Looking back at 2024: A conversation with Moorgate’s new Director
As another successful year draws to a close here at Moorgate Forklifts, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the year and look ahead to what 2025 might bring. We chatted with our new Director, Courtney, to find out more about the company’s growth, challenges and the exciting developments that have shaped 2024.
A conversation with Courtney
What have been some of Moorgate’s biggest successes in 2024?
We’ve increased our hire fleet massively this year, and our stock levels have gone up hugely too. This means we can react instantly when customers need casual hire, which is fantastic. The driver training side of the business has absolutely blown up as well – we’re already almost two months booked up for 2025! In fact, 2025 is going to be THE year of change for Moorgate!
Tell us about stepping into the role of Director – what has that meant to you?
Stepping into this role has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my career so far. I’ve always been interested in business and knew I wanted to run a company one day, and this role is enabling me to do exactly that. I think it’s important to remember that it can be more difficult for working mums to climb the business ladder as the opportunities aren’t as readily available. So of course, I never overlook the fact that I am exceedingly privileged as Moorgate is a family business, but let me tell you – we still work very hard to achieve the next steps!
Any standout customer stories from this year?
I think it’s our work with Sugar Rush Sweeties and their purple truck, and the fact we’re working with Get Baked. They’re two very well-known companies in our area and it’s been brilliant working with them.
What have customers been looking for most this year?
We’ve seen a massive shift this year with people moving over from LPG to electric forklifts. The continuing gas issue in the country has been the biggest reason for this. Service-wise, long-term hire has grown again for us this year. Like cars, I think this is down to keeping positive cash flow and spreading the cost rather than paying outright for equipment.
What challenges has the team faced this year?
It’s well known that finding engineers in this industry can be very difficult. After many years of university being encouraged and apprenticeships discouraged, it’s left a massive shortfall in skilled engineers. But luckily, we’ve managed to find a really great guy this year to grow our Moorgate family.
Have you noticed any changes in what customers are buying?
We’ve found there’s been a shift from buying new equipment to buying used instead. As we can accommodate both, we’ve just essentially changed the ratio of stock we keep. It’s about being flexible and making sure we can give customers what they need.
Is there anything exciting coming up in 2025?
Quite possibly but it’s a ‘wait and see’ at the moment!
How has the team helped make 2024 such a good year?
We’re very lucky to have such a solid team here. Each and every one of our team members contributes to the success and continuous running of Moorgate every year. We would be nothing without our team. At this time of year, we always put extra emphasis on our engineers – they’re the ones scrambling around in the cold and battling the sometimes treacherous driving conditions. Having said that, we have some fantastic customers who make sure the tea and biscuits are flowing for our guys when they’re on site!
Looking ahead
As we head into 2025, we’re excited about what’s next for Moorgate and our customers. Our hire fleet is bigger than ever, our training diary is filling up fast and we’re here to help anyone looking to make the switch to electric. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or you’re just getting to know us, our team is ready to help with your forklift needs. From all the Moorgate family, thank you for your continued support throughout 2024 – we couldn’t do what we do without you, and we’re looking forward to working together in the year ahead!
Need to chat about your forklift requirements? Our friendly team is always happy to help. Please get in touch to get started.
