduate programs.
Joining The 5% Club is not just about numbers; it aligns with our core vision of empowering individuals to grow while contributing to our business and the wider industry. Over the coming years, we will be expanding our training initiatives and apprenticeship programs to equip our workforce with the skills they need to excel. By doing so, we’re not only supporting our own growth but also contributing to closing the UK’s skills gap.
HR Manager Fay Hill stated: “Despite the fact that we are already exceeding this target with 7.1% of our workforce meeting the criteria, this is an exciting step for us. It’s about continuing to create meaningful opportunities, build confidence, and shape the workforce of tomorrow. We’re looking forward to continuing to make a difference and inspiring others along the way.”
To drive this culture throughout our business, we are implementing several key initiatives:
These steps are designed to ensure that our commitment to The 5% Club is reflected in every aspect of our operations, building a culture of learning and development that benefits everyone.
Why The 5% Club?
The 5% Club is a movement with purpose, uniting over 1,100 organisations to build a more skilled and socially mobile workforce while addressing the UK’s skills gap. Together, members are already supporting over 108,000 individuals through meaningful training programs. We are thrilled to join this initiative and add our contribution to this growing community.
HR Manager Fay Hill added, “For us, this isn’t just about meeting our goals. It’s about making a real difference in our industry and beyond, inspiring others to follow suit, and supporting a nationwide push for growth, opportunity, and innovation. We’re delighted to be part of The 5% Club and can’t wait to see what this journey brings. Watch this space as there will be lots more to come as we grow our ‘earn and learn’ opportunities and help shape the workforce of the future.”
Stay tuned for updates on our progress as we continue this exciting journey. If you’re ready to grow with us, check out our careers page and explore opportunities to join our team.
At Plantforce, our success hinges on the dedication, passion, and teamwork of the people behind the scenes. This week, we’re spotlighting three individuals who truly embody the values of our company: Sam Banks, Kevin “Jimmy” Smith, and Scott Warman. Their efforts, commitment, and can-do spirit continue to set new standards across the business.
Sam and Jimmy are the definition of teamwork in action. Whether it’s Sam leading the charge on cleaning, prepping, and spray-painting machines, or Jimmy juggling plant deliveries while lending a hand in the Bury yard, their combined efforts go far beyond the ordinary. Their recent work on a Kobelco SK210 excavator showcased not only their expertise but also their ability to deliver under pressure, ensuring equipment is always in prime condition.
But what truly sets this duo apart is their can-do attitude. Even with limited resources, Sam and Jimmy ensure standards never slip, taking immense pride in their work. Their dedication extends beyond Plantforce, during extreme weather, they cleared roads to ensure safe access for colleagues, a nearby school, and even local drivers. It’s this spirit of going above and beyond that makes them indispensable.
Their “One Team” ethic shines through in every task they undertake. From prepping stock for other depots to stepping in to help their teammates with a smile, Sam and Jimmy represent what it means to be part of the Plantforce family.
“Sam and Jimmy, your hard work and positivity do not go unnoticed—you are true credits to the business. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate their efforts in making the Bury depot shine, no matter the challenges.” states Claire Trott.
Scott is the ultimate professional when it comes to delivering exceptional service. His work at HPC has been nothing short of outstanding, ensuring customers receive the support they need with minimal downtime. Through top-tier servicing and maintenance, Scott consistently meets and exceeds expectations.
Scott’s ability to balance multiple sites without compromising on quality is what makes him stand out. When the call came to cover operations at Devonport Docks, he stepped up without hesitation, bringing the same level of precision and reliability that customers and colleagues have come to count on.
His customer-first approach ensures every piece of equipment is maintained to the highest standard, and every issue is handled swiftly and expertly.
“Scott, your dedication and ability to handle multiple sites while maintaining Plantforce’s high standards do not go unnoticed. Thank you for being a shining example of the one team ethic and for always going above and beyond!” says Nicki Reed.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate their achievements and thank them for their remarkable contributions. Sam, Jimmy, and Scott, you’re the force that keeps us moving forward and we couldn’t be prouder. Well done team!
