Broker changes direction thanks to assistance from asset finance company

Wakefield-based former rental broker, Levels Above, has changed direction to become a powered access rental company, having received nearly £160,000 in finance via Anglo Scottish Asset Finance.

Anglo Scottish was able to help Levels Above purchase a delivery van and 14 electric drive scissor lifts, which the company has already hired out to clients such as the Royal Air Force and Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Levels Above was established in March 2020, pivoted its offering at the beginning of 2022.

Having built up a strong client base, owners, Russell Anderson and Neil Blakemore, decided the time was right to invest in their own equipment.

Previously, as a rental broker, the company – which has ten employees – found the best hire deals for clients on machinery such as scissor lifts. Now, it is able to supply machinery directly, resulting in a significant increase in its profit margin, from 25% to 50%.

Anderson said: “Since the formation of Levels Above, we have built a phenomenal client base and supplied contracts with the likes of Harrogate Nightingale Hospital, Trafford shopping centre and St Steven’s shopping centre.

“In addition, we have also supplied well-known high street brands, Next, Boots and TX MAXX.

“In our second financial year, we have seen turnover increase from £750,000 to £2.5m. We made the decision to change our business model even though we experienced such growth.

“In the next financial year, we expect turnover to be in the region of £2.5m to £3m but, unlike previous years, our profitability will be far greater.

“In addition, the machinery we have purchased means that we now have assets that will hold residual value at the end of their life cycle.

“All of this would not have been possible without Anglo Scottish. We view this as the start of a long-term working relationship and plan to seek help with further finance on a variety of equipment.”

David Foster, managing director, Anglo Scottish Asset Finance, said: “Levels Above is thriving and we look forward to continuing to help it add to its growing list of assets, which will further increase profitability.

“There is simply no better feeling than receiving feedback from clients that our services have had a positive impact on business productivity and, ultimately, their bottom line.

“Anglo Scottish is an enabler for business growth and we do not take the relationships we develop with our customers lightly.”