The newly opened technology and AV distribution facility, just a short distance from the NEC
in Birmingham, means hire and rental of Apple iPads, Mac Books and iMacs for events and
shows in the Midlands has never been easier.
Tek Hire started nearly 20 years ago, founded by Paul Spittle. IT and AV rental has always
been the core product offering of Tek Hire, with service being the point of difference. Tek Hire
delivers its customers’ orders in-person. But as the business has grown, this has become
more challenging as travelling time is non-productive time.
The new NEC/Birmingham depot became a no brainer in the end according to Paul Spittle.
“Birmingham is the centre of the country in many ways at the moment. HS2, despite what
you think of it, is coming down the track and with it, waves of new investment alongside an
already buoyant market for exhibitions, shows and events.
“Since COVID it has been interesting to witness the subtle changes in the rental market for
AV and technology products, including Apple kit in all its guises. In the 12-18 months after
Coronavirus, there was a gradual return to in-person events and that became a clamour
once people’s confidence returned.
“At Tek Hire, we weathered COVID quite well, managing to keep hold of our entire team, so
we were well placed to supply kit and technicians once restrictions were lifted. Now, a couple
of years further on, we are seeing slightly different types of enquiries. Crudely, I’d put them
into one of two categories.
- Additional units needed of what I would call ‘stock’ items like iPads, large screens
and laptops (Apple and Microsoft). - Higher ticket items that clients need for their event, show or training but cannot
justify the outright purchase of. Examples include digital totem display signage,
Logitech Rally video conferencing systems and specialist printers such as the Epson
Colorworks C3500.
Any hire company can stock the technology products, Spittle says. “But it is the service that
means clients will order from you again and again. Clients are looking for peace-of-mind and
that was why we opened in Birmingham. Ordering your kit from a company that is just
around the corner who deliver, set-up and takedown using their own people who can also
supply technicians if needed and who guarantee a ‘new-to-you’ product. That package
provides the reassurance to event organisers, who are very busy people’ with the service
they are looking for.”