Industry Experience Right here

We’re an independent hire specialist. Established in 2013, we’ve made high-quality hire with top-class service our standard.
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Part of CA Group, we know industrial projects. Demanding commercial hire or domestic build – we can handle all.

We cater for customers from many fields including construction, domestic, defence, events, engineering, environmental, facilities management, farming, forestry, glazing, garbage, highways, housing, shutter doors, security, shop-fitting rail, real estate, transport, telecoms, training utilities...

We know the pain points

Complex projects are challenging. Delays are costly.
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Providing accurate, expert advice is key. We put the best solutions forward. You get the job done with ease. No more hire problems.

We know the sweet spots

The best possible outcomes for our customers, no less.
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‍The best machines, the best range, the best guidance and service – it’s all in a day’s work. See our customer pledge here.

We’ll keep things moving

One point of contact. We understand you better. No need to go over old ground – saving time and gaining convenience.
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Plus super-fast turn around, reliable equipment, out-of-hours assistance.

Knowing our machines

‍Intricate knowledge of our fleet. Training, guidance, operational and field support.

Our CAP registered engineers are on hand to help.

Here for the duration

‍You need a quick hire. No problem.

Long-term project management. We do that too.
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> Scoping survey
> Project planning
> Monitoring
> Field support

THE TEAM

HAVING THE KNOWLEDGE TO SUPPORT ALL STAGES OF YOUR PROJECT

Jason O'Brien

General Manager

Jason has been with UPA since incorporation in 2013 and as general manager, oversees all aspects of the business on a day to day basis, ensuring the customer experience is maintained in all areas, through a well-trained and motivated team and robust operational procedures.

Charlotte Dugdale-Storey

Hire & Operations Controller

Our longest serving member of the hire team, Charlotte manages all aspects of the hire desk, from hire enquiries and transport logistics, to machine availability and engineer calls.

Mykel Hodgson

Sales Account Manager

Having joined UPA in 2017, with a demonstrated history in hire and sales, Mykel manages the UPA sales team and looks after our existing customers, via office calls, site visits and site surveys.

Marie Laird

Sales Development Manager

With over 20 years of experience within access and plant hire and sales, Marie joined UPA in 2021 as Sales Development Manager. Marie thrives on meeting new customers and offering a first class service, whether that be meeting customers at their offices or out on site for a survey.

Tessa Dewhurst

Hire & Operations Controller

Having joined UPA in 2020 from a hire industry background, Tessa was promoted to Hire & Operations controller in 2022. Tessa manages the hire office and team on a daily basis, looking after fleet, logistics and customer service.

Shannon Wellens

Hire Controller

Shannon joined UPA in November 2021, to give vital administration support to the UPA hire team. With a proven track record in administration in the health sector. Shannon was promoted in 2022 to Hire Controller and covers both our own fleet and cross hire.

Andrew Davies

Engineering Controller

Our Engineering Controller Andrew, is responsible for overseeing engineering within the UPA fleet. Andrew leads and motivates our engineering team to achieve the highest levels of safety and quality and co-ordinates numerous processes including external call outs and ensuring stock levels are maintained to ensure fantastic availability at all times.

Darren Gibson

Trainee Engineer

Having started with UPA in the position of Driver/Yard Operative, Darren showed a keen interest and passion for engineering. Having now progressed into the role of Trainee Engineer, Darren continues to increase his knowledge on his journey to becoming a CAP registered engineer, completing our pre-delivery inspections, cosmetic refurbishment & a range of different repairs.

Alan Kay

Service Engineer

Having been one of UPA's original service engineers, Alan returned to UPA in January 2022. Alan has a wealth of knowledge, stemming from a lifetime career within the access industry. You will find Alan both in the UPA depot and out on sites nationally.

Jamie Bennett

Delivery Driver / Yard Operative

Jamie is a familiar face on site with our customers, as one of our rapid response Delivery Drivers. Jamie, although North-West based, travels nationally delivering and collecting our lightweight access platforms within four hours of order. Jamie has the highest standards of safety and with his logistical knowledge, ensures our customers machines are delivered on time.

Lewis Birtwistle

Administration Assistant

Lewis joined UPA in July 2022. Lewis completed a 3 month intensive training programme resulting in being able to give all of our customers a high level of reactive administration service, in a professional and friendly manner.

David Marsh

HGV Driver

Having worked most of his career within powered access, David has been with UPA since 2013 and is our longest serving HGV driver. On the road before 5am most days, David thrives off exceeding our customers expectations by having their machines on site, on time and in most cases early. Having completed his demonstrators license, he is well placed to offer all of our customers full familiarisation on the UPA range.

Jason Cotgreave