At Plantforce, we believe that great work deserves recognition. This month, we’re celebrating not one, but two team members who’ve gone the extra mile to keep our service strong, our customers happy, and our operations running smoothly. Their dedication, problem-solving, and commitment reflect exactly what we stand for as a business.
Kat Bates – Workshop Controller, Weston-super-Mare
When a significant service failure by a telematics supplier caused a large number of devices to go offline, Kat Bates jumped into action. As reports rolled in from customers, Kat quickly took ownership of the situation, coordinating directly with both the supplier and affected clients to get to the root of the problem.
She developed a clear action plan, kept everyone informed, and played a key role in reducing potential downtime. Her accountability, calm under pressure, and proactive mindset were key to keeping our fleet operational. Kat’s initiative truly reflects our standard, and we’re grateful for her sharp thinking and swift response.
Tom Bradley – Compliance Supervisor, HS2
Tom Bradley, from our HS2 team, continues to show what it means to go above and beyond. When a machine on site was at risk of being off hired due to part delays, Tom didn’t let the issue slip. Instead, he worked to support the attending engineer—staying behind to help complete the repair.
He was also back on site the very next morning, first thing, to ensure the job was finished and the machine was back in operation. Beyond this one instance, Tom constantly applies creative thinking and a solutions-first attitude in high-pressure environments. His commitment, collaboration, and work ethic make him a standout member of the team.
To Kat and Tom, thank you for your commitment, determination, and drive. Your actions are a perfect example of going above and beyond.
This month, the Plantforce team headed to Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Coventry for a day of volunteering in the garden, helping to keep the outdoor space looking its best.
The hospice, which provides palliative, respite, and end-of-life care for babies and young children, has a garden space that means a lot to the families who spend time there. It’s a peaceful, safe place where children can enjoy the outdoors, and it was great to be able to lend a hand in helping keep it in top shape.
Armed with trowels, gloves, and plenty of suncream, our team got stuck into everything from weeding and planting to general tidying and clearing overgrown areas. The yellow theme added a bright twist to the day, and brought a cheerful splash of colour to the garden as our team got stuck in.
“It was really rewarding to take a step away from the desk and do something hands-on for a cause like this. Knowing that a few hours of gardening could help brighten the space for the children and their families makes it more than worth it.” said Mike Brown, Business Development Manager.
The team at Zoe’s Place were incredibly welcoming and there was no shortage of laughs along the way. Beyond the humour, they shared just how much the garden means to the children and their families. It was clear that every bit of work made a difference, and it felt good to give our time to support such an important local cause.
“The Plantforce team were so incredible on their gardening day, it was no easy feat due to the heat but there were smiles and laughter all around. This is not the first time Plantforce has supported us and as we rely so heavily on our amazing community of dedicated supporters, this meant a lot to everyone here at Zoe’s Place. Thank you for being so kind, generous and supportive.” Said Amaan Yasin Corporate Fundraiser at Zoe’s Place
We’re honoured to support charities like Zoe’s Place, and getting hands-on in the community is something we genuinely value. It’s not just about showing up, it’s about helping where we can, getting involved properly, and doing our bit.
Huge thanks to Zoe’s Place for having us. We had a great day and look forward to helping out again in the future.
This month, we’re pleased to award two brilliant team members whose commitment, expertise, and positive attitude have made a real difference for our customers and team.
Scott Richford – HGV Driver, Midlands Depot
Scott is one of our longest-serving team members in the Midlands, and he continues to deliver top-notch service day in, day out. Although his primary role is as an HGV Class 1 Driver, Scott is always willing to get stuck in—fetching buckets, cleaning cabs, or helping out wherever needed.
His can-do attitude and dependable communication make him a vital part of the team. He keeps things moving with minimal fuss and maximum impact, and nothing is ever too much trouble. It’s that kind of commitment that keeps everything running smoothly, and we’re proud to have him as part of the team.
Martyn Bennallick – Service Engineer, Liskeard Depot
This month, we are also recognising Martyn Bennallick for his extraordinary effort and selflessness. On a Sunday afternoon last month, we received an urgent call from a customer in Cornwall whose telehandler had broken down in a remote coastal location. Even though Martyn was not on call, when contacted by our Sales Director, Chris Bruce, he immediately agreed to help without a second thought.
Interrupting his Sunday roast, Martyn travelled 45 minutes to reach the site and quickly got to work diagnosing and resolving the issue and had the machine back up and running in no time.
For Martyn, this was simply part of his job, but for us his actions perfectly demonstrate the kind of commitment that deserves to be celebrated.
We are immensely grateful to both Ian and Martyn for their outstanding contributions. Their hard work and willingness to go further than expected set an example to us all and help make Plantforce a company our customers can truly depend on.
At Plantforce, giving back to our communities goes beyond business, it’s something we genuinely care about. This week, we were proud to roll up our sleeves and spend time volunteering at four of Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) charity shops: Exmouth, Plymouth, Bristol, and Wellington.
These volunteer days give our teams the opportunity to step away from the day job and help where it’s needed, sorting donations, arranging displays, and welcoming customers. Whether it was tagging clothes, restocking shelves, or chatting with visitors, our team got stuck in with a shared purpose: to support the incredible work CHSW does for children and families across the South West.
