From Doubt to Data: How Battery Storage Transformed UK Hire
Wed Jul 02 2025
Summary
In this episode of Leading the Charge, hosts Kevin and Tim are joined by Neil Hordle, Business Development Manager at POWR2. With 25 years of experience at leading UK hire companies like GAP Group, Speedy Hire, and Sunbelt, Neil understands first-hand the commercial pressures, customer expectations, and operational demands of delivering temporary power solutions. For years, diesel generators were the standard. However, Neil soon recognized the potential of battery energy storage systems (BESS). He shares stories from the ground: the skeptical customers who became champions, the ROI proof that closed deals, and the unexpected ease of integrating BESS into traditional hire fleets. Neil offers practical insight and a compelling case for why now is the time to embrace the shift to BESS.
This episode is packed with insights for Sustainability and Account Managers looking to reduce emissions, cut costs, and stay competitive. Tune in to hear how one hire industry insider became a clean tech advocate and why the smartest move for your fleet might just be a battery.
Takeaways
Prove the tech works – Neil shares how offering risk-free BESS trials built trust and helped customers see real-world results before committing.
Significant cost & carbon cuts – One UK client now saves six figures monthly by replacing around-the-clock diesel generators with a hybrid battery solution.
Overcoming internal resistance - Shifting from selling unlimited generator hours to battery storage meant challenging existing revenue streams, but ultimately served customer needs better.Get all the details and more at https://www.LeadingTheCharge.io
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GUESTS
Neil Hordle
UK Business Development Manager, POWR2
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-hordle-83616140/
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Company: https://www.POWR2.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powr2
Tim Doling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdoling
Kevin Sturmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-sturmer
DISCLAIMER
Any statements or views expressed by hosts or guests onLeading the Charge are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect theopinions or positions of POWR2, their partners, or affiliates.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Energy Storage Innovations
01:54 Transitioning from Diesel to Battery Energy Storage
03:54 Customer Reactions and Adoption Challenges
05:30 Proving Value: The Turning Point for Customers
07:33 Training and Knowledge in Energy Storage
09:16 Engaging with the Audience: A Fun Quiz on EnergyStorage
More
Summary In this episode of Leading the Charge, hosts Kevin and Tim are joined by Neil Hordle, Business Development Manager at POWR2. With 25 years of experience at leading UK hire companies like GAP Group, Speedy Hire, and Sunbelt, Neil understands first-hand the commercial pressures, customer expectations, and operational demands of delivering temporary power solutions. For years, diesel generators were the standard. However, Neil soon recognized the potential of battery energy storage systems (BESS). He shares stories from the ground: the skeptical customers who became champions, the ROI proof that closed deals, and the unexpected ease of integrating BESS into traditional hire fleets. Neil offers practical insight and a compelling case for why now is the time to embrace the shift to BESS. This episode is packed with insights for Sustainability and Account Managers looking to reduce emissions, cut costs, and stay competitive. Tune in to hear how one hire industry insider became a clean tech advocate and why the smartest move for your fleet might just be a battery. Takeaways Prove the tech works – Neil shares how offering risk-free BESS trials built trust and helped customers see real-world results before committing. Significant cost & carbon cuts – One UK client now saves six figures monthly by replacing around-the-clock diesel generators with a hybrid battery solution. Overcoming internal resistance - Shifting from selling unlimited generator hours to battery storage meant challenging existing revenue streams, but ultimately served customer needs better.Get all the details and more at https://www.LeadingTheCharge.io ====================== GUESTS Neil Hordle UK Business Development Manager, POWR2 https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-hordle-83616140/ ====================== Company: https://www.POWR2.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powr2 Tim Doling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdoling Kevin Sturmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-sturmer DISCLAIMER Any statements or views expressed by hosts or guests onLeading the Charge are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect theopinions or positions of POWR2, their partners, or affiliates. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Energy Storage Innovations 01:54 Transitioning from Diesel to Battery Energy Storage 03:54 Customer Reactions and Adoption Challenges 05:30 Proving Value: The Turning Point for Customers 07:33 Training and Knowledge in Energy Storage 09:16 Engaging with the Audience: A Fun Quiz on EnergyStorage