TVH is a worldwide supplier with customers in over 170 countries. As a one-stop shop TVH offers a fast service in material handling, industrial and agricultural equipment.

S-Smallbone-mug-shotTVH has 2 important activities: Parts & Accessories and Rental & Equipment. This last activity has 3 divisions: Equipment Division (sales of new and second-hand forklifts and aerial work platforms), Rental Division (short- and long-term rental of forklifts and aerial work platforms) and Service & Repair Division.

The Rental Division is active in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Serbia. The Service & Repair Division is a service we only offer in Belgium. The Parts & Accessories and the Equipment Division are active worldwide.

WLN – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

Managing and being part of a fantastic team where all colleagues are constantly exceeding targets and expectations.

WLN – Who’s inspired you most in your career?

No one person, I have been blessed with many wonderful colleagues and inspirational bosses over the years. All, in their own way, have helped and guided me.

WLN – If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?

An engineer’s toolbox – without the engineer and his toolbox a warehouse would rapidly come to a standstill.

WLN – If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing really, you learn from all experiences, good and bad. Starting as an apprentice taught me everything I needed to know about my employer and their market place.

WLN – What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

Oh, there are too many to mention but, very early in my sales career, determined not to miss a call because of heavy snow. I spent ages digging my car out of the snow, drove very carefully to the appointment, walked in to the customer’s office only to look down and see I still had my wellies on. Wellies and a three piece suit, not the best combination!!

WLN – Who or what makes you laugh?

Looking in the mirror in the morning, oh and the late, great Robin Williams.

WLN – Do you have any hidden talents?

Apart from being able to move my ears and my eyebrows in opposite directions, as a 13 year old I could run 100m in under 12 seconds. Now I would struggle with 10m in 12 seconds!!

WLN – Who would be your favourite party guest?

Apart from my wife, Claudia Winkleman – completely off the wall but very funny

WLN – What is the greatest luxury in your life?

Having time to read the Saturday and Sunday papers, in bed with a large mug of tea.

WLN – What is your favourite guilty pleasure?

Listening to Armin Van Buuren or the latest Ministry of Sound compilation, turned up very loud and from Sep to Dec watching Strictly Come Dancing!!

WLN – Do you have any secret ambitions?

To learn to play the guitar like Dave Gilmour.

WLN – What’s your dream holiday destination?

Burgau in south west Portugal, it is easy to get to, very quiet and completely relaxing. I have been to many far more exotic places but each year, I have to have some relaxing time in Burgau.

WLN – What are your three favourite movies of all time?

Dead Poets Society, Blazing Saddles and I’m All Right Jack. The last, a throw back to my early days in the material handling industry.

WLN – What is your favourite book of all time?

Snow Falling On Cedars by David Guterson.

WLN – What’s your favourite pastime?

Armchair support for the mighty Spurs and following the England Cricket team. It is a shame that they both seem to spend too much time losing of late!!

WLN – If you won the Lottery, what would you do?

Make a lot of friends and family very happy, buy my grandson shares in Tottenham Hotspur football club and probably retire to Burgau.

WLN – What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?

Go on, do it and don’t turn your nose up at the oily bits. Oily bits are where the opportunities lie. Listen and learn from your peers and elders. They can all help to develop you with their own knowledge and experience.

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