Flannery Newsletter: May 2026

1 June 2026

Welcome to May’s edition of the Flannery Plant Hire LinkedIn Newsletter.

May has been a month centred on people, places and purpose. From strengthening our regional network with our Suffolk depot in Needham Market, to supporting important conversations around mental health, celebrating charity fundraising, and championing the future of skills in plant operations, this month has reflected the many ways Flannery continues to invest in communities, careers and the industry.

Hello Needham Market: Introducing Our Suffolk Depot

This month, we were proud to introduce our Suffolk depot in Needham Market, a strategic hub within the Flannery network, perfectly positioned to support projects right across Suffolk and Norfolk.

But this is more than just a depot. It is a legacy in the making.

Through our Operator Skills Hub, we are investing in local people, equipping them with the skills, confidence and opportunities to build long-term careers in plant operations while strengthening the communities they call home.

The Suffolk depot in Needham Market reflects Flannery’s continued commitment to regional growth, local employment and creating new pathways into the construction and plant-hire industry. By combining operational support with skills development, the depot is helping to connect people with real opportunities in an industry full of potential.

For anyone thinking about a future in plant operations, the Operator Skills Hub offers a chance to take that first step. Applications are open to those aged 19 or over, resident in Norfolk or Suffolk, and who have lived in the UK for three or more years.

Gary Lawrence, Operations Director, commented:

To see the Needham Market depot grow from an empty site into a fully operational depot is something we are incredibly proud of. We are now well placed to support customers across Suffolk, Norfolk and the wider region with the machines and services they need. The depot also reflects Flannery’s commitment to local employment, skills development, and social value. With nine members of staff currently based there, 88.9% recruited from the local area, it is already creating opportunities for local people and supporting the regional economy.

Mental Health Awareness Week: Connor’s Story

As part of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, Flannery was proud to share the powerful story of one of our own, Connor.

In the spirit of this year’s theme of action, Connor showed incredible strength in reaching out for support. By opening up, he did not just help himself, he helped create space for others to do the same, reminding us all that no one has to face things alone.

Flannery have been good to me. They’ve given me a second opportunity in life.

At Flannery, we believe in showing up for one another. That means creating opportunities, offering support and building a community where people feel seen, heard and valued.

Connor’s story is an important reminder that conversations around mental health matter, not just during awareness weeks, but every day. Whether on site, in the depot, in the workshop or in the office, looking out for one another is part of building a stronger, safer and more supportive workplace.

Thank you, Connor, for your courage, for speaking out when it mattered most, and for showing us that together, we are always stronger than alone.

If you ever need help, please do not hesitate to reach out for support.

Charity Round-Up: Supporting The Pace Centre and Chasing Rainbows

This month, Flannery team was proud to support two important charity initiatives, both focused on making a real difference to people and families.

Flannery was delighted to continue its sponsorship of The Pace Centre’s Big Walk for another year, supporting an incredible cause that helps children with neurodisabilities and their families. Members of the Flannery Plant Hire team took on 6, 12 and 18-mile walks, spending time outdoors, staying active and connecting with colleagues in support of both charity and positive wellbeing.

Along the route, our walkers enjoyed countryside views and even spotted Flannery machines hard at work at the 14-mile mark. A huge well done to everyone who took part, supported one another and helped raise funds for such an important charity.

We are also proud to stand behind Chelsey Whitney in her fundraising efforts for Chasing Rainbows, a charity supporting women, couples and families affected by baby loss, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, infertility and bereavement.

Following National Infertility Awareness Week, Chelsey shared an honest and powerful message about experiences that are often carried silently, including by many people across our industry. Chelsey has set herself the challenge of raising £10,000 by October, helping to raise both vital funds and awareness for those going through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Chelsey’s challenge is helping to make these conversations a little less quiet, and we’re pleased to help share her message. Every donation, no matter the size, helps Chasing Rainbows continue its vital work supporting families when they need it most. If you haven’t done so already, please consider donating here to support Chelsey’s fundraising for Chasing Rainbows: https://lnkd.in/eRfxPhfM

You can also read more about the charity here: https://lnkd.in/eF9XPhRP

Building Skills for the Workforce at the CPA Conference

May also saw Flannery take part in the CPA - Construction Plant-hire Association Conference 2026, where skills, opportunity and the future workforce took centre stage.

Session 2 of the conference focused on “Building Skills for the Workforce” and delivered an inspiring discussion on the importance of developing talent across the plant-hire and construction sectors.

Flannery’s very own Molly Gill spoke passionately about her journey into the plant-hire sector, from working as a Nursery Assistant to being crowned Young Plant Operator of the Year at the CPA Stars of the Future Awards.

Molly’s story is a powerful example of what is possible through the Operator Skills Hub, proving that there is more than one way into construction and that plant operations can offer rewarding, skilled and exciting career pathways.

Alongside Molly, Aaron Davis continued to challenge the skills gap narrative, driving a renewed focus on the skills opportunity and the importance of helping people start out, step up and progress within the industry.

A special thank you goes to the CPA - Construction Plant-hire Association for another excellent conference. We are already looking forward to the next.

Thanks for Catching Up on May at Flannery
From regional growth and skills development to mental health awareness, charity support and industry collaboration, May has been a month that reflects what Flannery is all about: investing in people, supporting communities and helping shape the future of plant hire.

There is plenty more to come.

Innovation. Everywhere.
© 2026 Flannery Plant Hire. Photography and imagery. All rights reserved.