Page 25 - GAP 50th Anniversary Book
P. 25
Celebrating 50 years of GAP /
Like his elder brother, Iain’s drive and business. He was posted initially to the People ask if my role is Sales or
entrepreneurial spirit was obvious from Prestwick depot, managing it until 1986. Operations. It’s actually both.
a young age. While still in his teens, This was a hugely significant year for The great advantage of being a major
he too made money from buying and GAP. Having acquired Henderson Plant shareholder is you can stick your nose
selling old cars and motorbikes, fixing which specialised in tool hire, GAP sold in wherever you want. Though I say I’m
them up in between. all its operated plant and closed its not nosey, but inquisitive!”
After going through the motions Ayrshire site. Iain
of college, in 1979 Iain grabbed the
opportunity to join plant hire company Iain was then “shipped off” to Very much a people person, Iain’s real
Hewden Stuart with both hands. Newcastle, and Henderson Plant’s HQ. passion is for dealing directly with
He relished his role selling used Here he took up the role of Head of Tool customers and winning big accounts.
JCB equipment and had a superb Hire, responsible for overseeing credit And if something should go wrong and
relationship with his boss and owner, control, producing P & L’s and visiting a customer isn’t happy, Iain is always
Steve Bryant, with whom he remains customers. Initially dispatched for a first on the scene to salvage things and
good friends today. year, Iain returned to Glasgow in 1996, find a way to make them work again. He
For four years, Steve regularly updated based at GAP’s Kinning Park depot. He takes a special interest too in the new
Gordon, whom he had huge respect then moved to Head Office, where he divisions, and for the past few years has
for, on his son’s progress. By 1983 Iain remained involved in the Tools division. been heavily involved in GAP Vehicle
had learned all he would at Hewden For many years now, Iain has headed up Hire which has grown from 135 vehicles
Stuart and was ready to join the family Group Sales and Operations. to 4,000.
/ Chapter 03 25
