Our History

Star Platforms is very proud of what we have achieved since launching the business in October 2014, with our aim to offer a quality powered access service for hire, sales and training to all customers. Our leadership team has decades of combined experience in the industry, and as we’ve grown, our wider team have developed with us. Now with 7 depots and over 140 employees, we continue to provide our services across the UK and are ready to support you with your access platform requirements.

The Board

Richard Miller

Joint Managing Director

Richard has worked in the hire industry for over 30 years, including positions ranging from Depot Manager to Sales and Marketing Director. Richard was part of the team who launched Panther Platforms in the UK in 1998 which grew to be a successful powered access rental company with six depots and an eight-figure turnover. Richard’s extensive knowledge of the powered access industry has also led him into consultative positions and enabled him to build fantastic working relationships with customers.

Steve Simmons

Joint Managing Director

Steve has worked in the powered access rental industry for most of his career and brings over 25 years’ experience to Star Platforms. Holding previous positions from Hire Controller to Operations Director, Steve understands how important customer service is and ensures it’s a constant focus at Star Platforms. Steve works with our Operations Director and Service Manager to ensure every machine delivered to a customer is delivered on time and is exactly what they need.

Bryan Freeman

Sales Director

Bryan brings over 30 years’ experience in the industry to Star Platforms in all aspects of running a business, creating a balance of making the correct commercial judgement whilst always delighting the customer. Bryan looks after our team of Business Development Managers and Sales Desk Advisors ensuring customer experience is always our primary focus.

Ian Mitchell

Operations Director

Ian has worked in the hire industry for 20 years during which time he has undertaken several roles. He started out as a Hire Desk Controller before embarking in roles including, Depot Manager, Customer Service Centre Manager, Regional Transport Manager and now Operations Director with Star Platforms. Ian has overseen several internal projects which have resulted in the successful awarding of our Company accreditations demonstrating our ongoing quality and environmental commitment to our customers.

John Aubin

Technical Director

John has worked in the access industry for over 25 years.  He is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the exceptional, industry-leading engineering standards across the UK business, ensuring the highest quality of equipment and safety standards for our customers.

John also works with the team and equipment manufacturers to continuously improve engineering standards within the business.

Michael Hooton

Finance Director

As Finance Director, Michael oversees the entire finance department and manages the group’s financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. He works closely with the executive team to ensure Star’s financial goals align with its business objectives and will help guide the company’s financial decision-making

Sonia Taylor

Customer Services Director

Sonia has over 30 years of knowledge and experience in the access industry and has held various senior operational roles, including Commercial Director and specialising in HR. Sonia plays a key strategic and operational leadership role, responsible for the development, continuous improvement, and delivery of exceptional customer service at Star. Sonia heads our new ‘fit for the future’ Customer Service Centre (based at our new Head Office), overseeing and collaborating with the Operations, Hire, and Service Desk Managers.

Timeline