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.

Pep Ventrella

Technical Director

Pep has worked in the access industry for over 25 years. He is responsible for overseeing all engineering activities, maintaining technical standards and ensuring legislative compliance, whilst working with the team and equipment manufacturers to continuously improve engineering standards within the business.

Andy Pearson

Regional Director - South West

Andy brings a wealth of experience previously holding the role of Managing Director/ owner at Prolift Access and prior to this he was Managing Director at AMP Access. Andy is responsible for leading the team at Bridgwater and the external training team to provide exceptional service to customers.

Timeline