Page 3 - GAP 50th Anniversary Book

C Celebrating 50 years of GAP / elebrating 50 years of GAP /

Foreword

The importance of family-run businesses to the UK economy should
never be underestimated and I am delighted to congratulate GAP on
reaching its 50th birthday.

GAP is a wonderful example of a British family business success
story. From small beginnings in 1969, it has evolved into one of the
largest hire companies in the UK. That is a remarkable achievement
in a very tough market.

It is a little-known fact that family-run businesses in the United
Kingdom employ 12.2 million people, around 38% of the working
population. They are a vital part of the UK economy and contribute
around £150 billion to the Exchequer every year.

That GAP has been playing a role in this important sector for 50
years is due in large part to the personal dedication of Douglas and
Iain Anderson, and their focus on meeting individual customer needs.

It is clear that the company is now looking ahead to the long-term
future. With a robust succession plan in place for the third
generation, I have no doubt the company will continue to go from
strength to strength, and I wish them all the very best for the next
50 years and beyond.

The Lord Bamford DL
Chairman - JCB

/ Foreword 3