Following its seven-figure sale in September 2020, Merseyside-based crane hire firm AMC is now embarking on an ambition UK-wide expansion. Tony McDonough reports

Crane hire firm AMC has begun to put its national expansion plan into action with four new senior hires.

Founded in 2009 by Peter Piekarus as A Mini Crane Hire, the Knowsley-based firm changed hands for a seven-figure sum in September 2020. It was bought by experienced investor Mark Davenport with Mr Piekarus remaining as a director.

Mr Davenport immediately rebranded the business as AMC and unveiled an ambitious expansion plan. It comprises a fleet and is a supplier to short and long-term construction projects in different parts of the country.

Sales have returned to pre-COVID-19 lockdown levels with annual turnover projected to exceed £5m. It also operates a depot in London. The latest four hires now take employee numbers past the 40 mark.

The new recruits are experienced sales manager Jonathan Williams, who will be based in Knowsley. Sales manager Fahim Karim and head of sales (south) James Standing are coming in to drive business through AMC’s Heathrow site. AMC has also recruited Bryn Sutton as sales director, reporting directly to managing director Mr Davenport.

“Our primary aim for 2021 is to cement our reputation as one of the leading providers in the sector,” said Mr Davenport. “The addition of four experienced members to our team will help us go from strength to strength as we strive to grow new business over the next 12 months, as well as supporting our long-standing and loyal client base.

“Each one of our new starters brings their own unique skill-set to AMC, as well as years of experience. I am looking forward to them all learning the ropes and getting up to speed as we enter an exciting period for the company.”

A senior strategic business manager, Mr Sutton has already worked in numerous director and board level roles and will specialise in the delivery of commercial initiatives at AMC, overlooking both depots.

Mr Karim has previously worked in facades installation, in which he significantly helped increase sales performance, something he will be aiming to do again working with the Heathrow sales team. James Standing brings a wealth of senior sales experience to the company, as well as relationships with tier one construction companies.

Mr Sutton added: “I’ve respected AMC for some time and its reputation in the sector. Having worked in a number of high-profile positions over the years, I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the team, as well as working closely with Mark Davenport in order to drive the business forward on a national scale.”

Set to work alongside current head of sales in the north, Colin Scruton and Kelly McPhilbin, Jonathan Williams brings plenty of knowledge and a broad spectrum of skills to the AMC sales team, having worked most recently as area sales manager at Atlantic Forklifts and Nixon Hire.