AGM Statement

Speedy Hire PLC
19 July 2005

                                                                    19 July 2005



                                 Speedy Hire Plc

                            CHAIRMAN'S AGM STATEMENT


At the Annual General Meeting to be held at 2.30pm today Chairman David Wallis
will give the following update on the Company's progress since the start of the
current financial year.


'I am pleased to report that the new financial year has started well with first
quarter turnover increasing by 23.8%.  This reflects the impact of acquisitions
made in the previous year and the benefit of Easter falling in March.  Like for
like tool hire turnover has advanced 14%, with underlying growth of 10% after
excluding the impact of the early Easter.  This has resulted in a further
increase in Speedy Hire's market share, despite the fact that there is some
evidence the smaller tradesman is experiencing a reduced level of activity in
the wake of the slowdown in consumer expenditure.  Profitability is in line with
our expectations and our major customers continue to report strong order books
well into the future.


On 22 April 2005 we announced the acquisition of The Cabin Company Limited, a
supplier of temporary accommodation, from Birse Group plc.  This has helped
raise the Group's profile in the civil engineering sector and secured a five
year agreement with Birse for the supply of temporary accommodation.  On 1 July
2005 Speedy Hire announced the acquisition of the business and certain assets of
MJ Gleeson Group's internal hire operation.  As part of the acquisition MJ
Gleeson also entered into a five year exclusive supply agreement with Speedy to
provide hire services to all MJG Group companies.


In addition we have opened 5 greenfield depots this year.


I would like to pay tribute to John Brown, the founder of Speedy Hire who is
retiring from the Board today.  Over the last 28 years, John's vision and drive
created a powerful and dynamic business which has generated significant value
for its shareholders.  Importantly, he has attracted, nurtured and developed a
first class team to enable the business to continue to build upon this success.
We have retained access to John's wealth of knowledge and experience by securing
his services as a consultant for the next three years. I am certain shareholders
and all Speedy Hire's people will join with the Board in wishing John a long and
happy retirement.


Steve Corcoran, who took over as Chief Executive at the start of the financial
year is building on John's heritage with a broader hire offer.  This is proving
very successful in driving the ongoing growth of Speedy Hire.  We have had a
good start to the year and look forward to making further progress in the year
ahead.'




For further information:


Speedy Hire Plc                                         gcg hudson sandler
Steve Corcoran, Chief Executive                         James Benjamin
Neil O'Brien, Finance Director                          Tel:  [phone]
Tel:  [phone]



Website:  www.speedyhire.plc.uk



Notes to Editors:


Speedy Hire is a leading provider of tool and equipment hire services to UK
contractors and builders, industry, utilities and the public sector, operating
from over 300 depots throughout the country.




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