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Britain’s construction industry fared better than expected last month due to a strong performance in residential builds. Despite usually slowing down towards the end of the year, the sector has continued to rebound from the dip after the referendum earlier in the year. And PalletTrucksUK, one of the leading suppliers of pallet trucks, stacker trucks and other essential materials handling equipment, has advised companies to capitalise on the industry growth and push forward with new developments by stocking up on premium equipment.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “The construction industry is the key to the country’s growth lock. If things are looking up, the construction industry thrives, and if things are looking less than bright, it seemingly grinds to a halt. The news that the industry is back on track after a lull is great news for the country as it shows there is investment interest and signs of growth for the coming year. However this doesn’t mean that businesses can take their finger off the pulse.

“The term ‘strike while the iron is hot’ has never been more apt than it is when talking about the construction sector at present. It is up to companies to make the most of the opportunities on offer to cement their future.”

In the wake of the referendum result, many sectors were taking cautious steps. As a result, the country’s sectors seemingly plunged into a decline that lasted for months. But the end of the year has brought back confidence with most sectors reporting strong recoveries.

But overall, activity in the construction sector expanded for the third month in a row, and at a faster pace than predicted by economists. The main reading on the Markit/CIPS UK construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) sat at 52.8 last month, which was not only at an eight month high, but was also up from 52.6 in October.

Although great for the country, and of course the ever fragile construction industry, this announcement was swiftly followed by the news that the pound’s sharp fall is raising import costs for businesses – resulting in the steepest rise in prices for more than five years.

“It is up to businesses to look at ways they can save money in the long-term should prices continue to rise,” added Phil. “Investing in quality equipment may seem like a big expense for firms now, but it will add up to large savings in the future by helping to streamline processes and reduce the need to fix or replace it in just a few short years. And by doing so now, they will beat the expected further inflation rises.”

The New Year is almost here. And after a rather turbulent 2016, many retailers will be looking at the upcoming year with hope and ambition. And according to Pallet Trucks UK, there are ways companies can ease themselves into 2017 easily and effectively. And one of the best ways is by adding simple moving skates to their fleet of operations.

The company, which has more than three decades’ experience working within the materials handling industry, is a leading provider of a range of equipment that helps businesses improve their efficiency, and moving skates, according the company, are one of the most compact yet most efficient pieces of equipment.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, “Moving skates are often overlooked due to their small size – but don’t be fooled; these little pieces of equipment are extremely useful when it comes to moving stock around the workplace. Despite their slight nature they are extremely tough and as a result can hold up to an incredible 6 ton of stock.”

Not only does their strong nature make moving bulky boxes easy, but they are also an incredible piece of safety equipment by helping to keep employees free from injury. As the moving skates are nimble, items are easily placed onto the skates and glided across floors with a simple push or pull. This helps to take the strain off employees’ backs and reduce the risk of avoidable harm.

The SF60 Fixed Machinery Skate 6 ton skate is the ideal addition to workforces that need to move heavy objects. It comes with a 6 ton capacity, laid on six nylon rollers for added strength. Coming in at £96.78 plus VAT, the time savings associated with it will soon mean it has paid for itself. For those looking for an even easier tool, the SFW03 Moving Skate with handle does the same job, but is fitted with a strong handle to make pushing or pulling items simpler. Priced at just £54.60 plus VAT, it comes with a tough three ton capacity and is built on four nylon rollers, which allows the weight to be distributed evenly.

“The simple moving skates can really make a comprehensive difference to businesses by improving everyday production which then helps to increase profit margins,” said Phil. “But due to their compact form, are certain not to get in the way when it comes to day to day operations.”

Forklift trucks have become a mainstay of the warehouse industry for many years. They help to make the industry more productive, safer and altogether more pleasant for workers by fulfilling a number of duties effortlessly. But despite them offering a plethora of benefits, there are some instances when forklifts just don’t quite cut it due to their restricted fork length. But thankfully PalletTrucksUK has the answer.

The company, which is one of the longest-standing suppliers of warehouse and manual handling equipment in the UK, stocks a comprehensive range of forklift fork extensions, all designed to improve forklift trucks’ functionality. Coming in a range of sizes and types, they are ideal for all models and allow for a more effective and efficient working environment.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “Forklift trucks have been at the forefront of the warehousing industry for as long as many can remember. Inherently useful they are used daily by specialist drivers who are trained to operate them in order to aid other workers. However despite bringing a number of benefits, there are some instances where forklifts do not cut it due to the restricted length of forks.”