“Spending time in the Exmouth shop was humbling. It’s a reminder of the power of small acts. Whether that’s giving a few hours of your time or helping raise awareness. You can see first-hand the passion their people, and we’re proud to stand beside them and play our part.” said Jane Gibbons, Operations Director.
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW)offers vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families in a warm, comforting, and homelike setting during some of life’s most difficult moments. Unlike the clinical setting of a hospital, CHSW’s three hospices across the South West—Charlton Farm, Little Harbour, and Little Bridge House deliver respite, palliative, and end-of-life care in an environment where children can be children, and families can find vital support and moments of joy.
Since announcing our partnership, our team has embraced the cause with enthusiasm and purpose. We began our fundraising efforts with a Cream Tea Morning, bringing all our depots together to raise funds and awareness in a relaxed setting. With scones, jam, and good conversation, it was a heartwarming start to a meaningful relationship.
We’ve also brought our wider network into the fold through events like our Charity Golf Day, held at Mendip Springs Golf Club. This brought together customers, suppliers, and our team for a day of friendly competition, connection, and generosity. With support from those who attended and sponsored holes, we raised thousands of pounds to support CHSW.
From fundraising to volunteering, it’s been inspiring to see the impact CHSW has, and the difference even small gestures can make. Every pound raised and every hour volunteered helps children and families facing incredibly difficult circumstances to find comfort, relief, and hope.
We’re incredibly proud of the work done so far—but this is only the beginning. Plantforce is committed to continuing our partnership with CHSW, raising awareness, offering support, and doing our part to make life just a little bit easier for those who need it most.
We teed off for a great cause at Mendip Springs Golf Club, bringing together customers, the team, and suppliers for a day of friendly competition and fundraising at our Charity Golf Day in support of The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
With the sun shining and spirits high, the day began with hearty baps and a warm welcome before golfers headed out for a shotgun start across the course. Teams made their way through the 18 holes, taking on light-hearted but competitive challenges like ‘Beat the Pro’—where our guest pro, Monty Milne, kept players on their toes as well as Nearest the Pin competitions that added some extra eagerness.
We were proud to be joined by a range of customers from across the industry, and grateful to the suppliers who generously sponsored holes and contributed prizes for the day. Their support made a real difference, helping us amplify our fundraising impact.
After the final putt dropped, everyone gathered in the clubhouse for a well-deserved dinner, where the day’s best performances were recognised with a prize presentation. But the highlight of the evening was the charity auction, which featured an incredible lineup of donated items and experiences. Thanks to the generosity of all involved, we were able to raise thousands of pounds for two incredible charities that do vital work in our communities.
The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families across the UK, while Children’s Hospice South West delivers life-changing care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Both causes are close to our hearts, and it was a privilege to dedicate the day to raising both awareness and funds for them.
Beyond the fundraising total, the event was a brilliant opportunity to bring together people from all corners of the construction industry. From the healthy competition on the greens to the generosity shown in the auction, it was a day full of laughs, connections, and collective goodwill.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, donated, or supported in any way. We’re also incredibly grateful to those who sponsored holes, including Keen Attachments, Qualitronics UK, Strickland, Interpump Fluid Solutions, Molson Group, Thwaites, Autosmart, MachineMax, Brendon Powerwashers, Leach Lewis Rubber Tracks, Stan Fogg & Son, Euro Auctions, John Moore, Gordon Engineering Hydraulic Services, Equipment One, Image Sign, Wain Homes.
Together, we proved that when our industry comes together, we can make a big impact, on and off the course.
Every day, our dedicated team at Plantforce go the extra mile to deliver for our customers, ensuring things stay on track, supporting their colleagues, and helping us say yes when others wouldn’t. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on two individuals who embody what it means to go above and beyond: Tara Hardwell and Kateryna Nosova.
Tara Hardwell, Operations Coordinator, is a key member of our Hire Desk team. With deep industry knowledge and system expertise, Tara plays a pivotal role in keeping our day-to-day operations running smoothly. Whether she’s stepping in to resolve a tricky logistics issue or supporting new starters on the hire desk, Tara does it all with a calm, friendly, and solution-focused attitude.
What truly sets Tara apart is her commitment to collaboration and growth. She’s not only a go-to resource for her team, but also someone who takes the initiative to train others, share best practices, and continually refine the way we work. Her ability to keep her cool under pressure, while juggling multiple tasks, makes her an indispensable part of the operations team. When Tara’s involved, things will get done and done well.
On the HS2 team, Kateryna Nosova, Operations Controller, is another example of dedication in action. In a high-pressure environment where timelines are tight and standards are high, Kateryna consistently makes sure that deadlines are met without compromising on quality. She regularly puts in the extra work to keep the wheels turning and is always on hand to support her team, even outside of her core responsibilities.
Kateryna’s work ethic and dependability are vital to the team’s performance. She takes ownership, stays one step ahead, and brings a “can-do” approach to every challenge. Her quiet determination and willingness to help whenever needed doesn’t go unnoticed. She’s the kind of team member every project needs.
Both Tara and Kateryna are perfect examples of the dedication, teamwork, and professionalism that keep Plantforce operating at the highest level. Their impact might not always be visible to our customers, but their effect is. They make a lasting difference, day in and day out.
Thank you to you both, for everything you do. You truly go above and beyond.
