INSIGHTS: Q&A with Kelly Ann McPhilbin, Founder of NXGEN Lifting

Gain insights on business growth in our series of bite size chats with Business Leaders, brought to you by The FD Consultant.

In this edition of Insights Q&A, we welcome Kelly Ann McPhilbin, Founder of NXGEN Lifting.

Kelly Ann set up her award winning plant hire business after spending a number of years in the construction industry.

Kelly Ann discusses the various challenges she has had to navigate to build a successful nationwide business, and the keys to her success to date.

We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Insights.

Hi Kelly Ann, welcome to Insights! Please tell us about you and your business.

I originally started out in health care and motor industry, before moving into the construction industry around 10 years ago, working within a plant hire sales role at various companies.

Over time I worked hard to build a loyal customer base, some of which I now consider more friends.

It was thanks to them I had the confidence and courage to set up NXGEN lifting, specialising in spider crane hire, offering lifting services to customers nationwide.

Spider cranes are mini cranes which are compact and versatile lifting machines. They are designed to access tight, hard to reach areas.

What are the key factors which have driven your growth to date?

A fundamental part of my growth has been the reputation I have built within the plant hire industry.

When you genuinely care and go above and beyond for your customers regardless of what industry you're in, it will always pay off.

When you genuinely care and go above and beyond for your customers regardless of what industry you're in, it will always pay off.

What makes you so passionate about what you do?

I love problem solving, thinking outside of the box and coming up with solutions.

Working with spider cranes our jobs are often more complex, tight and restricted in some way.

I love problem solving, thinking outside of the box and coming up with solutions.

Every day for me is different, every project unique, which often brings new challenges.

What do you view as your greatest achievement in this role to date?

Winning at the Best Business Woman Awards last year, in the Best New Business Category.

I originally hoped I'd make it to final just to experience the awards night and mix with other like minded business women, so when they announced that I won, I was in total shock and lost for words ... it still seems so surreal!

What are the biggest challenges your business faces?

Construction is a highly volatile industry in itself but I'd say a number of things:

• Customers expecting long payment terms

• Balancing reinvestment in new kit whilst keeping a healthy buffer

• Finding and retaining skilled labour

• Limited long-term contracts meaning your reliance is based on short-term bookings, which makes forward planning quite difficult.

What one piece of advice would you give to those who want to achieve or sustain high growth in their businesses?

I think the key factor is getting your staffing right (or as best as you can).

By this I mean getting the right people on the bus, but more importantly, you want them in the right seat on the bus!

getting the right people on the bus, but more importantly, you want them in the right seat on the bus!

I've restructured and moved people into different roles along the way, and when this makes them blossom even more so, it is so rewarding and satisfying to see.

We hope you enjoyed Kelly Ann’s insights.

You can find out more about Kelly Ann McPhilbinn and NXGEN Lifting here.