All of PalletTrucksUK’s forklift extensions are manufactured to the highest quality, but do not command large price tags. Whether businesses simply need to add a few inches to their forklift’s existing forks, or need to completely overhaul the capabilities of a fleet with a number of extensions, they can breathe a new lease of life into the traditional forklift truck.

Forklift trucks allow warehouses to operate efficiently. Generally used for moving heavy goods and supplies from one place to another quickly and with less effort than doing so manually, they are able to reach high-up objects, lift and load heavy items, are relatively ease to take care of and help to keep workers safe by reducing strain.

“Instead of investing a lot of money into new types of equipment, businesses can simply make the most of their existing fleet by making a few simple and cost-effective adjustments – such as forklift fork extensions,” added Phil.

With the news that 15 high street stores closed every single day in the first half of 2016, PalletTrucksUK, one of the longest standing suppliers of warehouse and manual handling equipment in the UK, has challenged high street stores to invest in their bottom line in order to keep up with their increasingly competitive online rivals.

There’s no denying that online shopping has become the leading retail method for many. Consumers both young and old have reaped the benefits of online shopping for years, while the introduction of next day delivery has been the real clincher for businesses, getting rid of the pet hate for customers waiting for their items to arrive

Despite this however, there are many who still visit shops in search of their next purchase. And these are the people high street businesses can target according to the experts.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “Businesses solely on the high street may be worried about the up and coming festive season as this can often be make or break for them – either pushing up profits and giving them a boost right before the slower months of January and February, or be the final nail in the coffin if they have been struggling.

“Despite reports of online sales increasing almost on a weekly basis, there are still millions who head to the high street when shopping, so it’s important they don’t count themselves out just because they don’t have a large online presence. In fact, the best way to stay competitive is to invest wisely.”

In this competitive marketplace where industries, fashions and trends move very quickly, it’s important for businesses to stay ahead and keep up with this – which is where bottom line investment comes in. By ensuring that logistics equipment is reliable and stock can be moved quickly will ensure it hits the shelves faster than ever – and may even beat the time it takes for a customer to order an item and wait for it to be delivered.

Logistics and warehouse equipment, such as pallet trucks, moving skates and platform lifts, are all key to ensuring distribution centres, warehouses and large stock rooms run efficiently and are able to cope with demand from customers.

“If high street businesses are concerned about the challenge from online companies, now is the time to do something about it,” added Phil. “It really cannot be emphasised enough the importance of improving the bottom line in order to compete with the increasing challengers set by the online industry.”

PalletTrucksUK is made up of industry experts. The whole team know the products inside out and as a result, is able to advise on the best equipment to suit individual needs

As the cold weather rears its head for another year, businesses up and down the country are having to change the way they operate when it comes to their equipment. Whether equipment is used inside or outside, the impending cold and wet conditions can wreak havoc for pallet trucks and other manual handling equipment.

PalletTrucksUK, one of the longest standing companies in the country supplying warehouse equipment, such as pallet trucks, moving skates and platform lifts, has urged businesses to up their maintenance game to ensure the equipment stays in top condition and operating right through to spring.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “It’s vital that full maintenance is carried out on a regular basis – but particularly during the winter months. Extreme temperatures, like those often seen in winter, can have serious implications for manual handing equipment. The strain on machines caused by the cold weather can reduce the reliability of key components of many trucks, potentially causing batteries to fail, tyres to split or crack and harm any fluids used to operate the machinery. And of course, any repairs required as a result of damage can prove to be costly.”

One of the best ways in to stop the winter months from causing problems with hand pallet trucks and lifting equipment is to implement a thorough daily checklist. If a company already has this in place, it’s advised to review it an add tasks as necessary to meet the needs of the cold weather. For pump trucks, an overall check of the pump is vital; checking brakes, fluids and lights are all in good working order will ensure it is able to operate at maximum capacity – safely.

As well as the cold weather, winter also bring with it shorter and darker days. As a result, it’s important that businesses invest in visibility equipment to ensure all workers are safe at all times. High-visibility clothing and additional internal and external lighting in winter can significantly help to improve visibility and reduce the chances of accidents, mistakes and damage to everyday equipment and workers alike.

However it isn’t just the cold employers have to watch out for. Many warehouses utilise both indoor and outdoor spaces, which means that often works and equipment can bring the outdoors in when it comes to wet weather. Ensuring businesses put down the appropriate signage and mats down will minimise the risk of serious injury and damage.

The team at PalletTrucksUK are experts in the sector. Having worked in the industry for many years, they know the ins and outs of the materials handling world and how to ensure businesses stay safe and ensure they invest wisely.

