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Ian explains: “LAS actually stands for Land and Sea which, when the company started almost 50 years ago, reflected the services we provided. In the 1970s in the north of Scotland, we were supplying equipment to the emerging oil industry offshore and to the local fabrication yards. Over the years of course, the business diversified, and we are now simply known as LAS Plant Ltd. It strikes me that our industry has changed dramatically and yet we still use old terminology and job descriptions that I would argue do not reflect the reality of the job and could be alienating a younger generation.”
Ian continues: “I honestly think that the language we use is wrong. If you were to ask your average person on the street, or especially a teenager, what ‘plant hire’ is, most people would not have a clue. It is an old-fashioned term. But if you use the term ‘equipment rental’ then that is much more obvious, and I think gives the impression of a fresher and different industry. This might seem like a small thing but thinking about how we describe the industry and the work we do, combined with a different approach to engaging with young people could trigger a much-needed boost to address the skills shortage.”
Attracting young people into the industry
Ian believes that the industry is still regarded as dirty and unskilled. Whereas we are witnessing the growth of technological innovations which means that the diagnostics on some of the machines, combined with live link features, are so sophisticated you can identify problems before they hit.
Ian adds: “When I think of the popularity of gaming and the software on the Xbox and PlayStation and then I look at the control panel on the state-of-the-art machinery we are hiring out, it strikes me that a lot of teenagers would love to get their hands on the levers! Equally, when I look back at my time at school, wondering why I was learning Pythagoras Theorem in maths and then I think about the calculations required to work out the reach of a telescopic boom lift for example, or doing elevation and plan drawings in Technical Drawing, all transferable skills for the workplace, I wish that there had been more of an emphasis on the practical applications of the curriculum we were learning. We need to bridge the gap between industry and schools.
“I think that the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) is making great strides here with its investment in the Tenstar simulator and I really hope that this triggers more collaboration between schools and industry.”
A great career
Ian is the perfect example of how you can build a rewarding career in the plant industry. He joined LAS Plant Ltd straight from school and started out washing and maintaining the equipment. Once he had a driving licence, he began doing deliveries and repairs out and about across the north of Scotland. Some holiday cover on the hire desk ultimately paved the way for Ian to become more involved in the day to day running of the hire side of the business. Being able to be flexible through different ownerships and directions the business took led to Ian taking over the business in 2020.
Speaking about his career, Ian says: “I would not hesitate in recommending this industry. If you are prepared to put the effort in, you can have a great career. I’ve been doing this for 38 years and I have a colleague who has been with me for 27 years, which speaks volumes about the industry.
“I think the diversity of the job is what makes it so enjoyable. It is a multidisciplinary job – you have to be excellent at customer service, have in depth technical and product knowledge as well as being competent in all aspects of health and safety. Sometimes you even need to double up as a social worker or agony aunt!”
Marking 50 years of LAS Plant Ltd
2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of LAS Plant Ltd. Ian consolidated the business following the Covid pandemic and it now specialises in non-operated plant hire, access platforms and small tool hire.
The company has recently invested in electric and hybrid machines as the industry strives to innovate and reduce its carbon footprint, this has included battery operated rough terrain scissor lifts and hybrid boom lifts. Ian believes that the industry still faces a challenge in terms of educating customers on the benefits of electric and hybrid machinery: “The benefit of hiring this new generation of hybrid and battery operated equipment is that it allows customers to use the latest innovations in the industry without incurring high capital costs to purchase it directly. We just need to make the case more clearly.”
With a diverse and loyal customer base working in renewables, construction, civil engineering, tourism and food and drink, industries to name but a few, Ian believes that the Highlands has a tremendous skill set that can tackle all projects in an area that can at times be challenging to work in.
Ian explains: “We are spoilt up here. The scale of the geographic area that we service is vast but it’s a pleasure to work in such a beautiful part of the world, providing the services that we do to local or multinational contractors and private individuals alike. It provides a client portfolio and job satisfaction that you would struggle to beat in our industry.
“Being a local, independent business also brings so many more advantages. We can be more agile than many of our competitors with quicker decision making that is more reactive and excellent customer service steeped in Highland culture and values.”