Crane hire company, Ainscough, lifts annual profits and revenues

Standish-based Ainscough Crane Hire has achieved improvements in its revenues and profits during the year to September 2024.

The rental company saw annual sales improve from £116.8m to £121.9m, while pre-tax profits rose from £7.583m in the previous year to £11.284m.

It said the revenue growth reflects strong performance on major UK projects. This revenue growth is against a backdrop of declining UK construction output over the period.

The improved trading performance in recent years, following a number of years of disrupted trading, initially due to Covid-19, has provided a more stable environment and supported investment in the crane fleet.

In the year to September 2024, Ainscough invested £26m in fixed assets, of which £24.5m was in cranes.

Despite this increased investment, headroom under available borrowing facilities, remained high at £29m.

Ainscough said it continues to take a lead in its approach to its environmental responsibilities.

For the second consecutive year, the company has achieved carbon-neutral status, with significant focus on reducing the carbon emissions from day-to day-operations.

Ainscough’s chief executive, Peter Gibbs, said: “The UK construction market continues to be a challenging environment in which to operate

“However, Ainscough’s relentless focus on safety and service provides a compelling offer for those customers operating to the highest standards.”

He added: “We continue to re-invest our profits into the latest crane models offering greater levels of capability and flexibility to satisfy the needs of our customers.

“All of this is only possible because of the depth of experience and training of Ainscough’s people, whose positive engagement resulted in inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for the first time this year.”