Page 29 - GAP 50th Anniversary Book

Celebrating 50 years of GAP /

The inside story on the Andersons’ success

Undoubtedly the Douglas is the strategist, the ideas We’ve had instances where a
brothers’ shared man. All our new divisions, from depot has been losing money for
values and similarities Non-Mechanical, to Lifting through to several years. Other organisations would
have contributed Vehicle Hire have all been the brainchild of most likely have shut it after two. Our view
much to their success. big brother. On the other hand, I like detail. is, we have the right location but possibly
However, they have So once Douglas has decided on his next the wrong people. So we persevere with a
also blended their plan, located the premises and put in key dogged determination to turn it around.”
unique characteristics people, I sweep-up behind him and make
and combined their sure things happen.” Douglas
individual approaches Iain As well as not having to report to external
to business to their shareholders, Douglas and Iain point to
advantage. For Douglas and Iain, their joint approach several other reasons for GAP’s success,
has been to run GAP “like a PLC but with including having the right people, growing
family values”. With a focus on building their own talent, investing heavily in new
something for the future, their key driver equipment and owning their own premises.
has never been profit or short-term results. Hugely significant too is their ability to
Instead, they take long term decisions. identify what and when change is required,
adapting to market changes faster than
their competitors. “In any business, if
But perhaps above all, it’s the brothers’ you put it at the top of
genuine passion and enthusiasm for what everything, it’s bound
they do which is the real reason they are at to be successful. Both
the helm of the UK’s largest independent Iain and I put GAP
equipment hirer. above everything.
For us, it’s all about
We are slightly unusual. We’re fairness while getting
happy to be up at 4am and in work a real buzz from
before 5.30am because there are things to creating something

Douglas and Iain featuring on the be done and we love doing them.” bigger. Every day is
2019 product catalogue – celebrating great fun.”
GAP’s 50th year in business. Iain

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