Ardent Hire Solutions

Historically, the business offered a wide range of construction equipment for its customer base. But returns had been diminishing for the earthmoving sector over a long period of time due to increasing purchase prices, shorter hire durations and deteriorating weekly hire rates. Following excellent trading through the pandemic, Ardent undertook a strategic review of its business to focus the business on assets where returns were higher and operational intensity was lower, primarily within the materials handling sector. 

In addition to the range change, Ardent continued to develop and evolve innovative customer focused digitisation. Through the combination of the range change and the demonstrable differentiation through its digital and customer service offering, Ardent had re-engineered its entire business to create what the business termed ‘Ardent 2.0’.

Asset-Based Lending (ABL) has been a key strategic driver for the business transformation. With a continually growing need for ABL to provide the headroom for growth, Ardent took an opportunity to look at the market.  All the providers Ardent talked to showed great interest in the business. 

The team at PNC shone through because of its ability to engage early and really understand the business. The new PNC facility delivered an uplift on the business’ previous facility, essential for Ardent 2.0’s growth strategy. 

With the business recently placing its biggest ever order with JCB, ABL is a key component in ensuring that Ardent can drive its ambitions with a firm grasp of its passion to offer the highest quality hire range. Ardent continues to drive innovation hard, exemplified perfectly by its smart fuel tanks. With smart telematics these tanks ensure only the right people are taking fuel on site, delivering up to 50% fuel savings for customers.