Henley can we use the classification in say five years time when these so called big deals have been cashed in and then we can judge how much if anything these wonderful big deals have made in cold hard cash. Then we might find out which is the best at the big deal.

Nexan in the UK...oopps well i have worked on two of there trucks LPG counter balances, both of which are really shocking build quality....so maybe they might get better who knows. but brave indeed..

Two years on, what are people's now regarding the successful independents?

As do Acclaim and Forkway it would seem

Carrylift seem to be doing pretty well at the moment, probably the best of the Nissan dealers (which isn't difficult is it!?)

Couldn't agree more 'Daveilift' - I can see lots of companies going under when the economy slows even more. Very nearly did myself 2 years ago - mainly down to an unscrupulous bad debt which affected my credit scoring meaning I found it hard to gain new clients. Looking OK at the moment with CAT (though not in the forklift segment)

This again now comes down to service and customer repor. The big manufactures mainly deal in large contracts that with the ecomy slowing are now getting threw and far between. Smaller inderpendant dealers are looking at smaller companies that they can offer a tailered service to and are managing to keep going. Even though i bet it is a struggle at times. In the past we have seen customers put of work on trucks when times get hard and big rental fleets renewal get put back. What will be intersting is the begining to mid next year when the economy slows down even more. Who as the cash in the bank to help pay the bills till
the economy picks up. Who is now looking to sell and get out and who doesn't have a clue and are just going to go under.

Looks like Briggs are gaining momentum at present and judging by comments herein with popular opinion followed by a number of strong and progressive independents..

Are the Independents enjoying a better level of success than the Manufacturers? Money talks & is n't that what this is all about I ask?...

Better be careful the chap that is coming across from Barloworld is not the MD, in fact he didn't have a lot to do with the MOD contract

No they just concentrate on the Kone (SMV) brand moving into more port equipment such as RTG'S and Ship to Shore cranes.But i think they deserve to be in your top five

Really good points DL. I totally agree. Niche player but prepared to take on the Manufacturers. I believe they do Konecranes (SMV) from a UK base up in the Midlands, not sure if they still represent a Sideloader brand also?

I do think that Cooper SH deserve to be in this top five. They have won some good deals in the big truck market and could be said that they might just be market leaders in big trucks in the UK

A major message here is that the 'Independents'( apologies to the respected Manufacturers') but in my opinion the great guy's & gal's who have an entreupeneurial flair & passion for the business & are in the thick of it so to speak!) they are ahead of the game. Hence so many reported successes(big big one's in this Forum alone.) The REAL businessmen such as Mr C & Mr C, two of the CEO's in two of the Independents mentioned, to name but a few, look at EBITDA & ROCE not unit output & market share. Need I say more?..

Excellent points made F.O. In conclusion though and considering all the comments & points made I believe that the answer to the original question to be debated is Briggs Equipment UK. The CEO claim that Briggs are now in the Premier League of the Uk MHE industry seems difficult to disagree with. I wonder if MCFE are green with envy?

SNAPMAN. SKIP ORDERED and on its way. HENLEY. You make some good points and seem well informed but to conclude for me its BRIGGS followed by RUSHLIFT then perhaps ACCLAIM. WINDSOR ? ? do a good HORSE SHOW. Barlow shame but not at the RACES , as for IMPACT and their class product remind me of the new kids blockbuster TIN TiN..........