We’re delighted to welcome David Parrish to Alliance Tool Hire as Depot Manager for Gatwick. With years of depot-side experience and a real enthusiasm for developing the lifting side of the business, David has already settled in quickly. We caught up with him to learn more about his background, what excites him about Gatwick, and a few quick-fire favourites along the way.
What brought you to Alliance and what excites you most about leading the Gatwick depot?
I joined Alliance after being made redundant. I spoke to Mark about the role, the future expansion plans, and the vision for where Alliance wants to go - and that really grabbed me. I’m also really intrigued by the lifting side of the business - there’s a lot of potential to grow it further and I’d love to help build that out and I find it fascinating.
Tell us a bit about your background in the hire industry – how did it all start?
I first started in hire as a driver at Speedy Hire. After about a year, one of the regional managers took me off the road and into Transport Coordination, then Assistant Manager, then Area Relief Manager. Eventually I ended up running depots - including one of their big superstores. After nine years, I moved to Boels rental as a Manager - and now I’m here at Alliance leading the Gatwick depot.
What does a typical day look like as Depot Manager?
I’m usually in at 6.30am - even though we don’t open until 7.30am. I check over the depot, allocate routes and drivers, make sure kit is ready in dispatch, go through emails, and start organising deliveries and collections. There’s always something happening from the moment you walk in.
What are your priorities for Gatwick this year?
Stability. Building strong customer relationships. Growing revenue and bringing in new customers. And ultimately, creating a depot that customers genuinely choose because they enjoy working with us. It’s about maximising output and building a really strong base.
What makes Alliance different from other hire companies you’ve worked with?
Alliance is smaller and has a family-run feel. People are friendly and they genuinely want to help each other - and that stood out to me straight away. It doesn’t feel corporate or overly pressured. It feels personal.
Favourite bit of kit in the depot?
The lifting equipment. There’s always something new to learn within that side of the business, and I find it genuinely interesting to get deeper into.
Favourite way to switch off after a long week?
I’ve got eight grandchildren, so spending time with them is a big one. I’m also a big Crystal Palace fan - I love going to the football and singing my heart out. I fish all around the country, read a lot, and build models.
Quick Fire
- Tea or coffee? Coffee - strong, but milky and sweet
- Ketchup or HP Sauce? HP
- Bacon roll or sausage bap? Bacon roll
- Best office biscuit? Chocolate Hobnobs
Get in touch with David and the rest of the Gatwick team: [email protected] | 01403 597 579
