SPEEDY Hire recently welcomed Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, to its innovation centre in Milton Keynes to experience the technologies being developed at the site, including the world’s first hydrogen-powered boom lift, the HR15H2E, developed with powered access specialist Niftylift.
The facility spans 100,000 square feet and is described as the industry’s first carbon-negative innovation hub.
Mr Curtis had the chance to experience powered access training through Speedy Hire’s virtual reality simulator, which enables workers in the construction and related industries who have a full IPAF licence to complete their IPAF refresher training.
The MP and Speedy Hire ESG director Amelia Woodley discussed the role the innovation centre plays in the local economy and explored opportunities for greater collaboration between Speedy Hire and local authorities on initiatives like apprenticeships and skills development. It also provided a chance to discuss wider challenges in the built economy such as carbon reporting and building reform.
Amelia Woodley, ESG director at Speedy Hire, said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Curtis to our Milton Keynes Innovation Centre and to demonstrate the important work that we are doing here both for national infrastructure and in local communities. It was also a great opportunity to demonstrate our Decade to Deliver strategy in action, an ambitious programme to become carbon neutral by 2040, 10 years ahead of the UK Government’s target.”
Chris Curtis MP said, “It was fantastic to visit Speedy Hire’s innovation centre and see how they are making incredible strides forward in creating new green technology and helping the Milton Keynes community. The government is committed to supporting the development of green technology and it was invaluable to get their opinion on how we can offer more support. I am very proud to have such a groundbreaking site in Milton Keynes and I look forward to following the developments here over the next few years closely.”