PalletTrucksUK has been one of the leading suppliers of warehouse equipment for over three decades. A key supplier to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, their robust pallet trucks, stackers, platform lifts and moving skates but to name a few, have played a large role in helping businesses to improve their offering and grow significantly. And a big part of that has been their innovative nature and ability to meet the needs of a wide range of customers’ needs. Continue reading Pallet Trucks UK boasts specialist pallet trucks to suit all needs →

PalletTrucksUK has been at the forefront of warehouse equipment for over 30 years. A key supplier to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, their robust pallet trucks, stackers, platform lifts and moving skates but to name a few, have played a large role in aiding businesses as they make the switch from simple commerce business to omni-channel and even ecommerce-only businesses. Continue reading Pallet Trucks UK offers customers incredible value for money →

Online shopping, next day delivery and click and collect are all common in today’s society. However with increasing demand, it can be difficult for businesses to keep up. PalletTrucksUK, one of the country’s leading suppliers of pallet trucks, stackers and other warehouse equipment, is highlighting the need for businesses to invest in robust stackers in order to keep up with both demand from consumers, and competitors’ offerings.

Despite online shopping being predicted to take over domestic sales for around a decade, it has only been over the last three years that online shopping has really come into its own. Online shopping rose by an incredible 11 percent in 2015, meaning around 27 percent of sales now take place online. And that number is only likely to increase thanks to the rise in next day – and even same day – delivery, click and collect and online-only exclusives.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “The only way that businesses can keep up with the increased demand is by investing in quality equipment. Leading online retailers such as Amazon and eBay have been great for the retail market, helping to lift online sales and making them not only a feasible option, but now the first option, for many. However in order to make sure that businesses stay competitive, they must look at their bottom line to eliminate the strain from day to day operations.”

Manual and hydraulic stackers do not come in a one-size-fits-all form; different businesses have different needs. And stackers are ready to meet all businesses’ needs. Available in a variety of weight capacities that range from 500kg to 1500kg, and able to reach heights of three metres, stackers have proven to be an invaluable addition to workplaces – no matter what their offering – while also eliminating undue stress on operations teams, and cutting down on accidents and workplace injuries.

PalletTrucksUK has been one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality warehouse equipment for over 30 years. An imperative addition to workforces, robust equipment such as pallet trucks, stackers, platform lifts and moving skates can help to improve productivity and turnaround time for businesses, while helping to diminish operational stress.

The online shopping world is changing at an unprecedented rate – mainly thanks to shopping giant, Amazon. The one-stop shop for consumers around the world, they have redefined online shopping offering one-click purchasing, Sunday delivery and competitive pricing. And now the e-retailer is set to overhaul the retail market once again, taking advantage of one of the most popular pieces of equipment at the minute and making it work for the retail sector. Continue reading PalletTrucksUK welcome Amazon drone delivery announcement →

In some sectors, injuries at work are unfortunately relatively common, while other sectors are seemingly free from accidents and injuries. Thankfully in the UK there are certain guidelines and processes that businesses must follow in order to protect their employees. And PalletTrucksUK, one of the country’s optimum providers of pallet trucks, stackers and lift tables to a range of sectors, is reiterating the need for employers to take precautions to ensure the safety of their employees, after the fatal injury statistics 2015/16 were published.

According to the report, the provisional number of workers fatally injured in 2015/16 is 144. This correlates to a rate of fatal injury of 0.46 deaths per 100,000 workers.

While there were reportedly 67 members of the public fatally injured in accidents connected to work. However this does not include any incidents that relate to railways, and those enforced by the Care Quality Commission.

Phil Chesworth from PalletTrucksUK, said, “The number of fatal injuries taking place as a result of work is incredibly worrying. It’s imperative that employers take the necessary steps, and invest in machinery and equipment in order to ensure they protect their employees as well as themselves against serious accidents that could cause significant injury.”

Over the latest 20 years, there has been a downward trend in the rate of fatal injuries, decreasing significantly since the 1990s. However in recent years, that number has shown signs of levelling off. Highlighting a seven percent drop in injuries over the previous five years, this year has bucked the trend and does show a slight increase on last year. For 2014/15, the finalised figure was 142 fatal injuries, which corresponds to a rate of 0.46 deaths per 100,000 workers.

It is worth noting however that the figures for 2015/16 are provisional at present, covering the twelve months 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016. The figures will be finalised in July 2017, following any necessary adjustments.

PalletTrucksUK has been one of the UK’s leading suppliers of warehouse equipment for over 30 years. The perfect addition to manual handing workforces, good quality equipment such as pallet trucks, stackers, platform lifts and moving skates can help to minimise the number of fatalities in the workplace.