Times of change bring opportunity

members to get along to as many meetings as possible throughout the year. They’re a great way to form and strengthen relationships across our industry, learn from each other and work together to deliver the right outcomes for our customers.

As 2023 kicks off, many people in business are facing some significant challenges on the road ahead with rising inflation and interest rates, a shortage of labour and general economic uncertainty. However, I’ve always been a big believer that times of change bring opportunity. From that perspective, I’m optimistic about the year ahead for the Hire industry.

Often in Hire, we lose opportunities to customers buying equipment, yet during times of uncertainty, Hire may be a more favourable option as builders and developers look to decrease risk. But, while on the lookout for opportunity, we must also be cautious and have an appropriate appetite for risk. Careful control of debtors and finding the right balance of capital equipment are therefore worthy areas for consideration.

In Victoria, it’s no secret we’re in the midst of an infrastructure boom, with major projects including the West Gate tunnel, Metro tunnel and many level crossing removal projects well underway. This year, we’ll also see new major projects starting or significantly ramping up, including the north-east link, Melbourne Airport rail and the suburban rail loop, to name a few.

As someone who grew up in Tasmania, I’m also really excited for our Tasmanian members, who could expect to benefit from increased investment in infrastructure. Late last year, McConnell Dowell signed a $786 million design and construct contract for the new Bridgewater Bridge, Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project.

While the pipeline in infrastructure is strong and should provide many opportunities to our members suppling these contractors and associated trades, tough market conditions may continue to prove challenging for many operators. That’s why now, more than ever as an industry, we need to band together, learn from each other and strengthen these inter-industry relationships.

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Victorian and Tasmanian members and I look forward to seeing as many members as possible at our state meetings.

Ash Woodcock is the CEO of RPM Hire Australia, a national business specialising in the hire of traffic management related equipment.

It’s an honour to represent Victoria and Tasmania as their new HRIA State President.

I had the pleasure of working on the Victorian state committee last year, under the guidance of Ken Maher who did a fantastic job. I’m delighted to continue on with the great work of Ken and the committee, but with a fresh approach.

We got off to a great start with an informal catch-up in December to align our goals for the year ahead. The committee share a strong desire to increase member engagement and support, particularly through the onboarding process, and run informative and engaging meetings.

As an industry, we’re stronger when we work together. We’re also amazing at sharing experiences so I’d highly encourage all