Why Being in Business for 25 Years Matters — Plato Catering Hire Joins the Prestigious “4.5% Club”
Longevity in business is becoming increasingly rare, which is why we at Plato Catering Hire are proud to announce a remarkable milestone: 25 years of business. This achievement places the company in the prestigious “4.5% Club,” recognising the small percentage of UK businesses that successfully navigate the challenges of the modern marketplace for a quarter of a century. It is a testament to Plato’s resilience, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to client success.
But what does it take to reach such a milestone? And why does it matter?
Humble beginnings and bold challenges
Our story got started with a playful challenge: a £2 bet on New Year’s Day 1999, with the goal being to see who could turn a £2 coin into the most profit by Millennium Day. That small wager led to the acquisition of a modest tool hire business in Stratford-upon-Avon in October 1999. Back then, we were focused on tool hire, operating with just 100 plates, no washing facilities, and zero technology.
Recognising an opportunity to make a greater impact, we rebranded and shifted our focus. Thus, Plato Catering Hire was born, a company dedicated to providing exceptional catering equipment hire services in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, and the West Midlands.
Today, we are proud to stand as a multi-award-winning, SafeHire© certified industry leader in catering equipment hire, offering impeccable service and high-quality equipment that ensures every client event is a success.
The path to longevity
For businesses, the statistics are definitely daunting, after all, 80% of businesses fail within their first five years, and only 4.5% make it to 25 years. So, what has been our secret to defying these odds? At Plato, we attribute our success to perseverance, adaptability, and an unrelenting focus on continuous improvement.
Our team’s dedication to excellence has been massively instrumental in building a reputation for reliability and trust.
What longevity means for Plato Catering Hire
For us, reaching the 25-year milestone is about so much more than simple survival, it is a reflection of the trust and loyalty we have earned from our clients. Our longevity clearly demonstrates our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry while maintaining the highest standards of service.
Every aspect of our business, from supply chain logistics to client engagement, is guided by meticulously documented standard operating procedures. These processes ensure that we consistently deliver the quality and reliability our clients expect, whether they are hosting a small family gathering or a large-scale corporate event.
Building success through client relationships
Our success is built on creating strong relationships with our clients and investing in their success. When our clients succeed, we succeed. One example of this commitment is our proactive approach to understanding and anticipating client needs. By staying connected to industry trends and maintaining open communication, we ensure that our offerings remain relevant and valuable.
Adapting to challenges and embracing opportunities
Over the past 25 years, the events industry has undergone significant changes, from increased competition to tighter margins, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, we have embraced these challenges as opportunities to improve and innovate.
Our SafeHire certification is a prime example of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and reliability. As a member of the SafeHire Certification Scheme, it means we have a proven competence in safety, health, environment, and quality. This ensures our customers receive only the highest possible quality of service and catering equipment hire.
A message from our co-founder
Reflecting on our journey, Co-Founder and Managing Director Stuart Slaughter said:
“Our growth over 25 years is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and ambition. From our humble beginnings to our position as an industry leader, we have always stayed true to our values and commitment to excellence.”
Looking ahead
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we remain focused on the future. Our journey is far from over, and we are excited to continue setting the standard for catering equipment hire in the years to come. Here’s to the next 25 years!
Need catering equipment hire you can trust? Contact our team today.
