18.12.2015
Third time lucky?
One of the access industry’s longest serving veterans -Mike Evans is finally retiring today after more than 46 years in the rental industry, 42 of them as a powered access specialist.
Evans originally 'retired' from Lavendon/Nationwide 10 years ago but then remained as what appeared to be an almost full time consultant until 2011 when the two companies finally called time. Retirement did not last long and a month or two later he began assisting Riwal UK on a part time consulting basis. This role officially comes to an end this month, as he moves towards a full retirement.
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Mike Evans
However! when pushed he admits that while he would not be at all interested in working with another rental company, he might just be tempted to assist with the odd mergers and acquisition project etc..
Looking back over the past 50 years....
At one time it looked as though Evans might become a footballer with Cardiff City, having managed to get on its books, but his parents pushed him towards a more traditional career with the local council. It was not too long however before he moved to a sales job at the local Cat dealer, even though it appeared to pay less and offered less security.
In 1969 he moved from sales to rental, starting out on the hire desk of Harvey Plant Hire. In 1973 he joined Port Talbot Plant (PTP) as hire and sales manager, and gradually worked his way up the organisation to become managing director, helping the company become the UK market leader in powered access.
Evans left PTP in 1989 to join David Price to set up GKN Powered Access. After GKN Powered Access was sold to A-Plant in 1994, he left to re-join Price who had set up Lavendon and organised a Management Buy In at Nationwide Access. As director of Nationwide Access and Access Solutions, Evans was responsible, among other things, for forming the truck mounted division. He also worked in Germany and France for Lavendon and was a long serving IPAF and CPA Council member.
In 2014 he was received a Lifetime achievement award from IPAF, recognising he contribution to the powered access industry in the UK.
After 46 years in rental and at least 42 years in the specialist powered access market he said: “I am extremely proud of the contribution I have been able to make over the last few years as a Consultant to Riwal UK. We have achieved solid trading performances, a much improved customer base and the company is in great shape to continue to prosper”
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Mike Evans with the last Hire Desk/Sales Team that he mentored at Riwal
“I thank the senior management team and all of the staff for their commitment and professionalism during the whole time of working together; we have had a cracking time The timing seems right for me to now move away from the cut and thrust of the access rental sector Putting things in perspective, my work time with Riwal UK has only been around three days a month and the diary is always pretty full, with family in Cardiff and Canada so I have no concerns about filling my time.
We wish him the very best in proper retirement, but… sense that we might see him pop up from time to time.
To read more the following are links to some of the previous reports on Evans:
First retirement 2005
Second retirement -2011- Mike Evans leaves Lavendon
Mike Evans receives Lifetime achievement award
Alec Ullmer
Mike
Just wanted to wish you the very best for your retirement, only seems like yesterday I met you for the first time at GKN powered access back in 1991. Its always a pleasure to be in your company.
Best wishes and take care
Alec
Les Warren
Not sure if anyone really believes this or not Mike but as it's not even close to April 1st I guess we have to take it half seriously....
I can only echo what's already been said for you Mike only to add that I wish you a long and happy retirement watching the Blues.
Roger Wickens
Congratulations Mike, I would just like to wish you all the very best with your retirement and all the years I have known you starting at BET Plant Services/PTP in 1987, Lavendon Group etc. You have been a great colleague and true professional in the industry.
Best regards to you and Val and all the family, enjoy your time in Canada.
Lee Bennett
Congratulations Mike, a true gentleman and the industries finest! I feel very fortunate that l was lucky enough to have you as a mentor and friend. A well deserved retirement :-))
Thanks very much to everyone for your very kind comments
Also to all of those who texted and sent e mails
I really appreciate the time you took, I value our friendship and wish you all the best for the festive season and for a happy and successful 2016
paul-richards43
I didn't believe your "I'll retire at 54" mantra, and not sure I believe it now! Have thoroughly enjoyed our business and social times together over the decades, you have shaped the industry, and so many companies and individuals along the way.
If you truly are finally "calling it a day", I wish you all the very best and look forward to taking up some of your newly-acquired leisure time with a few beers.
Iechyd Da
bob Buono
Congratulations Mike, I would just like to wish you all the very best with your retirement and all the years I have known you starting at PTP in 1979 you have been a great boss (few times) friend and true professional in the industry.
Best regards to you and Val and all the family.
Mike, I hope you have a great time in your retirement. It has always been a pleasure seeing you at the various shows over the years.
I thought 35 years years was long, I have a long way to go to beat 46, well done
Enjoy your family time.
regards,
alastair
It's been an absolute pleasure and an education to work with you, long may our friendship continue. I hope you and your family enjoy your happy and healthy retirement. Be Good
Terry Lindsey
Well done Mike hope you enjoy your retirement.
Thank you for all the help and guidance over the past few years I really appreciate it.
You should be proud of your achievements and I class you as a LEGEND in our industry.
Good luck to you and your family.
It's been an absolute pleasure and an education to work with you, long may our friendship continue. I hope you and your family enjoy your happy and healthy retirement. Be Good
Corky
Congratulations and well done Mike. We have had some fun times together over the years, I'm still trying to get out of the bad habits that you taught me!
Please don't waste all that talent on retirement make the move to Stamford Bridge as I know they are looking for " The Special One " good luck and keep in touch.
Nice going Mike,
Have a great time doing nothing. We had some tough working times together but we also had great success with major companies around the country.
Some of the social times were pretty good too!
Best wishes to you and all the family.
Steve Couling
Congratulations Mike,
Please pass on my very best wishes to Val and the family.
Peter Douglas
All the best Mike for a happy, healthy and peaceful retirement. My time working for you & with you over the years at Lavendon were some of the most enjoyable & rewarding times of my career. As a boss, mentor, colleague, font of all knowledge or friend you are probably the only person I know in this industry that is universally liked and respected by all. Peter
Well done Mike!
Unlike so many I never got the chance to work at the same company as Mike and I regret this. Whenever I have had the opportunity to have discussions and dealings with Mike it convinced me how little I really knew about this game. Our careers in this industry have run in parallel but never crossed. I have watched him take on some pretty tough and big challenges but I have never heard anything but good said about him.
Have a great retirement Mike but realistically we all know that before very long you’ll be on the look-out for a way to feed your commercial appetite.
We wish you happiness Mike.
OMG Mike you retired, pull the other one!
Sincerely trust you will have a long and very happy one and if you are wondering what to do with all that time you could take up fishing !!
Very best wishes Bill
Again!!? You are truly the James Brown of powered access Mike!! Best wishes, maybe a bit more time to watch some rugby! Loved working with you and really appreciated the kind words at dark times, your encouragement was well times. See you at the next re-incarnation!
Gary Brady
Very best wishes for a long and happy retirement Mike. A great boss to work for, a superb mentor, who was able to get individuals to play to their strengths and built great teams out of groups of apparently disparate individuals.