If you’re searching for a team to expertly manage your plant hire requests, waste management, aggregate supply and asset finance needs, you need Rockthorn. Our knowledgeable group of friendly professionals is dedicated to making the plant hire process seamless, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture.
In the fourth instalment of our Meet the Team series, we’re thrilled to introduce you to James, our expert on the hire control desk. James has shared a bit about himself and his role, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what he does and what motivates him.
Tell us a little about yourself and your role
My role on the hire control desk is focused around sales and services – finding the right solution for all customer requirements and offering the full package on both equipment and service to ensure their work is carried out as smoothly as possible.
My focus is to continuously build relationships with our current clients and suppliers, as well as establish new connections with potential customers and projects across the UK to those who have not experienced working with Rockthorn.
What do you like doing outside of work?
I’m a self-confessed geek and musician. I’m either down at the cinema, playing games, learning and writing music, or going to conventions and gigs whenever the opportunity arises. I also travel across the UK visiting friends and family when I can.
How long have you worked at Rockthorn? If you’ve worked other roles in the industry, what were they?
I’ve worked within the tool and plant hire industry for just over 11 years. Previous to working with Rockthorn, I worked with alternative national suppliers in a variety of different roles. Branch Manager, Virtual Sales Executive, and Hire Consultant are a few roles I’ve previously covered.
What made you interested in your current role?
I had a working relationship established with my Line Manager, Adam, when we previously worked at other companies. When an opportunity came around to join the team and I understood further the vision that Rockthorn had for the future, my attention was caught.
When having an opportunity to meet the team and see for myself the mentality, determination and overall positive atmosphere, with years and years of experience across the team from a variety of different specialist sectors helping to make everyone more confident and knowledgeable, I was won over. Originally, I came in working in an operations role, and the support offered to help develop those skills was another appealing point.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy the opportunity to help develop and build a new independent supplier in the National Market to a recognised and respected name within the industry. The relationships established with current customers when joining the company were really positive, which was very infectious and influential for approaching future business. I enjoy the atmosphere and support within the team across all departments and the care taken to help make everyone the best they can be, both personally and professionally.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I will sound like a broken record, but working with the team here. Having established relationships in place with Adam, MD Stuart and George, who I’d previously worked alongside for a number of years, helped me feel welcome when joining. It’s also the new friendships with the rest of the team that I have built since I joined in August ‘23, which have made me feel more like I’m part of a family – It always makes me smile when going in to work at the start of the day. Very rarely is there a day that does by where I don’t laugh out loud or feel pride in what I do.
Do any challenges come with your job? How do you combat them?
There are a variety of challenges that have to be met every day in this industry. Although we are becoming more and more recognised across different trade industries, we are still a young company in a populated market. Trying to promote our services to those who have not heard or worked with us can be challenging, and also introducing our approach to services supplied can come as a surprise for the level of care we adopt.
Winning that first order and being given that opportunity by a customer is always a challenge. First impressions are the best impressions, from ensuring times are met for handovers to ensuring the level of communication and honesty is the highest it can be, whether it be good or bad news. Positive honesty is key.
Although rare, it’s also handling the moments when things can go wrong that can make a big difference for the future business of both Rockthorn and (more importantly) our customers.
Do you have any favourite moments from your time at Rockthorn?
There have been a few moments that stick out for me. Meeting the whole team for the first time while out celebrating my colleague George’s birthday was an incredible first impression. A huge surprise was celebrating my birthday for the first time as a part-time employee, with gifts and cake on my desk, which was quite overwhelming.
The Christmas period in the office is always very festive and celebrated. Going as a team to London for our first-ever nomination for the HAE awards was incredible to be part of. Part of this was working alongside Nu Image for our Mental Health Campaign “Spot The Signs”, and being interviewed about my history of mental health issues and my approach to help others was something I’m very proud of.
The Rockthorn team
James and the Rockthorn team are here to handle your plant hire needs and more. Whether you’re overseeing a large-scale site project requiring a fleet of machinery or working on a home renovation, we have everything you need to make the job easier and more efficient.
Give us a call on 0330 118 5030 to chat with one of our friendly experts like James, or fill out our simple online enquiry form, and a member of the team will get back to you.