With less training than normal and being fatter and less fit than ever before, I decided to take part in my 4^th National Coal Carrying Championship in Gawthorpe, Ossett.

Well, after coming 18^th in the world last year, I couldn’t let such a title go without a challenge. So, with a little persuasion, I recruited Kelly Burgess, Horizon’s Hire Desk Coordinator in the women’s event. I was extremely pleased because I now had a reliable training partner for the few practices prior to the race.

For those who don’t know, the coal race is an annual event held in Gawthorpe since 1963. It consists of carrying a sack of coal (50Kg for men 20Kg for women) up a hill for over 1 km. The current male world record time is 4mins 6secs and the current female record time is just 4.25 secs. So Kelly and I knew we had some way to go.

With little training, Kelly was first to race, although she was used to carrying the sack, she struggled to position it right on the day and battled with the bag all the way to the finish. But what a finish, with great strength and speed she powered the last 200 meters passing at least 6 people finishing a respectable 8^th.

Then it was my turn. As the gun sounded, I ran the first 200 meters nice and steady thinking I might be fitter than I thought. From that point forward, it went downhill. My lungs started to explode, my legs were like Jelly and I was struggling to walk, never mind run up the hill. It was a sharp reminder of why you should train for the event. With fantastic support from the busy crowd, I finished the race in 7.56 (nearly 2 minutes worse than last year).

It was a great day, with many from Horizon Platforms coming to watch the unusual race. There was also talk of a few more of the Horizon team entering next year.

Matt Fray

Account Manager

My name is Emma Hyman and I can proudly announce that I am the Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator at Horizon Platforms, Ossett.

I made the decision to join Horizon after meeting with Director Ruairi, and being bowled over by his promising outlook of Horizon.  Horizon has grown 400% since it opened its doors in 2008 and now has a fleet with over 400 machines.  As well as having the best quality kit, Horizon pride themselves in providing a first class service to their customers old and new.   The whole package was extremely attractive to me, and it must be as attractive to everyone else too, as Horizon has a 0% staff turnover rate!  A statistic to be exceptionally proud of!

I must admit, the decision wasn’t an easy one!  This industry is totally new to me and I had grown comfortable working within the Motor Trade in a comprehensive Sales and Marketing role, but that wasn’t a reason to stay put.  Luckily on my first week with Horizon, I wasn’t in the dark for long as I spent a day with each department, getting to know my fellow colleagues and the jobs they do so well.  Dressing down in a high vis jacket, steel toed boots, hard hat and safety goggles wasn’t an ideal combination for the catwalk, but I hit the road with as much style as you can have in PPE! As not so glamorous as it sounds, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Thanks to Graham (Smiler) for taking me out on the road in his wagon which is showroom maintained, Damian (Damo) for taking me all the way to sunny Newcastle in his Land Rover, Andy for taking me to Bridlington (not just for some Rock) on a repair call and Mick for training me on the equipment and not pulling his hair out!

Eventually I got suited and booted to visit some of Matt Fray’s customers, and what a lovely bunch of people they truly are.  When asked why they chose Horizon as their preferred supplier, they all said it was simply because of the staff!

I can certainly see what a rewarding place to work Horizon is, and I can’t wait to get stuck in to my new role.

I’m the newest addition to Horizon’s sales team. After graduating from Northumbria University in the summer it was important for me to get on to the right career path. For me, Horizon Platforms ticked all the boxes.

A number of weeks ago I took the opportunity to sit down with directors Rory and Ben for an interview. What struck me almost immediately was how passionate these guys were about their business and their customers. “Horizon’s reputation means everything to us,” is a theme that runs deeply through this company’s culture. My first few weeks were spent in different parts of the business. From the drivers and the engineers, through to the guys in the hire office and out in the field, everyone is pulling in the same direction to consistently deliver the highest quality machinery, service and care to our customers.

The people I’m working with are a pleasure to be around and work at a level that at this point I can only aspire to. After three weeks of training and familiarisation I’m raring to go. I’m looking forward to developing my skills, with the help of those around me, and a long and prosperous career with Horizon.